Tawakkal Mastan Dargah in Bengaluru: A Symbol of Faith, Devotion, and Harmony

By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam 31 December 2024 The Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah In Bengaluru, Built In 1783 By Tipu Sultan, Honours A 17th-Century Sufi Saint Of The Suharwardia Order. Known For His Selfless Service, Tawakkal Mastan’s Legacy Is Celebrated In The Karaga Festival. The Dargah Fosters Interfaith Unity, Drawing People From Various Backgrounds, And Remains A Symbol Of Devotion, Charity, And Communal Harmony. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan was a 17th-century Sufi saint from the Suharwardia Order. 2. He worked on the Kalasipalyam fort, refusing payment, later asking for a mosque. 3. The Dargah, completed by Tipu Sultan in 1783, marks his tomb. 4. It’s linked to the Karaga festival. 5. The shrine attracts devotees of all faiths. 6. The Dargah fosters unity, charity, and spiritual devotion. ----- Introduction In the vibrant city of Bengaluru, nestled in the historical Cottonpet area, stands the Dargah of Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan, a revered Sufi shrine that has become a symbol of spiritual harmony, cultural integration, and religious devotion. Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan, a saint from the Suharwardia Order, is regarded by his followers as a guiding light of piety and wisdom from the 17th century. His life and the establishment of his Dargah are deeply interwoven with both historical events and cultural legends, making this site a unique testament to religious pluralism and historical significance in the city. A Glimpse into the Life of Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan, a Sufi saint of the Suharwardia Order, was a disciple of Baba Fakruddin of Penukonda. He is remembered for his profound spirituality and selfless service to humanity. In the mid-18th century, Tawakkal Mastan, along with his companions Hazrat Tipu Mastan and Hazrat Manik Mastan, played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of the Kalasipalyam fort during the reign of Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore. The trio worked diligently during the day as labourers, while dedicating their nights to prayer and spiritual practices. Despite their tireless work, they refused to accept any payment for their labour. Hyder Ali, intrigued by the unusual behaviour of the men who refused wages, ordered an investigation. It was discovered that the trio did not stay at the construction site, but instead disappeared to a mosque in Kumbarpet, where they spent the night in devotion. When an official visited the mosque to look for them, he was astounded to find only the physical remnants of their presence—three parts of a human body, with two dogs standing guard. This extraordinary event led Hyder Ali to realise that these were no ordinary workers, but holy men of extraordinary spiritual standing. The Birth Of The Dargah In 1777, Hyder Ali initiated the construction of a mosque at the request of Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan, who, despite his saintly stature, asked for nothing more than a place of worship. The mosque was to be built near Uppara Pete, and Hyder Ali oversaw the project. However, before its completion, Tawakkal Mastan passed away in 1777. The mosque, which was completed in 1783 under the direction of Hyder Ali’s son, Tipu Sultan, became the dargah dedicated to Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan. It is believed that Tawakkal Mastan’s tomb lies within the mosque, marking the place where he had wished to be remembered. The Dargah, which remains a place of reverence, not only serves as a memorial to Tawakkal Mastan but also stands as a symbol of Hyder Ali’s respect and devotion to the saint’s simple yet profound request. The mosque has since become a major religious and cultural landmark, attracting countless devotees from all backgrounds. The Dargah And Its Symbolism The Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah is not just a religious shrine; it is also a symbol of interfaith harmony and unity. One of its most notable associations is with the Hindu Karaga festival, a prominent cultural and religious event in Bengaluru. The Karaga procession, which is linked to the Dharmaraja Temple festivities, traditionally includes a visit to the Dargah. The significance of the Dargah in the Karaga procession is rooted in several folk legends. One popular story speaks of the saint being trampled by the crowd during the Karaga procession. After being revived by priests who applied Kum-Kum (vermilion powder) to his wounds, Tawakkal Mastan insisted that the procession must always stop at his Dargah to seek his blessings before continuing its journey. This moment is said to have marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition, with the Karaga procession now always stopping at the Dargah as part of its route. Another version of the story connects the saint’s memory to the Tamil-speaking Thigala community, whom Hyder Ali brought to Bengaluru during his reign. Among this community was a scholar named Dharmaraja, who persuaded Hyder Ali to build a temple and a muth (a religious institution) in the city. Hyder Ali complied, and the temple and muth were constructed. During the Karaga procession, a devotee carrying the sacred Karaga stopped at the Dargah of Tawakkal Mastan, asking for his blessings to ensure the deity would not fall off his head, as this would be considered sacrilege. This request is believed to have initiated the tradition of visiting the Dargah before embarking on the Karaga procession. Place Of Unity And Faith The Tawakkal Mastan Dargah is not only visited by Muslims but also attracts people from various religious communities. It has become a place where individuals from all walks of life come to seek solace, guidance, and spiritual blessings. The shrine opens daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with large congregations gathering on Fridays for the Juma prayer. After the prayer, a small fair takes place outside the Dargah, where people from diverse communities come together to worship and share in the spirit of unity. A unique tradition has developed at the Dargah, where early in the morning, members of the Hindu community gather to walk around the shrine in reverence. After this ritual, they feed the poor with Idli and Sambhar, a traditional South Indian dish, as an act of charity. This practice reflects the deep sense of communal harmony and selfless service that the Dargah fosters. It is a place where religious differences are transcended in the spirit of collective worship and compassion. Festivals At The Dargah The Dargah hosts three major festivals each year, drawing thousands of devotees and pilgrims. The first is the Urs, which marks the death anniversary of Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan. The second is the Karaga Festival, during which the dargah plays an essential role as a site for blessings and spiritual offerings. The third is the Mohramm festival, observed on the ninth day of Muharram, marking the Islamic new year. Each of these festivals serves as a reminder of Tawakkal Mastan’s enduring legacy and the values of devotion, humility, and service that he embodied. The dargah’s history, which spans over two centuries, continues to inspire people of all faiths, making it a cherished landmark in Bengaluru. The shrine is a testament to the power of prayer, the importance of communal harmony, and the universal quest for peace. The Dargah’s Cultural Significance The Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah is one of the oldest and largest dargahs in Bengaluru, often regarded as a beacon of spiritual unity in a city renowned for its religious diversity. The shrine’s cultural significance extends beyond its religious function; it serves as a powerful symbol of integration, where people from different backgrounds come together to worship, share in spiritual practices, and celebrate festivals. From the humble request for a mosque to the establishment of a shrine that now stands as a place of devotion, the Dargah of Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan remains an enduring testament to the saint’s spiritual journey, his selfless service, and his deep connection with the people of Bengaluru. His legacy continues to inspire faith, unity, and devotion across generations, making the Dargah a timeless symbol of peace, love, and interfaith harmony. Conclusion The Hazrat Tawakkal Mastan Dargah stands as a profound symbol of spiritual unity, interfaith harmony, and devotion in Bengaluru. Through its rich history and connection to the Hindu Karaga festival, it has become a place where people of all faiths come together in worship and community. The shrine’s enduring legacy, rooted in the saint’s humility and service, continues to inspire generations, making it a cherished landmark that transcends religious boundaries and fosters peace and understanding. ---- Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony. 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