Maula Ali - Long Pending Visit

 I have always heard of Maula Ali dargah, seen it from a distance, but never visited it. They say that the place has to call or rather you have to be ready for it and i guess I finally was and took off early today. Tarnaka, Lalapet and onwards. A lovely bridge which was not there overlooking some government properties with lots of trees (please don't see them for God's sake). And then onward to Maula Ali.

From the parking

Sunrise

The dargah was built by the Qutb Shahi rulers (which means it must have been between 1512-1600 AD) on top of a fascinating hill, and is dedicated to Ali. On the hillock opposite you find two rauzas, one of which is supposed to have relics of the prophet. Though it's built by Shias, people from all faiths visit the dargah. There's a Urs-e-Shareef that goes on for a month and has been on for the last few days. Apparently tomorrow i.e.18, 19 and 20, people can into the inner shrine.

Steps - 484

The car goes half way. There were not many people, owing perhaps to the early time. I parked- no parking fee and attendant. Then I walked up the steps - some 484 steps they say. The hillock has several small structures - as steps go up to the dargah, steps also go down to the bottom of the hilloc form where one can climb to the rauzas on the other hillocks. 

Shortcut

There are toilets, that looked clean. One huge project of building a road around the hilock to the top is underway and it will mostly take away the pristine nature of the hill in my opinion. As you climb the hillock we notice some serrated steps carved into the hill side (its soid granite) for those wishing to take a more arduous route perhaps. 

Up on the hillock is an old gateway. It looks pretty old and in bad shape and there seems to be some work going on - whether it is restoration or demolition I could not make out. To the left of this gateway one can see the city stretching to the horizon and one also can sit on the round granite hillock to enjoy the view. 

Other hillocks - with rauzas

Further up is another gate and I saw some people sleeping in their blankets. Onwards and the actual dargah comes into view and I went in. I met one Shabbir Mohammad from Lucknow who had come to the Maula Ali Urs.

Classic - thanks to Shabbir

The tea seller form Chandrayanagutta - pic courtesy Shabbir

The gentlemen inside were very polite and courteous and informative and said that one could come back tomorrow and go right in. That the dargah was known to fulfill wishes and that Banjaras come there from far and wide because they have great faith. After many years I saw a lambada family. They were sleeping, cooking etc. I sat outside on the steps enjoying the magnificent view, had some chai prepared by this family who came from Chandrayanagutta - I feel they only come for the Urs. Shabbir  Mohammed insisted on taking a few snaps of mine after he saw me taking pics.

A rare sight - lambadas

After a good one hour I set out, went to the other side where there are steps, and got back to the car. Fully worth it. Go at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the view and if you want to attend the Urs, Go now.