Haji Ali Dargah to be rebuilt in marble
posted in Dargah, hajiali |Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, visited by Hindus and Muslims alike. It is basically the tomb of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant who renounced all the worldly possessions and became a saint, after he returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca. Along with the tomb, there is also a mosque at Haji Ali.
Haji Ali Dargah, which juts out into the sea, is being rebuilt in marble, as the present concrete structure is eroding due to saline air and harsh weather conditions.
The shrine, which is around 500 years old is a prominent landmark of Mumbai that attracts between 5,000 to 10,000 devotees every day.
The renovation project, which began and is expected to finish in two years, will focus on reconstructing the tomb, minarets and adjacent mosque in Makrana marble without changing the original architecture, Managing Trustee and Chairman of Haji Ali Dargah Trust, According to A H Merchant.
The project will cost around Rs 10 crore, Merchant said.
The present structure is a rebuilt of concrete and steel done way back between 1960-64, but the steel used in the tomb, minarets and mosque has corroded now due to saline air, he said.
The Dargah, which often features in Hindi films, notably in ‘Coolie’,'Fizaa’ and ‘Halla Bol’ also serves as a source of inspiration to many.