In the times of religious bigotry, Haji Malang Dargah in Maharashtra's Kalyan region is one of the few places where people of diverse religious beliefs come together with only one thing in common – faith in Malang Baba's miracles and bow in reverence. Here is the mythological story behind Haji Malang Baba's journey from the middle east to India -
Baba Abdur Rehman Malang was a Sufi saint from the Middle East who came to India in the 12th century AD. Malang Baba and his followers arrived in Bramhanwadi village, which was ruled by King Naladev of the Maurya dynasty at that time. The havoc wreaked by the demons in King Naladev's state traumatized the tenants and the city. God sent Malang Baba to this location to rescue the distressed people and ensure the wellbeing of society by eradicating the evil and destruction wrought by them.
They were parched when they arrived in the village and requested water from a nearby house belonging to a Brahmin Ketkar family. Realizing that they were tired and thirsty, the Brahmin offered them not only water but milk and set up a resting place for them. Malang Baba praised the Brahmin's noble deed and bestowed blessings on him. Baba then embarked on his spiritual journey to eradicate evil and ensure humanity's well-being. His holy body was buried at the Malanggad fort where the Haji Malang shrine was built.
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| Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba Dargah |
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| Haji Malang Dargah at the foothill of Shree Malanggad fort |
Companions of Haji Malang Baba
Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba
Baqtawar Shah Baba was a follower of Haji Malang Baba. He traveled from the middle east to India to take Baba back along with him. However, Baba refused to return saying he wanted to stay back and spend the rest of his for people's welfare. Upon hearing Baba's decision Baqtawar Shah Baba decided to stay at Malanggad and devote his life to Baba's service. Humbled by his devotion, Malang Baba exclaimed that whoever needs to seek blessings must visit and pay respect to Baqtawar Shah Baba first. Since then it has become a tradition to visit Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah before visiting the Haji Malang Dargah, which is why the shrine is popularly known as ‘Pehli Salami’.
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| Pehli Salami - Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah |
Mir Sultan Shah Baba
Mir Sultan Shah Baba was a follower of Haji Malang Baba and a companion of Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba. They both wanted to return to the middle east with Malang Baba. But when Malang Baba declined it, they both stayed with him and spent their entire life diligently at Bramhanwadi village, now known as Malang wadi or Malanggad, at Baba's service.
On the way to Haji Malang Dargah, one must visit Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah (Pehli Salami), followed by Mir Sultan Shah Dargah, popularly known as 'Doosri Salami'. This is one of the most important traditions followed at Haji Malang Gad.
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| Doosri Salami - Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah |
Ma Fatima
Ma Fatima was another disciple of Haji Malang Baba. Pilgrims pay respect to Ma Fatima at the beautiful dome-like structure present at the Haji Malang Dargah.
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| Tombs of Hazrat Haji Malang Baba and his disciple Ma Fatima |
Paanch Pir
Hajimalang Baba was also accompanied by five Sufi spiritual guides, titled 'Pirs' in Urdu. The sacred tomb of these Pirs can be seen on the plateau at the opposite end of the Malanggad fort. This plateau is named Pir Machi (Machi means a tableland) after the Pirs. It takes a few minutes to reach Pir Machi from the Haji Malang Dargah.
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| Sacred tombs of Panch Pir |
Shree Malanggad (also known as Haji Malang Gad) derives its name from the Sufi saint Malang Baba, as he stayed at this place. Urs is a festival that commemorates his death anniversary in the month of February. A huge procession (known as ‘Palkhi’) is carried by the devotees which starts from Haji Malang Dargah and then covers the entire mountain of Malanggad. Read our blog “URS – A Festival Celebrated at Haji Malang Dargah in Kalyan” to know more.
The holy shrine of Malang Baba is the epitome of communal harmony. It is the main attraction of the Malanggad fort which attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. Read our blog “9 Unknown Facts about Haji Malang Dargah in Kalyan, Maharashtra” before visiting the holy shrine. After seeking blessings at the dargah, trek enthusiasts can explore the Malanggad fort by visiting Sone Machi and Balekilla.
