Journey of Haji Malang Baba from Middle East to India

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.

Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba Dargah

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hindu Temples near Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Dargah is situated on a fort called Malanggad in Maharashtra. The "Malanggad fort" is popular for the trek towards the top of the mountain and the Haji Malang Dargah which is the first level of the mountain. Malanggad Fort is divided into three levels that is "Pir Machi", "Sone Machi" and "Balekilla".

"Haji Malang Dargah" is named after a Sufi saint Haji Abdur Rehman Malang Baba who visited India from the Middle East in the AD 12th Century. This Dargah is 300-year-old and the fort has a "history of the Maratha-British war" which took place in 1780. The identity of the Dargah is that is situated upon a mountain and to reach the Dargah you must do the trek which consists of 1500 plus steps from the Base Village.

The closest city to the "Haji Malang Dargah is the Kalyan City". The Malanggad fort is 17 Km away from Kalyan Railway Station and from Mumbai, it takes 2 hours to reach by Road. Once you start the trek you will see many small Hindu temples starting from the base village till you reach the Haji Malang Dargah.

Hindu temples in the base village -

Datta Temple Wadi –

Also renowned as Datta Mandir, the Datta temple is the temple of paradigmatic sannyasi (monk) and popularly known as the Lord of Yoga is worshipped as a Hindu God. In several regions of India, he is considered to be an incarnation of the divine Trinity Siva, Vishnu and Brahma and together known as Trimurti. Dattaguru or Dattatreya is viewed as Adi Guru (Ancient Teacher) who is worshipped for Intelligence, Supreme knowledge, and Divine wisdom.

Hanuman Mandir Wadi –

Lord Hanuman is one of the most worshipped gods in the Hindu religion. He is also known as the Pawan Putra as he is the son of Vayu, the god of the wind. Lord Hanuman the monkey god is known to be Immortal and invincible and is popularly to be the passionate devotee of Lord Rama. He is also regarded as the exemplar of Devotion, Strength and Perseverance and can fight evil. Lord Hanuman is worshipped to achieve blessings, Protection and strength.

Ganpati Mandir Wadi –

The list of Hindu temples is incomplete without mentioning the Ganapati Mandir. Ganapati mandir is also known as Ganesh Temple in which Lord Ganesh resides. Lord Ganesha is a god of beginnings who has an elephant head which makes him easy to identify. He is the son of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to the legends, Lord Ganesha was brought into life by Mata Parvati, she made a figure of a kid by using Haldi Shavings and gave it life. Later she instructed him to guard the door and he stops lord shiva from entering without knowing he was his son he beheads Lord Ganesha. Later he realizes and he replaces his head with the head of a young elephant and gains blessings from Lord Shiva that he will be worshipped before starting any kind of work. Lord Ganesha is worshipped that he will guide towards the right path, overcome the obstacles and gain the courage to overcome fear.

Hindu temples on the way towards Haji Malang Dargah -

Shiv Mandir –

Lord Shiva is popularly known as the destroyer within the Hindu trinity which includes Vishnu and Brahma. He is known as the supreme god who ends the time cycle and in return begins a new creation. Also, he is known to protect animals with love and compassion. Lord Shiva is worshipped by millions of people in India as he rewards the devotees with peace, happiness and prosperity in life.

Durga Devi Mandir –

Durga Devi is also one of the most widely worshipped goddesses in the Hindu religion. She is considered to be the goddess of strength, war and protection. Durga Devi is also called Shakti, meaning power/energy in the Hindi language. Durga Devi is worshipped with the greatest devotion for protection, safeguard and gain the power to deflect the negative forces of evil.

Wagheshwari Mata Mandir –

Wagheshwari Mata Mandir is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati. Wagheshwari Mata is also believed to be the 4th incarnation of Goddess Saraswati. In Hindu mythology, Wagheshwari Mata is known as the eight-handed goddess and is one of the forms of Durga Devi. Wagheshwari Mata is worshipped for Shakti and Protection.

Sai Baba Mandir –

Sai Baba is also called Shirdi Sai Baba. Sai baba was a saint, fakir and an Indian spiritual master considered by his devotees. He was praised by both Hindu and Muslim devotees during and after his lifetime. He used to believe God is one and didn’t differentiate any specific religion. Sai Baba was believed that he was bestowed with unprecedented powers. Sai Baba is worshipped in multiple states of India to overcome the troubles.

Haji Malang Dargah is one of the few dargahs where a Hindu and a Muslim come together to fulfil the religious rituals. The "Trek towards Haji Malang Gad" is a combination of the religious and adventurous trek. This trek will give you a beautiful view from the top and the atmosphere around the mosque will make one feel safe and joyful.

Different Ways to Travel to Haji Malang Dargah

Haji Malang Gad is a fort in Maharashtra, in the district of Raigad. It is also known as Shree Malang Gad or Malanggad. It is best known for trekking and viewing an astonishing and remarkable sight from the top of the fort. The fort has a history of the Maratha-British war, which took place in 1780, the control over Malanggad. 

The fort has a dargah named Haji Malang Dargah, which is a holy shrine named after the Sufi Saint Malang Baba from the Middle East. There are many Hindu temples on the way, while you keep moving up the fort. The fort is closest to Kalyan city. It is approximately 17km from Kalyan. 

Haji Malang Gad is around 1.5 to 2 hours of climbing stone steps. There are more than 1500 steps from the base village to the Haji Malang Dargah. 

 

Haji Malang Gad

How to Reach Haji Malang Dargah from Mumbai

Haji Malang Gad is 49km from Mumbai. If an individual or group of individuals are traveling from Mumbai to Haji Malang Gad, they can come in two ways, roadways and railways. If one comes from the road they have to come via the Eastern Express highway/Mumbai – Agra National Highway, which is about 1 hour 40 minutes of distance. 

If one chooses to come via Railways, they can board any local train till Kalyan. Get down at Kalyan Station and can board an S.T Bus or auto-rickshaws which are easily available once you come out from the Kalyan station. A government bus no. 45 also travels from Kalyan station to the base of Malanggad directly, which costs around Rs. 20/- per person.

How to Reach Haji Malang Dargah from Kalyan

Haji Malang Dargah is just 17km from Kalyan, which is around 15 minutes of distance to the base village. One can travel by S.T buses or auto-rickshaws. A bus number 45 is the one which directly drops you are the base village of Malanggad. This bus does not charge you more than Rs. 20/- per person. You may also choose your vehicles to reach the base village of Malanggad. There is a huge area to park your vehicles at the base village itself. 

How to Reach Haji Malang Dargah from Pune

There are 5 different ways through which you can reach Malanggad from Pune. One can come through both railways and roadways. From Railways, one can board a train from Pune till Badlapur, which takes around 1 hour 29 minutes. And then from Baldpaur, you can either take a taxi directly to Malanggad which takes another 25-30 minutes, or from Badlapur one can travel to Kalyan station via train and then take auto-rickshaw or bus as mentioned above till the base village of the fort. 

One can take government AC buses from Pune till Kalyan, and then follow the same process of bus or auto-rickshaw. Now, there are two ways while you travel by bus, one way is via Kalyan, and the other is getting down at Badlapur and taking a taxi to the base village of the fort.

The Fourth way is you can rent a taxi from Pune directly to Haji Malang gad, which is 134. 5km that takes approximately 2 hours to reach the destination. 

Fifth and the last way is your private car or any other vehicle. It takes the same time that a taxi takes to reach the base village of the fort. 

 

Top View from Haji Malang Gad

Malang Gad is the best trek destination in the Raigad district. It is an adventure and a touch of the religious side due to the Haji Malang Dargah and a few Hindu temples. It is suggested not to visit the fort during the summer season, as the stony steps make the trek more exhausting and tiring. One should not miss the experience of the Malang gad trek and the beautiful view from the top of the fort.