The Mirawali Baba Dargah: A Beacon of Interfaith Harmony in Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 10 January 2025 The Mirawali Baba Dargah, A Hilltop Shrine Near Ahmednagar, Embodies Interfaith Harmony Through Unique Rituals, Historical Significance, And Vibrant Celebrations, Attracting Devotees Across Communities Seeking Blessings, Healing, And Spiritual Solace Main Points: 1. Located 8 km from Ahmednagar, the Mirawali Dargah dates back to 173 Hijri and belongs to Sufi saint Hazrat Sayedna Ishaq Shah Mirawali. 2. Devotees practice unique rituals like weighing infants against molasses and tying green bangles to a champa tree for blessings. 3. The shrine houses multiple tombs, including those of Hazrat Mirawali's relatives and other Sufi saints, along with a naubatkhana for ceremonial drumming. 4. Mirawali Baba’s supernatural powers are part of local legends, attracting people of all faiths seeking blessings and healing. 5. The annual urs draws large crowds for qawwali, langar, and prayers, exemplifying its role in fostering interfaith unity. ----- Hazrat Mira Wali Baba Dargah, Pahad, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India ------ The Mirawali Dargah is one of the most famous Dargahs in Maharashtra, located about 8 km from Ahmednagar City. Nature of the Shrine The Mirawali Dargah is situated on a hilltop, making it visible from a far distance. The Dargah complex consists of several tombs and a mosque. The main Dargah belongs to the Sufi saint Hazrat Sayedna Ishaq Shah Mirawali and was built in 173 Hijri. Hazrat Mirawali belonged to the Mira Silsila, which traces its lineage to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani, also known as Ghaus Pak of Baghdad. His grave is housed within the main tomb. Outside the tomb, on the balcony, there is an iron swing cot. Devotees, especially parents who had made a Mannat (vow) for a child, weigh their infant children against molasses and swing them on the cot 40 days after birth as an act of gratitude. The Dargah also houses a Naubatkhana (music room) in front of the main shrine, where large drums are beaten every morning at 5:30 a.m. This Naubatkhana is believed to have been constructed with assistance from the Nizams. Among the notable sites within the complex is the Mazar of Shajadi Bibi Khadija, popularly known as Dadi Amma. She was the daughter of a trader from Ahmednagar, offered to the Dargah as part of her father’s Mannat. It is said that issueless couples frequent the Dargah to seek her blessings. Many women tie green bangles and strings to the branches of a Champa tree near Dadi Amma’s Mazar as part of their vows. Additionally, the sick and mentally ill also visit the shrine for healing. A few huts for such devotees have even sprung up behind the Dargah. Apart from the main tomb, there are four Dargahs of Hazrat Mirawali Baba's relatives, as well as the tombs of two Sufi saints, Borke Shah Baba and Shakker Baba, located beside Dadi Amma’s swing. The Dargah of Hazrat Zainul Abedin, also called Chhote Baba’s Dargah, stands in front of the main shrine. Legends and Spiritual Practices According to local legends, Hazrat Mirawali Baba travelled from Baghdad via Afghanistan, Balochistan, Junnar, Asangaon, and Ahmednagar before settling at the hill called Kafarwadi, where the Dargah now stands. A spot along his journey, where he rested under a tree, is known as Mirawali Ki Kacheri (Mirawali Baba’s court). This location is believed to have the power to cure people possessed by evil spirits, and pegs are driven into the tree's roots and trunk as part of the exorcism rituals. One of the Baba’s first disciples was Ramgari, a Hindu. Over time, many people from different faiths and communities became followers of Hazrat Mirawali Baba. Numerous legends surround the saint’s supernatural powers. For example, a man from Sarola village once threw his child from the hilltop as part of a Mannat. The child landed safely at the bottom and was found playing happily. Another story involves Gopal, a man from Shrirampur village, who was blessed with a child at the age of 70 after seeking a boon at the Dargah. It is also said that Shah Tahir, a Shia Muslim, once tested Mirawali Baba’s powers by secretly serving him the meat of cats and dogs. The Baba, using his Roohani Taaqat (spiritual power), brought the animals back to life. Devotees and Celebrations Devotees visit the Dargah almost daily, with higher numbers on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, full moon days, and new moon days. Around 75% of the devotees are Hindus, although many Muslims still visit, especially during the annual urs (death anniversary celebration) held on the 10th of Rabi al-Thani. The Urs, which coincides with the urs of Ghaus Pak, lasts for four days and includes a sandal procession from Hyder Shah’s Dargah in Nehru Market, Ahmednagar City, to the Mirawali Dargah. Other activities during the Urs include Qawwali performances, Langar (community meals), and public prayers. Management of the Shrine The Dargah is managed by a trust formed in 1952 by the hereditary Mujawirs (caretakers). Though Hindus are not part of the shrine’s management board, local Hindu villagers remain closely linked to the Dargah. Some Hindus believe that Mirawali Baba himself was a Hindu. Small Hindu shrines, such as rocks smeared with vermillion, can also be seen near the Dargah. In 1982, a dispute arose when a Hindu sadhu claimed that Kolgaonwale Baba, associated with the Mirawali Dargah, was a Hindu. The District Collector had to intervene to resolve the issue. Despite occasional tensions, the Mirawali Dargah remains a vibrant symbol of interfaith harmony and syncretic traditions, attracting devotees from various communities across the region. ------ 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/interfaith-dialogue/mirawali-baba-dargah-beacon-interfaith-harmony/d/134289 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