MUMBAI: Most individuals who go back and forth along Haji Ali sea face have puzzled at the id of the blue dome that rises at the hillock resulting in Shivsagar Estate. The dome crowns an exquisitely stunning mausoleum dedicated to a woman saint named Ma Hajiani. The dargah has now been restored to its original glory.
Most other people, including its fourth era caretaker Zahir Shail say Ma Hajiani was the sister of Haji Ali. A couple of others consider she was his mother.
Approximately 8,000 worshippers arrived for ziyarat (darshan) at Shab E' Baraat Saturday night time. Ma Hajiani Dargah is chiefly populated through women devotees. It is they who carry out the annual ghusl (washing ritual) a day prior to Shab E' Baraat. It is known as a haven of wish fulfilment. Girls who wish to get married offer green bangles to the saint and married women who seek children position crimson bangles.
In 2017, the family-owned Mohammed Yusuf Trust decided to revive the Grade 2 heritage structure built in Indo Saracenic style. "Its true beauty has emerged now after layers of paint have been removed," mentioned trustee Haroun Yusuf.
Architect Vikas Dilawari who undertook the conservation mentioned, "This is the first time I have restored an Islamic structure. It was such a privilege. Ma Hajiani is unique because it is located on an elevated plinth and gives a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. It has a courtyard open to sky which is a rarity. We restored and cleaned the Porbandar stone, repaired the woodwork and fitted coloured glass in the windows which reflects a golden glow under the setting sun." The dome lined in blue china mosaic was left as it is. The trustees like the symbolism as they belong to a distinguished transport family.
The plaque on site reads, "This mausoleum was built on the grave of Saint Ma Hajiani in the year 1908 as a token of devotion and reverence to glorify her pious name and sacred memory by Haji Ismail Hasham Yusuf, ship owner and pioneer of Indian shipping who died on 20th Sept 1912, and was buried according to his last wishes in the west side grave in this tomb."
Unlike the bustling Haji Ali, Ma Hajiani is an oasis of tranquility and peace where seekers spend long mins in quiet contemplation. "We do not host qawwalis or allow beggars," mentioned Shail.
Most other people, including its fourth era caretaker Zahir Shail say Ma Hajiani was the sister of Haji Ali. A couple of others consider she was his mother.
Approximately 8,000 worshippers arrived for ziyarat (darshan) at Shab E' Baraat Saturday night time. Ma Hajiani Dargah is chiefly populated through women devotees. It is they who carry out the annual ghusl (washing ritual) a day prior to Shab E' Baraat. It is known as a haven of wish fulfilment. Girls who wish to get married offer green bangles to the saint and married women who seek children position crimson bangles.
In 2017, the family-owned Mohammed Yusuf Trust decided to revive the Grade 2 heritage structure built in Indo Saracenic style. "Its true beauty has emerged now after layers of paint have been removed," mentioned trustee Haroun Yusuf.
Architect Vikas Dilawari who undertook the conservation mentioned, "This is the first time I have restored an Islamic structure. It was such a privilege. Ma Hajiani is unique because it is located on an elevated plinth and gives a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. It has a courtyard open to sky which is a rarity. We restored and cleaned the Porbandar stone, repaired the woodwork and fitted coloured glass in the windows which reflects a golden glow under the setting sun." The dome lined in blue china mosaic was left as it is. The trustees like the symbolism as they belong to a distinguished transport family.
The plaque on site reads, "This mausoleum was built on the grave of Saint Ma Hajiani in the year 1908 as a token of devotion and reverence to glorify her pious name and sacred memory by Haji Ismail Hasham Yusuf, ship owner and pioneer of Indian shipping who died on 20th Sept 1912, and was buried according to his last wishes in the west side grave in this tomb."
Unlike the bustling Haji Ali, Ma Hajiani is an oasis of tranquility and peace where seekers spend long mins in quiet contemplation. "We do not host qawwalis or allow beggars," mentioned Shail.
Dargah to Haji Ali's 'sister' restored to glory
![Dargah to Haji Ali's 'sister' restored to glory]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
April 23, 2019
Rating:
