The Dargah of Syed Naseeruddin Yusuf Shah Baba: A Spiritual Landmark in Amravati, Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 27 January 2025. Located in Amravati, Maharashtra, near the famous Amba Temple, the Dargah of Syed Naseeruddin Yusuf Shah Baba is a historic shrine revered by people of all faiths. Known for its rich legends, spiritual significance, and interfaith harmony, the shrine continues to attract devotees seeking blessings and solace. Main Points: 1. The Dargah is situated at Takia, Amba Gate, Amravati, Maharashtra, was rebuilt by a Hindu trader in 1945-47. 2. It features a small, Central Asian-style structure with a courtyard and the saint’s turbat. 3. Syed Baba is known for miracles, including defeating a demon terrorizing Amravati in Maharashtra and transforming a girl into a boy. 4. Devotees of all faiths visit, offering sweets, coconuts, and mannat. Two urs and Id-e-Milad are celebrated annually. 5. Communal tensions and orthodox influences have reduced Muslim visitors, but the shrine remains a symbol of unity. ----- The Dargah of Syed Naseeruddin Yusuf Shah Baba is a revered shrine located at Takia, Amba Gate in Amravati City of Maharashtra. Situated near the famous Amba Temple, the shrine holds historical and spiritual significance, attracting devotees of all faiths. The area around the shrine is predominantly a Hindu residential locality, with few Muslims residing nearby. Historical and Architectural Significance The Dargah is an ancient structure, built in a style reminiscent of Central Asian architecture. It is relatively modest in size, with a single room housing the Turbat (grave) of Syed Shah Baba, a small balcony, and a courtyard. The shrine was granted Inam (endowment) in 1163 Hijri. Initially, it comprised only the Turbat, but the present structure was constructed between 1945 and 1947 by Rajawali Seth, a Hindu trader from Amravati in Maharashtra. The Life and Miracles of Syed Baba Syed Naseeruddin Yusuf Shah Baba is remembered as a popular and spiritually powerful saint. According to legend, he initially resided in southern India. It is believed that Emperor Aurangzeb, unable to conquer the Deccan and the Golconda Fort held by the Nizams, sought guidance from Baba’s guru. Upon receiving a letter from his guru, Baba left for a meeting, during which Aurangzeb seized the Gaddi (seat of power). Baba subsequently moved to Amravati, Maharashtra One of the most famous stories associated with Baba revolves around his battle with a terrifying Rakshash (demon) that plagued Amravati, devouring humans and causing fear among the locals. The demon’s reign ended when Baba used his supernatural powers to subdue it. Baba fought the demon and, using divine intervention, provided it with inexhaustible food and water until it could no longer harm anyone. Eventually, Baba inserted a wooden rod into the demon’s mouth, rendering it harmless. Another notable tale highlights Baba’s miraculous powers. An engineer who sought a son was instead blessed with a daughter. When the girl was ten years old, her family visited the shrine, and the child wished to enter the sacred room housing the Turbat. Since women were not allowed inside, her mother lamented, claiming that if the saint had granted them a son instead, he could have entered. At that moment, the girl transformed into a boy, shedding her garments to demand a boy’s attire. Devotees and Rituals The shrine is visited by people of all faiths, with Hindus forming the majority of devotees due to its location. Women often bring their children to touch their foreheads against the Turbat, seeking Baba’s blessings. Devotees commonly offer sweets, coconuts, and other items, while mutton and chicken are also presented—though beef is strictly prohibited. Special prayers and gatherings take place on Thursdays (Jumme Raat) and Fridays (Jumma). Two significant Urs (annual commemorations) are celebrated at the Dargah. The first Urs is held from the 11th to the 13th of Shaban, featuring Mahfil (spiritual gatherings) but no Qawwali. A communal Langar is organized, serving rice and lentils to visitors. Since 1988, the shrine has also hosted Id-e-Milad celebrations. During Muharram, a Tazia is placed at the Dargah for five days. Devotees often tie strings to the grills of the Dargah as a form of Mannat (vow), seeking blessings or fulfilment of wishes. The hereditary Mujawir (caretaker), Mehboob Ali Shah, provides sacred ash and water believed to cure illnesses. Newlywed couples frequently visit the shrine to pay homage and seek blessings for a prosperous married life. Contemporary Challenges In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of Muslim visitors to the Dargah. The influence of the Tablighi Jamaat, promoting a more orthodox interpretation of Islam, has contributed to this change. Additionally, Amravati has experienced communal tensions, further affecting the shrine's Muslim patronage. Despite these challenges, the Dargah continues to serve as a spiritual haven, welcoming devotees from all walks of life. The Dargah of Syed Naseeruddin Yusuf Shah Baba remains a testament to the enduring power of faith and interfaith harmony. It stands as a symbol of Amravati’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing countless pilgrims seeking solace, blessings, and a connection to the divine. References: Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities By J. J. Roy Burman- Page 57 https://sufifmali.blogspot.com/2016/12/hazrat-syed-yusuf-shah-ra.html Indian Journal of Secularism IJS : a Journal of Centre for Study of Society & Secularism · Volume 10 ----- 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. 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