8 Must know Safety Measures for Malang Gad Trek

Haji Malang Gad, a popular trek destination in Maharashtra is suitable for both novice and seasoned trekkers looking for an exciting adventure. Situated at 3200 feet above sea level near Kalyan, Malanggad fort is named after Haji Malang Baba, a Sufi saint who is said to have spent his life on this hill. Haji Malang Dargah, his holy shrine, is a pilgrimage for people of various beliefs and faiths who visit the dargah every year. But the real challenge is climbing till Sone Machi and Balekilla which has rock-cut steps, boulders, and a steep climb. However, these trek points offer a breathtaking view of hills and valleys which makes the entire journey worth it. 

Haji Malang Gad Trek in Kalyan

If you are planning a trek to Haji Malang Gad, these expert safety tips are intended to guide you in planning smartly. 

1. Physical Preparation

Malanggad trek can be rated as medium-difficult as you are required to climb steep rock structures ahead of Sone Machi to proceed towards Balekilla. It would test your physical ability. So, if you are an amateur trekker, it is advisable to build your stamina and endurance. Training your body with exercises like jogging, brisk walking, cycling a few weeks before will avoid muscle soreness post the trek.

2. Choose the appropriate season to visit

Planning the entire trek properly is of utmost importance. For any last-minute unwanted situations, know the exact way to reach Haji Malang Gad base village. Plan your trek in the best-suited season. Trekking during summers can get very exhaustive considering the temperature trend during this season. Malanggad offers a spectacular view during monsoons, which is a preferred season for most of the treks in Maharashtra. However, you need to be careful during this season while climbing the slippery rocks. The hill is subjected to high erosion which makes it very risky altogether and it is advisable for the beginners to either avoid this season or travel with an experienced guide/ trekking group. Trekking in winters could be safe.

Lush green Haji Malang mountain view during monsoon

3. Avoid trekking alone

To avoid being stranded alone in a risky situation, travel with your friends preferably having some trekking experience in the past. They will not just help you through rough trails but will also make the entire journey more memorable. 

4. Carry safety equipment

To proceed towards Balekilla of Malanggad fort, one needs to cross a 14-foot gap with the help of a narrow pipe. It involves high risk and could lead to injuries or accidents. Hence you must carry ropes and a safety harness to ensure safety.

Narrow pipe crossing towards Balekilla

Steep rocks can be climbed with the help of support using ropes/harnesses

5. Packing your essentials

Make it a point to plan everything for a hassle-free trekking experience. Gather all the essentials before you set out towards Haji Malang.

• Keep a basic first-aid kit handy in case of any emergency
• Sun protection (cap, sunscreen) in case you are visiting the fort during summers
• Raincoat/windcheater during monsoon
• Eatables – Although refreshments are available till Haji Malang Dargah, the route ahead has no shops that provide refreshments. Hence it is safe to carry eatables like fruits, power bars etc. for instant energy. 
• Walking pole – Although this is optional it will certainly help amateur trekkers as it acts as a support and reduces stress on the knees. This will also help you to protect yourself from the aggressive monkeys that could cause a trouble along the path.
• Even though mobile phones may not work in the mountains, do not forget to carry your phones and power banks. Also, you might want to capture the spectacular view from the Haji Malang mountain.  

For additional information, visit our blog "Things to Carry While Trekking at Haji Malang Gad".

6. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Footwear

Opt for comfortable clothes and good quality footwear that fits properly. A proper grip is important while climbing the slippery rock structures of Haji Malang. The shoes should have good cushioning to avoid blisters.

Steps towards the Malanggad fort

7. Stay Hydrated

Make sure that you take small breaks and sip water every few minutes. Proper hydration is necessary to keep you fresh and maintain your body temperature. Dehydration may lead to fatigue and other problems. You can purchase water bottles from the shops along the way to Haji Malang Dargah to avoid weight. However, you need to carry water as you head towards the Sone Machi trek as no shops are available after the Pir Machi trek point.

8. Beware of the monkeys

Encounters with monkeys at trek points and tourist hotspots is common. Although accustomed to human interaction, they are unpredictable and may end up creating a trouble and snatching away your food. Hence, keep your food and other belongings away from them. Feeding them is risky as that might surround you with a troop. Avoid provoking them, limit your interaction by maintaining a safe distance.

A monkey found in Haji Malang Dargah

With all the planning in place, Haji Malang Gad is a perfect trek with a mix of adventure, spiritual experience, and spellbinding views. For a detailed guide of the trek journey, and routes to follow, read our blog "Visiting Haji Malang Gad, A Complete Trek Guide".

Ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Dargah is a Holy shrine of Baba Haji Abdur Rehman Malang which is situated on a fort called Malanggad. "Malanggad Fort" is located in the Matheran region in Raigad, Maharashtra. The fort’s height is 789 m above sea level. People visit the Malanggad fort for the Haji Malang Dargah and for the trek which leads to Haji Malang Dargah and the top of the mountain

"Haji Malang Dargah" is one of the few dargahs which is 300-year-old. The holy shrine is of the Baba who travelled from the middle east to India in the 12th Century. Along with Haji Malang Baba few followers visited India, you can see their tomb named Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Dargah (Pehli Salami), Hazrat Sultan Shah Dargah (Doosri Salami) and Tomb of Panch peer around the Haji Malang Dargah

"Haji Malang Dargah is well known for the communal Harmony" around the dargah, on the Malanggad Fort and during the "Festival of Urus". It is one of the few dargahs where a Muslim mutavalli (distant kin of the Saint) and a Hindu vahivatdar (Priest from a Hindu karandekar Family) is working together to fulfil the religious rituals of the Dargah. Devotees of all culture and community visit the Dargah to pay their respect and take the blessings of the Haji Malang Baba.

Unlike other Dargahs, Haji Malang Dargah is upon a hill like other "Hindu temples" where the trail is of normal stairs to visit the dargah and the devotee visiting the dargah must climb these stairs or trek their way up to visit the Dargah.

Funicular Ropeway for Haji Malang Dargah

The state governments proposal for a funicular ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah was accepted by the National Forest Council. The Public works Department in the Kalyan City has started the construction of a two-trolley ropeway with a carrying capacity of around 60 people each which will make it easier for the devotees especially senior citizens who need to walk almost 4 kilometres to reach the Haji Malang Dargah.

In Maharashtra, this funicular ropeway is a first-of-its-kind and soon it is going to be more famous as a tourist destination in this region. It is said that the ropeway will be able to transport 390 passengers in both the direction. It will be easy for the devotees to visit the dargah using the ropeway rather than climbing 1500 steps to the "Pir Machi" where the Dargah is located. 

There will be two stations on which the ropeway will be functioning, one at the Haji Malang Dargah and the other at the Base Village. The distance between the two stations will be approximately 2 km apart. Along with the Funicular ropeway, the public works department is also ready to build emergency evacuation routes and public parking spaces. In the year 2020, "The Maharashtra government sanctions an additional fund of Rs 5 crore for the funicular ropeway project" as the project cost was increased.

Once completed this funicular ropeway to Haji Malang Dargah is bound to attract a huge crowd of all group age. Also, you can enjoy the view of the mountain and its surroundings while travelling through the ropeway. This tourist destination will become lively once the ropeway is up and running along with the Dargah and adventurous trekking.

Tourist Attractions near Haji Malang Gad

Haji Malang Gad is a beautiful place for trekking and religious visit for people from all caste and creed. It is nearest to Kalyan city. Haji Malang Gad is also known as Shree Malang Gad or Malanggad. This fort has a significant history as there was a war fought between the Marathas and the British. 

At the first level of the Malanggad Fort, which is called Pir Machi the Haji Malang Dargah. This dargah is said to be named after a Sufi Saint Baba Abdur Rehman Malang, also known as Haji Malang Baba. People from all the places and caste visit this religious dargah to seek blessings. Also, there is a huge festival that is celebrated in the month of February, named the Urs festival. This festival continues for almost 8-9 days.

This fort is best known as a trekking spot, where many people visit during the monsoons and winters. The trek grade is medium to difficult, it becomes difficult and challenging as and when you move towards the top of the hill. People usually return from the second level of the fort, that is Sone Machi. After this level, it is very difficult to trek upwards to the Balekilla or Citadel. Balekilla is very risky as the roads are very narrow and it is connected with two pipes. Expert trekkers take a risk to cross this road with the help of ropes and reach the Citadel.

 

Haji Malang Gad

Places to visit near Haji Malang gad

There are a few places near Haji Malang Gad, which are worth visiting. I would like to suggest a few good places near the Malanggad fort that one should surely visit. 

Durgadi Fort

Durgadi Fort is situated in the west of Kalyan city. Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Adil Shah on 24th October 1654. Then he built the fort with the help of 340 Portuguese workers. It was said the wealth was found at the time of the excavation of the fort. It was named Durgadi after the goddess Durga. It was believed that it was her blessings that the fort was captured and built. This fort is just 18 kilometers away from Haji Malang gad. It approximately takes 50-55 minutes to reach the Durgadi fort via roadways.

 

Durgadi Fort

Kala Talao Lake

Kala Talao Lake is a lake in Kalyan. It was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and was half a kilometer away from Kalyan railway station. The lake covers an area of 24 acres. It was previously known as Shenale Lake. The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation maintains the lake. People come here to exercise, morning and evening walk, and boating.  This lake is approximately 18 km that is about 50-55 minutes of distance from Haji Malang Gad. It is worth visiting during the evenings. 

 

Kala Talao Lake

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir is a historic Hindu temple since the 11th century. This temple is located near the banks of the river Vadavan. It is 2 kilometers away from the Ambarnath railway station. It was built beautifully and was carved in stone. The temple is of Lord Shiva, where thousands of people visit to seek blessings. Hindu festival Mahashivratri is celebrated on a huge scale with all the rituals. This Shiv temple is 17 kilometers away from Haji Malang Gad, which takes around 40 minutes to travel through roadways.

 

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir

Chikhloli Dam

Chikhloli Dam is a beautiful dam near Haji Malang Gad. It is 19 kilometers from the fort that is around 50 minutes by road. It is best to visit during the monsoon season, where nature is in its purest form. The trees, bushes, grass are a fresh green and the water making is way to flow from the streams. All this is just a mesmerizing view. Chikhloli dam is nearest to the Ambernath and Badlapur railway station. When you are at Haji Malang Gad, make sure you do give a visit to Chikhloli Dam.

 

Chikhloli Dam

These were a few places near Haji Malang gad which are worth visiting. 

Haji Malang Gad Trek Difficulty

Haji Malang Gad, also known as Shree Malanggad, is a fort located at a height of 3200 ft above sea level, near Kalyan in Maharashtra. It derives its name after a Sufi saint Hazrat Haji Malang Baba who is believed to have spent his life on this hill. His holy shrine - Haji Malang Dargah is a pilgrimage for people from diverse beliefs and faiths who visit the dargah every year. Known for its religious significance, Malanggad fort also has an elaborate history of the Maratha-British war of the 18th century, a captivating view of the district from the hilltop, and a well-designed fort structure which makes it a perfect trek destination to explore.

The trek is best suited for both amateurs as well as experienced trekkers looking for an enthralling adventure as the trek is divided into three difficulty levels - easy, moderate, and difficult.

Malanggad fort Kalyan

Easy Part of the Trek –Visiting Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Dargah situated at the lowest plateau of Malang Gad is the easy part of the trek. The route from the base village to the dargah consists of 1500 concrete steps. It takes about 2-2.5 hours from the starting point depending on whether the route is crowded with the devotees. The concrete steps covered with a shade for most of the part and numerous shops providing refreshments make it less of a trek and more of a tourist destination that can be easily covered by everyone.

Concrete steps leading to Haji Malang Dargah

The major stops are Pehli Salami, Doosri Salami, and the main Haji Malang Dargah. After a further climb, you can visit Panch Pir Dargah at the Pir Machi. There are also many Hindu temples along the way.

Haji Malang Baba Dargah

Pilgrims climbing down the mountain of Malanggad

Moderate part of the trek – Visiting Sone Machi

Those seeking a spectacular trek experience after visiting the holy shrine can continue climbing the mountain and head towards the main fort. Sone Machi, which resembles an elephant's trunk, is a long plateau measuring 25 meters wide and 250 meters long, with a 70-foot-wide and 100-foot-tall rock projection at one end. The route towards Sone Machi consists of narrow steps cut between rocks and boulders and can be rated as a moderate difficulty level. Although it could get a bit exhaustive for beginners, it is fairly easy for experienced trekkers. 

Steps leading to the Malanggad fort

Once you reach the Sone Machi, all the tiring journey becomes worth it for the breathtaking view of the hills and valleys around.

Plateau of Sone Machi – imposing citadel summit

Difficult part of the trek –Visiting Balekilla

After enjoying the spectacular landscape at Sone Machi, the real challenge lies ahead as you approach Balekilla(citadel), the trek's highest, difficult, and final destination. The citadel is 200 yards long and 70 yards tall. However, getting there requires crossing a 14-foot gap connected by a narrow pipe. Crossing this path without a safety belt and rope is extremely dangerous. The climb is very steep and involves high risk. Hence it is not advisable to ascend the pinnacle without a safety harness and experienced guide to ensure safety. 

Stone structure built at Balekilla

Balekilla pipe crossing

Steep climb to reach Balekilla

Risky pipe crossing with the rope support

In a nutshell, Haji Malang Gad trek can be divided into three levels of difficulty-easy, medium, difficult making it a suitable trek destination for beginners as well as experienced. However, it is important to take necessary precautions while attempting to trek the higher levels. 

Want to plan a trek soon? Read our travel guide of Haji Malang Gad trek for detailed information.

Reaching Malanggad village from Kalyan station

Malanggad Fort is in Raigad District in Maharashtra. The nearest city to the Malanggad fort is Kalyan city. The fort’s highest point is 2590 ft. above sea level. It is also popularly known as Malang Gad, Haji Malang Gad. It is famous for Haji Malang Dargah which is a famous holy shrine of Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba. People visit Malanggad fort for the "Haji Malang Dargah" and the trek which leads towards the top of the mountain. There is a fort nearby named Chanderi fort in Badlapur which has approximately the same height.

"Haji Malang Gad" is at a 17 km distance from the nearest railway station called Kalyan Railway Junction. The holy shrine of Haji Malang Baba called Haji Malang Dargah Kalyan is Situated on the lower level of Malanggad fort. The fort is divided into three levels – Pir machi (first level), Sone machi (second level) and Balekilla (final level).

Haji Malang Dargah

On the first level (Pir Machi) of the Malanggad Fort you will find the Haji Malang Dargah. To reach the Dargah you must take the stairs which consist of more than 1500 steps. To reach the Dargah from the base village it almost takes 3 hours and is recommended to start the journey early in the morning. People from multiple religious communities come to Haji Malang Baba’s Dargah to pay respect and take their blessings. 

In the month of February, the "Urus festival" is celebrated on the Malanggad fort as the death anniversary of the Haji Malang Baba by the people on the fort. Many Devotees from different places visits the Haji Malang Dargah during the Urus festival to seek their blessings.

Trek towards the top

From the second level (Sone Machi) the difficult part of the trek begins. "Sone Machi" is the plateau that measures 250 m long and 25 m wide. The trail towards the Sone Machi has rock patches which can be tiring to few people after climbing 1500 plus steps till Haji Malang Dargah. 

From there, you can continue and reach the top called "Balekilla" which is the last level of the Malanggad Fort. The Route to the Balekilla has been seen broken for a while. The People Staying on the mountain has put a steel pipe at the broken patch. With the help of climbing ropes and the pipe, one can reach the top of the mountain. Reaching to the top is very risky and is recommended not to do it without expert guidance 

How to Reach Haji Malang Dargah from Kalyan

There are two different ways through which you can reach Malanggad from Mumbai. One of them is by Roadways and the other one is by Railways. From Railways, you can board a local train from Mumbai on the Central Line to Kalyan Railway Station which takes around 1 hour 30 mins. And then from Kalyan Railway Station, you can take either ST Bus or Auto-rickshaws which will directly take you to the base village of the Malanggad fort. It will take you 20-30 mins from Kalyan Railway Station to reach the base village. ST Bus Number 45 is the bus which will drop you at the base village for rupees 20 per person. If you are travelling by personal vehicle from Kalyan Railway Station you travel to Naveli Phata which in the way Kalyan-Badlapur road from their onwards it is a single road opposite to Kalyan City which will lead you to the base village of Haji Malang Gad which is known as Malang Wadi. In the base village, you will be able to see a huge space in front of the Bus Station where you can park your vehicle. Also, you can read our blog called "Different Ways to Travel to Haji Malang Dargah" to reach Haji Malang Dargah from Pune.

Malanggad fort is the best place to experience the trek and visit a religious place like dargah and a few Hindu temples near the dargah and in the Malanggad village (base village). From the top of the Haji Malang Gad you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Raigad district which you will never forget.

Best Season to visit Haji Malang Gad

 Malanggad is a fort near Kalyan, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is most likely known as Haji Malang Gad. It is famous for its most famous Sufi shrine located on the hill. It is a three leveled fort with each having its specific names. 

The lowest is the Pir Machi where the Sufi shrine Haji Malang Dargah is situated. The second is the Sone Machi which is a rocky projection. Ahead of the Balekilla or Citadel, it is the top-most fortification, which has some copper pipes and freshwater which is supplied to the lower parts of the fort. This water is supplied with the help of those copper pipes that are present at the Balekilla.

Haji Malang Gad is a combination of a religious and adventurous journey. The fort has many Hindu temples on its way upwards and a Dargah which is named after the Baba Abdur Rehman Malang, also known as Haji Malang Baba. The fort is famous as a trekking point. Many people visit Malanggad to trek and experience the mesmerizing view from the top of the hill.

  

Haji Malang Gad

Urs Festival at Haji Malang Dargah

Urs is a festival that solemnizes the death anniversary of Sufi Saint Haji Malang Baba. It is a huge festival that is celebrated for 8-9 long days. The ceremonies of the festival are performed at the Haji Malang Dargah which is situated at the Pir Machi (lowest level of the fort). The festival is usually celebrated in the month of February when many devotees come to seek blessings. The devotees carry processions which start from the Haji Malang Dargah, then moves further and covers the whole mountain and comes back to the Dargah. Many devotees and followers from all caste and creed come and be a part of this festival. This is the best time to visit the Haji Malang Dargah.

 

Haji Malang Dargah

Trekking at Haji Malang Gad

Trek to Haji Malang Gad is a must! The appealing and attractive view from the top of the fort shouldn’t be missed. Once you start from the base village it takes around 2.5 hours to reach the Haji Malang Dargah that is situated at Pir Machi. Then moving further to the rocky projection we reach the Sone Machi. This is the second part of the fort which is, a 25-meter-wide and 250-meter-long projection, and 70 feet wide and 100 feet tall. On reaching here, it is a wonderful breathtaking view. Further one can visit the Balekilla, which is a narrow gap connected with 14 feet long two pipes. The way is too risky and can’t be crossed without the help of a rope. The view from the Balekilla or Citadel is worth watching but at the same time, it’s too risky to be fatal. 

 

View from Sone Machi

The best season to visit Haji Malang Gad is Monsoon. It is best to visit when the rains pour and nature adopts the beautiful greenery around. The fog around while climbing up the fort altogether makes it a surreal experience.

From the top of Haji Malang gad fort one can enjoy the beautiful view of the Chanderi fort, Matheran range that is visible in the south direction. One can see Mahuli and the Kalyan and Ambernath city in the north direction. To the west is Mumbai city. 

The best experience to visit the Haji Malang Gad for trekking is during the monsoon season.

Haji Malang Baba Palki- A Procession at Urs Festival

In true syncretic tradition, Haji Malang Dargah situated at Shree Malanggad in Kalyan is one of the rare pilgrimages that attracts both Hindus and Muslims. It is a holy 300-year-old shrine of Hazrat Abdur Rahman Haji Malang Baba, a Sufi saint from the Middle East. The religious rituals at the dargah are performed by both Muslim Mutavalli (claiming to be a distant family member of the Saint) and a Hindu Vahivatdar (a traditional priest belonging to the Hindu Karandekar family). The elaborate history of the Haji Malang Baba, as well as the Malanggad fort, attracts thousands of devotees of Baba from various parts of the country.

Haji Malang Dargah decorated during Urs Festival

Urs Festival at Haji Malang Dargah

Every year in February, a festival is organized on the picturesque Malanggad mountain where Haji Malang Baba's holy shrine is located. On the occasion of Baba Haji Malang's annual death ceremony, people celebrate the "Urs Festival". People of various castes and creeds participate in the Urs ceremony with zeal. Since the hill is crowded with thousands of devotees during this period, the police force is present to handle the crowd and avoid any misconduct.

Urs Festival Celebration

Haji Malang Baba’s Palki Procession 

The festivities start with the unfurling of the ceremonial flag and lasts for nine days. On the first day of the annual celebration, the palanquin of Baba Haji Malang known as "Palki" is used in the juloos (procession). This program is popularly called "Sandal Palki ka Gasht". 

Palki of Hazrat Haji Malang Shah Baba

It starts from Haji Malang Dargah at midnight, covers the entire Haji Malang mountain, and reaches back the dargah around 5 am at the dawn. The procession is led by Hindu Vahivatdar Madhav Gopal Ketkar.

Palki Procession at the Haji Malang Urs Festival

Sacred tomb of Haji Malang Baba decorated during Urs

Other Attractions of the Urs Festival

Followed by Haji Malang Baba Palki, other programs like “Milad Sharif”, “Dhamal”, “Mir Sultan Shah Baba Urs”, and “Gusal Sharif” take place on the subsequent days. 

During the procession, the entire mountain is illuminated by beautiful lights. There is a spectacular series of fireworks displayed on the mountain. The Palki of Haji Malang Baba is decorated with flowers. The devotees pay their respect with floral chadars, cloth chadars, sandalwood, and other perfumed offerings.

Dargah premises lit up with light and floral decorations

Nobody sleeps till dawn as they enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and captivating firework display at the mountain. Muslim communities perform Qawwalis, devotional songs whereas Hindu communities perform Aarti in the procession.

Pilgrims gathered near the dargah during Urs Festival midnight

Accommodations are available near Haji Malang Dargah for the pilgrims. If you are planning to travel to Haji Malang Gad, the duration of Urs Festival is the best time to visit the dargah and witness the spiritual splendor.

Display of Communal Harmony at Haji Malang Urus

"Haji Malang Dargah" is known to be a 300-year-old dargah in Maharashtra, located on a fort called Malanggad. The Malanggad fort is situated near Kalyan Railway Station which is above 789m of sea level and popular for the trek towards the top of the mountain. The Haji Malang Dargah is located on the first level of the mountain. Malanggad Fort has been divided into 3 levels that is "Pir Machi", "Sone Machi" and "Balekilla".

Haji Malang Dargah is the holy shrine of Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba. The holy shrine was built by the devotees on the Malanggad fort. From the time it was built till today the Dargah is managed by the people from Hindu and Muslim community. This is one of the few shrines where a Muslim Mutavalli(a family member of the saint) and Hindu Vahivatdar(a priest from the family of Hindu Vahivatdar) have found working together to run the religious rituals in harmony. 

During the "war in 1780 between the British East India Company and the Marathas" for the Malanggad fort, the Hindu Pandurang Katekar along with his family and neighbours fought bravely against British Army to push them back from conquering the Fort. While the war was raging there were two Gardi musketeers Abu Sheikh Jamadar and Aziz Khan Jamadar from the Muslim community who responded to the British attacks. The Hindu and Muslim communities on the Malanggad fort have been seen living in harmony from the old days.

Later with the help of Nana Phadnavis, the Marathas pushed back the British Army, in 1780 British army decided and left the fort to the Marathas.

Haji Malang Dargah’s Urus Festival

Several hundreds of faithful were part of the religious festivities at Haji Malang Dargah, as the 1-month Urus festival got off to a fervent and colourful start every February. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of Haji Malang Baba’s annual death ceremony. The rituals, which begins with the Baba’s Palki (Procession) where the followers of Haji Malang Baba carry the wagon and forms the Juloos. Baba’s Palki is beautifully decorated with chadars and flowers. The followers of Haji Malang Baba consist of people from multiple religion like Hindu and Muslim communities, they come together and covers the route of the entire fort. The route of the Palki begins at the midnight covers the Malanggad fort in the nighttime and returns till the morning.

During the "Urus festival" entire Malanggad fort is decorated with beautiful lights. The kids on the mountain burns firecrackers during the ceremony which lightens up the mountain in the nighttime. The display of the Firecrackers is delightful to watch. The locals and the followers of the Baba visiting the Dargah for the festival stays awake to enjoy the view of the Dargah which is decorated for the festival, to enjoy the view of the firecrackers burnt by the kids in the night and to participate in the religious harmony atmosphere. In the nighttime, Qawwalis are being sung by the people from the Muslim community whereas as Hindu community people gather around and perform aarti during the Palki.

Haji Malang Dargah is one among the few dargahs in the country where several people from different communities come together to pray the "Haji Malang Baba" and to celebrate the Urus festival. It is considered to be the symbol of communal harmony as the people from multiple belief visits the dargah and pay their respect.

Tale of Haji Malang Baba's 'Duldul' Horse

Haji Malang Baba is a Sufi Saint who traveled from the Middle East in the 12th century AD. During the Maurya dynasty, when King Naladev ruled, Malang Baba reached Bramhanwadi with his followers. It is believed that God himself had sent Malang Baba to the fort to salvage the fear-stricken people, ensure prosperity in the society by eradicating the evil and devastation caused by the demons in King Naladev’s state.

 

The place where Haji Malang Baba's Horse "Duldul" was buried

Haji Malang Baba’s Horse “Duldul”

It is believed that Haji Malang Baba had a horse ‘Duldul’ who was his companion at the fort. It was described that in those older and wilder times, Allah found it unacceptable that demons harassed people and innocent animals on this mountain by devouring them. At the time, it is said, the hill was so huge that fires lit at its top could be seen to Mecca-Medina. When Allah identified the fire, he asked Haji Malang Baba about the same. Baba noticed that the fire that has originated is from a fort in a country named Hindustan and Allah, being angry, asked Malang Baba to visit the Haji Malang Gad immediately and kill the demons. Due to this, Haji Malang Baba starting their journey for Konkan on his horse and with two companions to defeat the demons. 

On reaching the village Brahmanwadi, which is the base of the hill, Baba felt tired, thirsty, and exhausted at which a resident Brahmin family gave him a glass of milk and a place to rest. Baba felt very satisfied with the family of Brahmanwadi, who were the Ketkars of the village.

Then Malang Baba and his companions went up to the first stage, where one of Baba’s companions, decided to rest, to which Haji Malang Baba agreed. Now Baba was in a doubt about how to move ahead, so he requested his horse Duldul to reach the top of the hill. Malang Baba, thought of jumping from the hill, as to no one on this earth is born to live forever, he has to die one day or another. He has to just perform good deeds in his life. Duldul agreed to this thought of Haji Malang Baba and wagging his tail with all his strength, he flew like a bird to some distance at the top of the hill before he died. Haji Malang Baba’s companions then buried Duldul at the spot where he died and his horseshoe emerged magically over there. One can still visit and have a sight of the magical horseshoe.

He generated water on top of the hill for his ablutions by flinging and banging something he held in his hand to the ground with the name of Allah on his lips. Miraculously, water gushed out of the spot that devotees call “Chasma” or fountain1.

 

Ghode ki Taap

Magic and Myth about Haji Malang Baba’s Horse “Duldul”

It is believed that when Haji Malang Baba reached the base with his horse “Duldul”, its height was huge, as the horse had set his footprints on the fort. It was said that when the Baba’s horse ‘Duldul’ touched the hill, the water started flowing from that exact place. The place is known to be “Ghode ki Taap”. Surprisingly the water is fresh and clear, and even today it continues to flow.

Want to visit the Haji Malang Dargah? Check out our blog Haji Malang Dargah, A Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba.