Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Masum Shah Dargahs: A Spiritual Oasis in Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 24 June 2025 The dargahs of Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Hazrat Masum Shah, located on the Bhandara-Pauni highway, are revered shrines maintained by Dawdi Par villagers. Gaibi Shah’s Turbat emerged in 1955, while Masum Shah’s dargah is simpler. The annual urs fosters interfaith harmony. Main Points: 1. Located on Bhandara-Pauni highway, 10 km from Bhandara township. 2. Hazrat Gaibi Shah’s open turbat emerged miraculously in 1955. 3. Hazrat Masum Shah’s dargah is a simple two-room structure. 4. Dawdi Par villagers, led by Daya Ram and Ram Das, maintain the shrines. 5. Annual urs on 21-22 March unites Hindus and Muslims. ------ Nestled along the Bhandara-Pauni highway in the Bhandara district, within the serene confines of the Adhar range forest, lies a spiritual abode that draws devotees from near and far, the Dargahs of Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Hazrat Masum Shah. Situated approximately 10 kilometres from Bhandara township, these twin shrines, located at the same spot, offer a unique blend of mysticism, community spirit, and interfaith harmony. The Dargah of Hazrat Gaibi Shah: A Roadside Reverie The Dargah of Hazrat Gaibi Shah is an open Turbat, positioned by the roadside, enclosed by an iron grill fence. A green flag, a symbol of devotion, flutters from the branch of a nearby tree, marking the sanctity of the place. Local lore recounts a miraculous tale surrounding the shrine’s origin. It is believed that Hazrat Gaibi Shah emerged directly from the earth around 1955, nearly 45 years ago. The story goes that an anthill first appeared at the spot, and soon after, Baba was seen with a chelum, a traditional pipe for smoking tobacco. This divine manifestation has since made the site a focal point of reverence. The dargah was constructed by a forester and the Panch Committee of the nearby Dawdi Par village after the forester’s boon was fulfilled. Efforts to expand the shrine, including an attempt by a policeman to build a room, were halted by the Public Works Department (PWD) as the site falls under their jurisdiction. Despite its simplicity, the dargah of Hazrat Gaibi Shah remains a beacon of faith for passers-by and devotees alike. The Dargah of Hazrat Masum Shah: A Modest Sanctuary Behind the open Turbat of Hazrat Gaibi Shah stands the dargah of Hazrat Masum Shah Baba, housed in a modest two-room structure. The front wall of the dargah, adorned with a painted tiger along the balcony, adds a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise simple edifice. The turbat of Hazrat Masum Shah, covered with galep (a type of cloth), occupies one of the rooms, while the second is used by one of the mujawars (caretakers). This dargah, built approximately 25-30 years ago by the residents of Dawdi Par, complements the older shrine of Hazrat Gaibi Shah, creating a shared sacred space. The Village of Dawdi Par: The Heart of Devotion Dawdi Par, a medium-sized village with around 400 households, is the epicentre of devotion for the Dargahs. The village comprises about 40 Muslim households, with the remaining belonging to various Hindu castes. It is primarily the residents of Dawdi Par who take an active interest in the upkeep and activities of the Hazrat Gaibi Shah dargah. Among them is Daya Ram Sadhu, a small farmer from the Kumhar (potter) caste, who has been tending to the Dargah since its inception. Having spent part of his childhood at the Dargah of Hazrat Muhabbat Shah Baba in Pratapgarh, Daya Ram dedicates most of his day to the shrine’s care. Another devoted caretaker is Ram Das, a bohemian soul who has served the Dargah for the past 40 years. Hailing from a wealthy family, Ram Das left behind worldly comforts to join a Qawwali troupe. His first visit to the Dargah was with the troupe, after which he chose to stay on permanently. Unmarried and deeply committed, he resides at the Dargah day and night. Known for his culinary skills, Ram Das once prepared meals at the shrine, but stopped after the utensils were stolen. A Place of Rest and Reverence The Dargah of Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Hazrat Masum Shah serves as a tranquil resting spot for travellers along the highway. Many vehicles pause briefly or blow their horns as a mark of respect, while pedestrians stop to rest and drink water. The shrine is particularly bustling on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, when devotees gather in larger numbers. However, women are not permitted inside the Hazrat Masum Shah Dargah and must offer their prayers from outside. Devotees whose wishes are fulfilled often express their gratitude by offering food at the shrine, though non-vegetarian offerings are strictly prohibited. The Annual Urs: A Celebration of Unity Every year, the people of Dawdi Par organise a vibrant urs on the 21st and 22nd of March. The highlight of the celebration is the sandal procession, which covers a distance of about 3 kilometres from the village to the shrine. Previously, the sandal was brought from the house of Zaffar Miya, a conductor, but this year, due to internal village politics, it was sourced from the local masjid. The urs is a communal affair, with villagers contributing money, rice, and vegetables to ensure its success. Remarkably, the event transcends religious boundaries, with Hindu devotees reportedly outnumbering Muslims, reflecting the Dargah’s universal appeal. Growing Popularity and Interfaith Harmony Over the past decade, the Dargahs of Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Hazrat Masum Shah have gained increasing prominence, attracting visitors from distant places. The shrines stand as a testament to interfaith harmony, with people of all faiths participating in the urs and offering their prayers. The absence of non-vegetarian offerings further underscores the inclusive ethos of the site, ensuring it remains accessible to devotees of diverse dietary practices. In a world often divided by differences, the Dargahs of Hazrat Gaibi Shah and Hazrat Masum Shah stand as a symbol of unity, faith, and community spirit. Whether it’s the roadside reverence of Hazrat Gaibi Shah’s Turbat or the quiet sanctity of Hazrat Masum Shah’s shrine, this sacred spot continues to offer solace and spiritual connection to all who visit. ----- 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. 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