Mumbai
Mumbai
Haji Ali Mosque
This
early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of HAZRATH HAJI ALI, a Muslim
Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s
antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich , local businessman
who gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.
Another legend says that he was an Afghan mystic who lived and meditated here. He specifically ordered that after his death , his casket should be cast off into the sea off the shore of what is today Pakistan. However , the casket surfaced intact at the spot where the shrine is today.
The Haji Ali shrine is located on a small island on the Arabian Sea. There
is a walkway which connects the shore to the shrine. This walkway is the only
way to enter the shrine and it can be used only during low tides. High tides
and monsoon rains completely cover the walkway. Inside the shrine there is
a courtyard which normally sports a festive, talkative atmosphere.
The structure has typical white, Mughal domes and minarets. Although it is a famous Muslim pilgrimage site, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed. The shrine looks its best when seen from the shore silhouetted against the setting sun.
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