The Dargah of Qutb Shah Wali Baba: A Symbol of Communal Harmony in Maulagaon, Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 30 June 2025 According to the Historians the 200-year-old Dargah of Qutb Shah Wali Baba in Maulagaon, Buldhana, unites Hindus and Muslims in worship. Featuring a Tazia, Mahalaxmi idols, and an annual urs, it symbolises communal harmony. Main Points: 1. Located in Maulagaon, 20 km from Mehekar. 2. 200-year-old shrine on Hindu-owned land. 3. Hindus and Muslims worship together; women allowed. 4. Annual urs during Kartik Purnima with fair, qawwali. 5. Tazia and panjas are processed during Muharram. ----- Nestled on the outskirts of Maulagaon village in Mehekar Taluka of Buldhana district, approximately 20 km from Mehekar town, lies the revered dargah of Qutb Shah Wali Baba. This quaint village, home to 275 households, including 40 Muslim families, is a shining example of religious harmony, where people of all faiths come together to venerate the Baba. The Dargah, a modest, white-painted structure believed to be around 200 years old, holds a unique place in the hearts of the villagers. According to local lore, Qutb Shah Wali Baba hailed from Bibi village in Sinkeroja Taluka. Upon arriving in Maulagaon, he is said to have dug a well and planted five tamarind trees, leaving an enduring mark on the village. He also brought with him a tazia, a tradition that continues to this day. The Dargah itself is built on land owned by Bhaskar Kishanrao Panchrane, a Maratha by caste, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity that defines this sacred site. Renovated by Pawar Saheb, a Hindu contractor from Dondagaon, the shrine consists of two rooms. The larger room houses the Turbat (grave) of the Baba, flanked by two tiger sculptures on either side, symbolising strength and reverence. In the adjoining room, a Tazia used during Muharram is kept, accompanied by two idols of Goddess Mahalaxmi, one on each side of the Tazia handle, showcasing a remarkable blend of Hindu and Islamic traditions. The Dargah attracts devotees from all communities, with a significant number of Hindus visiting to pay their respects. Women, too, are welcomed inside the shrine, making it an inclusive space for worship. Devotees often offer wooden toy horses and tigers as part of their Mannat (vows), along with traditional offerings like coconut, sweets, Malida, and Agarbatti. Interestingly, some also offer non-vegetarian food as Neyaz, a practice that further highlights the syncretic nature of the shrine. The annual urs of Qutb Shah Wali Baba, held during Kartik Purnima, 15 days after Diwali, is a major event in the village. The sandal procession originates from the residence of Bhaskar Kishanrao Panchrane, and an eight-day fair is organised, drawing crowds from nearby areas. The fair is enlivened by performances from Qawwali troupes and Bhajan Mandalis, creating an atmosphere of spiritual unity. A Bhandara is also arranged to feed the devotees, fostering a sense of community. During Muharram, the Tazia from the Dargah joins others in the village, and both Muslim and Hindu residents participate in the procession, with some Hindus bringing out their own Panjas alongside the Muslim Taziyas, which are collectively taken for immersion. This shared participation underscores the deep-rooted communal harmony in Maulagaon. However, one curious restriction at the Dargah is the prohibition on photography. Local belief holds that taking photographs of the shrine can invite misfortune. A story often recounted is that of Laxman Deorao Dhote, a boy who, about five or six years ago, reportedly passed away a few days after photographing the Dargah. While the entire village takes part in maintaining the Dargah, the day-to-day upkeep is primarily managed by the pujari family. The Dargah of Qutb Shah Wali Baba stands as a testament to the seamless synthesis of Hindu and Islamic traditions, embodying the spirit of unity and mutual respect that defines Maulagaon. It is not just a place of worship but a living symbol of India’s pluralistic ethos. ----- 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/dargah-qutb-shah-wali-communal-harmony/d/136025 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