Muhammad Baba Of Maharashtra, Spiritual Guide Of Maloji, Shivaji Maharaj’s Grandfather: A Saint Of Unity And Harmony

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 17 January 2025 The Dargah of Muhammad Baba in Shrigonda, Maharashtra, symbolizes religious harmony, blending Hindu and Islamic traditions. Known for his teachings of unity and compassion, Muhammad Baba’s shrine attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds, inspiring spiritual inclusivity despite challenges from religious factions. Main Points: 1. The Dargah blends Hindu and Islamic traditions, reflected in its inclusive rituals and architecture. 2. Muhammad Baba was the spiritual guide of Maloji, Shivaji Maharaj’s grandfather. 3. Stories highlight Baba’s compassion and miraculous powers, emphasizing unity and social reform. 4. The urs attracts Hindu and Muslim devotees, promoting harmony with rituals like the sandal procession. 5. Religious factions attempt to Hinduize or Islamize the shrine, but caretakers uphold its inclusive legacy. ------ Sheikh Muhammad (1560–1650), also known as Shekh Mahammad (Mohammad), Sayyad Shaikh Mahammad Qadiri, Shaikh Muhammad Shrigondekar (lit. Sheikh Muhammad of Shrigonde), and Sheikh (Shekh) Mahammad-baba, was a Muslim saint-poet who is venerated by Hindus. ----- The Dargah of Muhammad Baba in Shrigonda, Ahmednagar district, is a living testament to India’s rich tradition of religious harmony and syncretism. Blending Hindu and Islamic traditions seamlessly, this revered shrine attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds. Muhammad Baba, a Sufi saint known for his teachings of compassion and equality, left behind a legacy that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. With its intriguing history, spiritual significance, and connection to historical figures like Maloji, the grandfather of Shivaji Maharaj, the Dargah remains a centre of devotion and unity. A Shrine with a Syncretic Tradition Located in Makrandh Peth, Shrigonda town in Ahmednagar district, the Dargah reflects the inclusive spirit of its founder. The entrance signboard, reading “Sheikh Muhammad Maharaj Mandir,” highlights the harmony between Hindu and Islamic traditions. Surrounding the shrine are residential quarters of the Mujawars (caretakers), who have upheld its traditions for generations. Historical accounts state that Maloji, Shivaji Maharaj’s grandfather, gifted the Dargah land to Muhammad Baba along with 12 Bighas of cultivable land for its upkeep. The main structure of the shrine is a dome-shaped Dargah that houses the graves of Muhammad Baba, his spiritual mentor Hazrat Chand Saheb, and his wife. A brass Paduka (a footprint replica commonly found in Hindu temples) adds to the shrine’s unique syncretism. Outside the Dargah is a step commemorating Moduba, a disciple of Baba, which is smeared with vermillion and revered by visitors. A local legend recounts that Moduba, who was attacked by robbers, had his limbs severed but was miraculously healed and brought back to life by Muhammad Baba. The Sacred Well Near the Dargah stands a sacred well, dug by Muhammad Baba, whose water is believed to possess healing powers. Local stories say that during a severe drought, water from the well was transported in trucks to other areas, yet its level remained unchanged. Early Life of Muhammad Baba Muhammad Baba hailed from Pundi Vahira village in Beed district. His father, Raj Muhammad, was a follower of the Sufi saint Muhammad Ghouse and served as a fort in-charge under the Nizamshahi rule. From a young age, Muhammad Baba displayed signs of compassion and piety. One notable incident involves his refusal to sacrifice a goat, instead cutting his own finger and setting the goat free. He later became a disciple of Hazrat Chand Baba, a Qadriya Sufi saint based in Daulatabad. After years of spiritual training in Khuldabad, Muhammad Baba moved to Shrigonda, then a forested region, to spread his teachings. Teachings and Syncretic Legacy Muhammad Baba’s life was dedicated to promoting equality, unity, and religious harmony. He composed works in Marathi, Hindi, and Persian, including the book Yog Sangram in Marathi. His writings, comprising Rupaks (couplets) and Bharuds (religious songs), conveyed messages of social reform and religious tolerance. He also strongly opposed exploitative practices like the Devadasi system, prevalent in the temples of deities like Khandoba. Legends of Miracles Several legends attest to Muhammad Baba’s spiritual prowess: He saved a drowning friend while playing chess by miraculously extending his hand under the board. During a fire at Bhakti saint Tukaram Maharaj’s tent, Baba extinguished the flames from afar, and Tukaram later acknowledged the miracle. When Emperor Aurangzeb attempted to test Baba with disguised meat, the food turned into flowers and transformed into a living cow, demonstrating Baba’s spiritual strength. Baba carried 40 mounds of weight over 400 acres to fulfil a challenge by Aurangzeb, compelling the emperor to honour his promise of land. Rituals and Management The Dargah’s management is overseen by hereditary Mujawirs who follow a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic traditions. They abstain from consuming beef and celebrate festivals of both religions. In 1953, a trust was established to formalize the shrine’s administration. The annual Urs, marking Baba’s Zinda Samadhi (voluntary burial), is celebrated for three days during the Hindu month of Falgun. The festivities include a sandal procession led by a Hindu Patel of the village, symbolizing communal unity. Devotees offer coconuts, sweets, and other items, while non-vegetarian offerings are strictly prohibited. Hindus also bring their first harvest to the shrine as a gesture of reverence, and newlywed couples seek blessings for a harmonious life. Challenges to Syncretism Despite its deep-rooted tradition of inclusivity, the Dargah faces pressures from both Hindu and Islamic factions. Certain Hindu groups have tried to Hinduize the shrine, disrupting the urs and demanding control over funds. Meanwhile, the Tablighi Jamaat has attempted to assert Islamic orthodoxy by introducing practices like microphones for azan. The absence of Hindu representatives in the trust committee has fuelled tensions, but the Mujawirs remain steadfast in preserving the shrine’s legacy of harmony and unity. Conclusion The Dargah of Muhammad Baba stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of India’s pluralistic heritage. Its unique blend of traditions and teachings continues to inspire devotion and harmony among people of different faiths. Muhammad Baba’s life and legacy remain a guiding light in fostering unity in diversity. References: Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities - Page 48 by J.J Roy Burman Syncretic Shrines and Pilgrimages Dynamics of Indian Nationalism By Karan Singh ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/muhammad-baba-spiritual-shivaji-saint-unity-harmony/d/134359 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism