Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

The dargah atop Dolphin Hills

Vidya K.S.

FAITH MATTERS: Baba Mohammad Siddique at the dargah of Baba Tajuddin Syed Quadri atop Dolphin Hills in Visakhapatnam. — Photo: K.R. Deepak

VISAKHAPATNAM: It's a small miracle overlooking the blue Bay of Bengal. Situated close to the Dolphin Hills lighthouse, the `Aastana Hazrat Baba Syed Tajuddin Shah Quadri' dargah is a story of peace and faith dating back to the 13th century.

"This place is the `chilla' of Baba Sheikh Fareed Shakarganj who had visited this place and prayed here ages ago," says keeper Baba Mohammad Siddique who manages the dargah. The story goes that in the late Seventies the saint and the shrine appeared in the vision of Baba Syed Tajuddin Quadri who came to the city and set up a shrine here with the assistance of Baba Mohammad Siddique. Baba Tajuddin passed away in 1990 and the shrine today marks his dargah.

On Thursdays and Sundays the dargah is flocked by visitors and believers of all faiths from all over who come to offer their respects here. It is also commonly believed that offering prayers at the dargah over a period of a month can relieve a person of his worries and problems. "Religion has no say, it is the person's faith that makes his or her wishes come true," he says with a smile.

Tea as `prasad'

The solution offered by him seems simple - four coconuts, two lemons, flowers, incense and the faith to open your mind and heart to God. Once a Hindu and a railways employee, Baba Siddique resides in a tiny home adjacent to the dargah and has dedicated his life to its service. He serves the visitors special tea as `prasad' and occasionally dishes out home cooked biriyani.

Far away from the stress, noise and pollution of the city, most people come here simply to enjoy the placid surroundings and meditate. "The serenity of nature itself can make people forget their concerns," he adds.

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