Hajji Ali of Mahalaxmi
Like many Mumbai-kars, I've crossed the junction a million times with a longing glance at the juice shop made more famous by Gregory Shantaram Roberts and wondering when i'd walk the path that leads to the Dargah.
The walk leading to the entrance is nothing special to write about. In fact in a matter of just about 500 mtrs., you get a glimpse of the dark side of Mumbai's begging syndicate with the freakiest pitiful wailing people with either their arms/legs cut off or with burnt/disfigured torsos plead for alms - an experience which will surely give you goose bumps and in an ironic way thankful for what you have even before you enter the mosque and Dargah.
Built in the memory of a Muslim saint/businessman, this handsome structure has become one of the iconic landmarks of the city - beckoning many devotees of different faiths. The legend of the site is that the patron saint - Hajji Ali died on the way to Mecca and miraculously the casket drifted to the place where his devout followers have built the mosque.
Artful mirror work is used to decorate the marble pillars which is also supported by an exquisite silver frame. Colorful chips of glass are arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with the 99 names of Allah in Arabic.
The main structure is a solo minaret with a marble courtyard containing the central shrine. In the inner sanctum, worshipers stoop to press their forehead against the richly brocaded red and green chaddar covering the tomb.
Not one of the best maintained places of worship - many devotees litter the place with wrappers of ice-creams and small eats from the refreshment stalls. Couples negotiate their way to the rocks at the entrance for some solitary time facing the cool breeze and the view of the sunset in the muddy waters of the Arabian Sea.
