The Dargah Of Kolgaonwale Baba In Ahmednagar District Of Maharashtra: A Symbol Of Faith And Harmony

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 09 January 2025. The Dargah Of Kolgaonwale Baba, A Symbol Of Faith And Unity, Draws Devotees From All Backgrounds For Its Spiritual Legacy, Miraculous Stories, And Cultural Significance, With Major Urs Celebrations And Modern Developments Enhancing Its Prominence. Main Points: 1. The Dargah of Kolgaonwale Baba, Syed Ahmed Shah, is a revered shrine in Kolgaon, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. 2. The shrine attracts devotees from all religions, symbolizing unity and faith. 3. Known for healing and blessings, Baba spent 45 years in isolation and was renowned for his supernatural abilities. 4. The shrine features modern developments, including a musafirkhana, museum, and unique architecture by Nari Gandhi. 5. Two annual urs celebrate Baba and his spiritual guides, drawing thousands of devotees. ------ Situated in Kolgaon, a village in Shrigonda Taluka of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India, the Dargah of Kolgaonwale Baba, also known as Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shah Akbar Shah (RA), is a revered spiritual site. Located approximately 45 km from Ahmednagar city, this shrine attracts devotees from diverse faiths, symbolizing unity and communal harmony. Historical Significance The Dargah holds deep historical roots, with the site originally serving as a graveyard. According to local accounts, Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shah Akbar Shah first arrived in Kolgaon in 1934-35. Known for his austere lifestyle and spiritual wisdom, he dedicated his life to serving humanity. He is believed to have come in search of the graves of his Murshids (spiritual guides), Syed Changesh Ali Shah and Syed Muhabbat Ali Shah, who belonged to a group that travelled from Baghdad around 1500 years ago. Arrival and Life in Kolgaon Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shah was first seen in Kolgaon at the shop of a farmer named Balasaheb Deshmukh. Draped in a black robe, carrying a stick and a silver panja, the saint sought a mosque where he could reside. After inspecting several mosques, he settled at one cared for by Azmat Ali, another devoted villager. Though Azmat Ali initially expressed concern about providing for Baba, Balasaheb Deshmukh vowed to supply meals for him daily—a promise he kept until the end of Baba’s life. For 45 years, Kolgaonwale Baba remained confined to the mosque, stepping out only twice weekly for personal needs. Known for his miraculous blessings, he healed the sick and helped childless couples. Baba’s blessings brought children to both Balasaheb Deshmukh and Azmat Ali after years of yearning. Supernatural Stories and Miracles Baba’s simplicity and divine connection earned him immense reverence. He spoke sparingly, often communicating through gestures or drawing lines on paper, yet he could converse fluently in multiple languages when needed, including French. Devotees recall countless miracles attributed to Baba, from healing ailments to alleviating sorrow. His advice, delivered with divine insight, often transformed lives. One remarkable account is that of Maqbul Bangriwala, who was blessed with a child after 16 years of being childless. Another notable story is of Baba guiding devotees to turn their prayers directly to God, emphasizing that blessings ultimately come from the Almighty. Development of the Shrine The Dargah’s infrastructure developed significantly after Baba’s passing in 1981. Contributions from devotees and architects like Nari Gandhi and philanthropists such as Sadruddin Daya led to the construction of a Gulbarga (mausoleum), museum, Musafirkhana (guesthouse), boundary walls, and a beautiful main gate. The site now includes a courtyard, pigeon house, and 25 rooms. The shrine’s increasing popularity has made it a cultural and spiritual hub, with visitors traveling from Maharashtra, Mumbai, Pune, Karnataka, and beyond. Annual Urs and Traditions The Dargah Hosts Two Annual Urs (Commemorations): First Urs: Dedicated to Kolgaonwale Baba, it begins six days before Bakri Eid and lasts for four days. The event features a sandal procession and communal meals (langar). Second Urs: Honouring Baba’s Murshids, Syed Changesh Ali Shah and Syed Muhabbat Ali Shah, it spans two days. During these occasions, fairs are organized, and a special tradition involves honoring a local Deshmukh Maratha Hindu family. This practice stems from the relationship between Baba and Gulabrao Deshmukh, who served Baba with unwavering devotion and was blessed with a child after years of childlessness. Challenges and Legacy The shrine has seen occasional disputes, such as in 1982 when a Hindu sadhu claimed that Kolgaonwale Baba was of Hindu origin. This led to tensions requiring the intervention of the District Collector. Despite such challenges, the shrine remains a symbol of communal harmony, with a management Trust established in 1958 to oversee operations. The Trust includes local Mujawirs (caretakers) and committee members from diverse backgrounds. Baba’s teachings emphasized humanity and equality. He welcomed everyone, regardless of status, often declining to meet influential figures while guiding the common people. Notable individuals like C.M. Patil, Governor Abdul Latif, and Sushil Kumar Shinde sought his blessings, yet Baba’s humility and impartiality remained steadfast. Conclusion The Dargah of Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shah Akbar Shah (RA) continues to thrive as a center of spiritual solace and unity. With its rich history, miraculous legacy, and vibrant traditions, the shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims of all faiths, especially during the urs. Kolgaonwale Baba’s teachings and miracles remain a beacon of hope, faith, and communal harmony, ensuring the village’s name resonates far and wide. References http://kolgaon.weebly.com/234223522381232723662361--2325237923542327236623572357236623542375-2348236623482366.html India and Pakistan: Friends, Rivals Or Enemies? - Page 41 Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities - Page 46 https://youtu.be/IFt0hlf9NP4?si=E8Izg-whqSpM-22o ----- 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/dargah-kolgaonwale-baba-symbol-faith-harmony/d/134283 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