Bhandara's Takia Dargah: Where Hindu Devotion Meets Islamic Sainthood in Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 20 June 2025 Takia Dargah in Bhandara, a sacred complex of Madar Shah saints’ tombs, fosters unity with vibrant urs and Muharram celebrations. Attracting diverse devotees, it upholds secular traditions, offering solace and spiritual healing. Main Points: 1. Takia Dargah, a revered shrine in Bhandara, houses tombs of Madar Shah sect saints. 2. Zinda Shah’s chillah and Pira Shah’s tomb are central attractions. 3. Secular ethos draws Hindus, Muslims; over 90% devotees are Hindus. 4. Urs and Muharram celebrations are vibrant, with vegetarian offerings. 5. Legends of Hazrat Pira Shah highlight compassion and interfaith harmony. ----- Bhandari’s Takia Dargah ----- Nestled in the heart of Bhandara, a bustling district headquarters in Maharashtra, the Takia Dargah stands as a revered religious shrine, drawing devotees from across communities. Known for its spiritual significance and rich history, the Takia is arguably the most prominent religious site in Bhandara town, which boasts a significant Muslim population. Located towards one end of the township, the shrine was once surrounded by dense forests when the town was smaller in size. Today, it serves as a symbol of unity, attracting people of all faiths who seek solace and blessings. The Takia is not a single tomb but a sacred complex housing the graves of several saints belonging to the Madar Shah sect, who are regarded as followers of the revered Ghaus Pak (Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadri Gilani). A striking black flag, commemorating Madar Shah Baba, flutters at the entrance of the Dargah, welcoming visitors. The central figure of the complex is Syed Ahmed Badiuddin Zinda, fondly known as Zinda Shah, whose tomb, or Chillah, is the most prominent in the complex, distinguished by its greater height. Zinda Shah, originally from Makkhanpur in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district, is believed to have been seen alive by many even after his demise, earning him the title "Zinda Shah" (the living saint). Another significant tomb in the complex is that of Hazrat Pira Shah (in some places, name is also written as 'Peer Shah Baba'), who arrived in Bhandara around 1800 A.D. and was a devoted disciple of Hazrat Zinda Shah, his Murshid (spiritual guide). Alongside these, the graves of Hazrat Ghodewali Shah, Hazrat Diwan Shah, and the family members of Pira Shah are also situated within the medium-sized compound. A unique feature of the complex is the presence of a pind (a memorial revered by Hindus) dedicated to Prabhu Shah, a Brahmin who converted to Islam after marrying Hazrat Pira Shah’s daughter. The graves are neatly arranged side by side, with a railing wall marking a specific area where women are not permitted to enter during a special evening prayer held daily at dusk. The Takia complex also includes a Musafirkhana (guesthouse), reconstructed in 1998, with a dedicated section for women. Adjacent to it stands a masjid, built a few years ago, and a guesthouse, adding to the facilities for devotees visiting the shrine. Legends of Hazrat Pira Shah: A Saint of Compassion The dargah is steeped in fascinating legends, particularly about Hazrat Pira Shah, known for his selflessness and accessibility. One popular tale recounts the visit of King Limbhaji Bhonsle, who was en route to Bengal for a war. Advised to seek Hazrat Pira Shah’s blessings, the king arrived at the Takia to find the saint suffering from high fever. Despite his condition, Hazrat Pira Shah concealed his ailment under a quilt to meet the king with dignity. When the king noticed the quilt trembling and inquired, Hazrat Pira Shah humbly explained that he had "hidden his fever" to converse freely. He blessed the king, predicting victory without the need for a long journey. True to the saint’s words, King Bhonsle received news of his triumph not far from Bhandara, a prophecy later corroborated by Hindu saints Ramgiri Baba and Raghunath Dev, whom the king met subsequently. A Symbol of Secular Harmony The Takia Dargah is a shining example of India’s syncretic traditions. Hazrat Pira Shah shared a deep bond with Raghunath Shah and Salikh Shah, another saint from Bhandara, and the trio often spent days together, embodying interfaith camaraderie. This legacy of harmony continues to this day. Every year, on Ram Navami, the Deosant family, descendants of a Brahmin follower of Hazrat Pira Shah, sends sweets to the Takia in the morning before breaking their fast, a tradition that reflects the shrine’s secular ethos. Hazrat Pira Shah, who had no sons, entrusted his responsibilities to his Brahmin son-in-law, further strengthening the ties between communities. The Dargah’s secular appeal is evident in the diverse crowd it attracts. According to Ayub Patel, the mujawar (caretaker) of the Takia, over 90% of the devotees are Hindus, particularly from nearby villages and districts. Many bring relatives believed to be possessed by ghosts or jinns, seeking spiritual healing. The shrine’s inclusive nature is further highlighted during its annual urs celebrations, which draw thousands of devotees. Urs and Muharram: Vibrant Celebrations The Takia hosts two significant urs celebrations. The first, dedicated to Ghaus Pak, is observed on the 11th day of the 11th Islamic month, aligning with global commemorations of the saint. This is a one-day event marked by devotion and communal harmony. The second urs, held in the name of Zinda Pir on the same date, spans two days and is a grand affair. Unlike many dargahs, qawwali performances are not held within the Takia, but a band party is invited to play music outside, adding to the festive spirit. Since 1961, the Takia has also been a centre for Muharram observances, which last ten days and attract thousands of visitors from far-off places. Devotees often stay at the shrine during this period, cooking their own meals and participating in the celebrations with great enthusiasm. Notably, no tazia (replica of Imam Hussain’s tomb) is brought to the shrine during Muharram, preserving the unique traditions of the Takia. A distinctive feature of the urs celebrations at the Takia is the absence of non-vegetarian food. Only vegetarian dishes, sweets, and other offerings are served to the public, reflecting the shrine’s inclusive ethos. Even the descendants of Hazrat Pira Shah abstain from non-vegetarian food at home for ten days during the urs, honouring the saint’s legacy of simplicity and unity. A Place of Solace for All The Takia Dargah remains a spiritual haven where people of all faiths find solace. Its historical and cultural significance, coupled with its secular traditions, makes it a unique landmark in Bhandara. Whether it’s the daily evening prayers, the vibrant urs celebrations, or the Muharram observances, the Takia continues to foster a sense of unity and devotion. For the people of Bhandara and beyond, it is not just a shrine but a testament to the enduring power of faith and harmony. ------ 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/takia-dargah-hindu-devotion-islamic-sainthood/d/135928 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