Significance of Pehli and Doosri Salami at Haji Malang

Located near Kalyan in Maharashtra, Haji Malang Dargah is an ancient holy shrine of Hazrat Haji Malang Baba. Situated on the hill of Shree Malang Gad, the holy dargah is the epitome of communal harmony as thousands of devotees of diverse beliefs and faiths visit it every year. 

Haji Malang Dargah of Kalyan

A lot of tourists who visit Haji Malang Dargah climb further with an onwards trek to Malanggad fort, which, unlike the steps leading to the dargah, has a more challenging rocky terrain to navigate. In addition to the magnificent view of the terrain, this place is also associated with an elaborate history which altogether makes it a popular tourist spot in Maharashtra.

Malanggad Fort

Who was Haji Malang Baba?

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 are said to have arrived in Bramhanwadi village, which was ruled by King Naladev of the Maurya dynasty at the time. The havoc wreaked by the demons in King Naladev's state traumatized the tenants and the city. It is believed that God sent Malang Baba to this region to rescue the terrified people and ensure the welfare of society by eradicating the evil and destruction caused by them.

Haji Malang Dargah – Holy Shrine of Haji Malang Baba

"Haji Malang Dargah" is located on the lowest level plateau of the Malanggad hill near Kalyan in Maharashtra's Thane district. This plateau is known as "Pir Machi" and is 2500 feet long and 1000 feet wide. Devotees of Haji Malang Baba built the holy shrine in his memory where his holy body was buried.  It is one of the most prominent among the three ancient shrines. It also has a Mazar(tomb) of Ma Fatima who was a disciple of Malang Baba.

Tombs of Hazrat Haji Malang Baba and his disciple Ma Fatima

There are two more shrines on the way from the base camp to Haji Malang dargah: Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah, also known as ‘Pehli Salaami,' and the Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah, also known as ‘Doosri Salaami'.

Mythological Story and Significance of Pehli and Doosri Salaami

Malang Baba's followers, Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Mir Sultan Shah travelled from the Gulf to take Baba back with them. He, on the other hand, declined to return, explaining that he had decided to spend the rest of his life in here. Similarly, the two disciples resided at Malang gad and dedicated their lives to Baba's service. They accompanied him and spent their entire life in devotion. Humbled by this gesture, Malang Baba exclaimed that if someone wants to meet me and give me a salami in the future, they should first give salami to these two Dargahs of my companions. Since then, it has been customary for visitors to the fort to stop by the Dargha of Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Hazrat Sultan Shah, also known as ‘Pehli Salami' and ‘Doosri Salami,' respectively, on their way to the main Haji Malang Shrine.

Pehli Salami - Hazrat Baqtawar Shah Baba Dargah

Doosri Salami - Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah

How to pay respect at Pehli Salami, Doosri Salami and Haji Malang Dargah?

The climb to the dargah takes nearly two hours from the Malangwadi base village situated at the foot of the mountain, which is nearly 1,500 meters high. After completing the steep climb halfway up, the pilgrims arrive at Hazrat Bhaqtawar Shah Baba's dargah. 'Pehli Salami' is the name of the offering made at this dargah.

After a few minutes of walking further, you can arrive at Hazrat Sultan Shah Dargah, also known as ‘Doosri Salami.' One can offer flower or fabric 'chaddars' at the Mazars in gratitude. 

Entrance of Mir Sultan Shah Baba Dargah

Sacred tomb of Mir Sultan Shah Baba

After visiting the two Salamis, pilgrims proceed to take blessings at the main shrine of Malang Baba Dargah. The total steps to reach the Haji Malang Dargah are approximately 1500. Along the way, numerous small shops sell refreshments and religious products. 

Shops on the way to the dargah

Another tradition followed by the pilgrims while seeking blessings at the holy shrines is to tie knots neat the tombs. They believe that it helps them fulfill all their wishes. 

Religious tradition of tying knots at the dargah

Apart from the three ancient dargahs, there are many Hindu temples at the Malanggad hill like Ganesh Mandir, Datta Mandir and Navadurga Devi Mandir. 

After this spiritual experience, trek enthusiasts can further continue the climb to the Malanggad fort to bring in the adventure element to the trip. "Sone Machi" (second level of the trek) offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys whereas "Balekilla of Malanggad fort" (third and last part of the trek) is known for its elaborate history of Maratha v/s British war of Haji Malang Gad which dates back to the 17th century. 

In a nutshell, Haji Malang Gad in Maharashtra is a place where devotion meets adventure, making it a popular and interesting destination to explore both amongst believers of Malang Baba and travel enthusiasts.

9 Unknown Facts about Haji Malang Dargah in Kalyan, Maharashtra

 Haji Malang Dargah is situated on a fort called Malnggad in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. "Malanggad fort" is popularly known as Haji Malang Gad. Haji Malang Dargah is a Shrine of Hazrat Abdur Rehman Malang Baba which is one of the outing destinations for adventure and beautiful view from the top of the mountain.

Malanggad Fort

Unknown Facts about Haji Malang Dargah –

1. "Haji Malang Dargah" is a 300-year old dargah which is located at about 789 m above sea level in the Matheran hill Range.

Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba Dargah

2. In the 17th Century, King named Naladev ruled the Maurya dynasty who built the Malanggad fort. During this period a Nathpanthi saint named “Machhindranath” used to live in the malanggad fort. Initially, the fort was captured by the Marathas but later was conquered by the British Army. To know more about the history read our blog "History of Maratha-British War at Haji Malanggad".

3. Haji Malang Gad is built on three levels. The first and the lowest level is a plateau where the Haji Malang Dargah of "Sufi saint Haji Malang Baba" is standing. This plateau is 1000 ft. broad and 2500 ft. long. At the other side of the plateau is the Panch Pir located. Panch Pir is the tomb of the five Disciples of Haji Malang Baba who followed him to the Haji Malang Gad.

Haji Malang Baba Dargah on Pir Machi

4.From the Dargah it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the Panch Pir. Further, there is a place called “chasma”, people believe that at this place the horse of the Haji Malang Baba tapped the ground and water sparkled.

Tomb of Panch Pir

5. The next level of the Malanggad fort is called "Sone Machi". Sone Machi is a Huge rock Projection that is 100 ft. tall and 75 ft. wide and the length of the plateau is 250 m long and 25 m wide. Due to its appearance which is shaped like an elephant trunk the plateau is called Sone Machi. On this plateau, there is a hidden gateway called “Chod Darwaja” which leads the trail into a deep valley towards the east.

Plateau of Sone Machi

6. The last and the highest level of the Malanggad fort is called "Balekilla". Balekilla is the Citadel which is 70 yards broad and 200 yards long. Near the Citadel there are five reservoirs and with help of pipes, the water is supplied to the lower parts of the mountain. 

Balekilla

7. Unlike other forts in the Maharashtra, which has several watchtowers and multiple gates and the main gate is artistically made with walls around the fort, Haji Malang Gad is a distinct fort that completely depends upon its natural feature to defend itself.

Haji Malang Gad from Pir Machi

8. On the Haji Malang Gad, once a year people celebrate a festival called "Urus" named after Haji Malang baba. Every year this festival is celebrated in the month of February. During the festival in the Haji Malang Gad, Baba’s followers carry out the Baba’s Palkhi and form the Juloos. The route of the palki covers the entire fort and is brought back to the Haji Malang Dargah. The kids burning firecrackers during the eve which lighten ups the mountain in the nighttime. The display of the firecrackers is delightful to see. The pilgrims who are desiring to stay on the mountain overnight can rent the tents and rooms near the Haji Malang Dargah.

Glimpse of Urus Festival

9. According to the legend, the people staying on the mountain believe that on the top of the mountain the King and the Queen in the old days turned into Stone and are still the same. It is also believed that if you pick a stone and hit one of the peaks and make a wish then your wish will be fulfilled.

Malanggad fort Peak

If you are planning to visit Haji Malang Dargah the best time is monsoon season as the dargah is located on the mountain and the trail becomes lively. During this period, you will get to see the natural beauty of the malanggand fort and enjoy the trek.

Trekking to Balekilla at Malanggad Fort

Haji Malang Gad is a fort situated near the Matheran Hill range, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This fort is best known for trekking. It has an extraordinary, mesmerizing and beautiful view from the top of the fort. Malanggad fort is as near as 17km from Kalyan city.

This fort is divided into three distinct parts, namely, Pir Machi, Sone Machi, and Balekilla. Pir Machi is the lowest and the first part of the fort. The Haji Malang Dargah is famous after the Sufi Saint Hazrat Haji Malang Baba at this lowest plateau of the fort. 

Sone Machi is the plateau that is right above Pir Machi. This is the longest plateau of the fort. Sone Machi is suitable for any trekkers. 

Next comes the Balekilla, It is the highest part of Malanggad. Keep reading to know details about Balekilla.

 

Malanggad Fort

Trekking at Balekilla

Balekilla is the top-most part of the Malanggad fort. This level of the fort is inadvisable as it is very tough and risky to climb. It is preferable to return once you reach Sone Machi. The difficulty level at Balekilla is the toughest. 

 

Narrow paths on the way to Balekilla

After reaching Sone Machi, on the right is a way to move further to Balekilla and towards the left are a few remnants. Once you start moving towards Balekilla, you come across a 14-foot gap, which is connected with two pieces of pipes. Though it is very risky to cross it as you are exposed to a deep valley beneath, it’s worth visiting once. On the way, there are many narrow and tricky paths that we come across. 

 

14-foot gap connected with two pieces of pipes

A local villager used to provide escort by tying a rope and helping people cross the pipe. He charged people Rs. 20/- for his help to and fro. Only expert climbers and trekkers climb on their own with proper ropes and equipment. 

 

View from the 14-foot narrow route

Top View from Balekilla

At the top of the Balekilla is a rectangular open stone-built structure which is called as Devni or Bara Ansaar Pinnacle. At the top of Haji Malang Gad, are five reservoirs that are filled with water during the month of May-June. The water is supplied to the lower levels of the fort with the help of pipes. 

 

Bara Ansaar Pinnacle

Water Reservoirs

From Balekilla, we experience a beautiful view, where you can spot the Chanderi fort, Matheran range at the south, Kalyan and Ambernath city, Mahuli at the north, and Mumbai to the west. A part of the sea is also clearly visible from the top.

Top view from Malanggad Fort

Haji Malang Gad is a well-versed and self-defined fort that is defensive in itself. There are many Hindu temples and Haji Malang Dargah on the way to the Malanggad trek. Pir Machi and Sone Machi are dependent on natural aspects of the mountain. It is suggested that one should return from Sone Machi and end up their trek without moving towards Balekilla. Though Balekilla is very dangerous and not advisable to climb, it is sheer beauty and great satisfaction as the view from the top of the fort (Balekilla) is completely beyond awesome and astonishing.