History

Bukhari Baba Dargah, one of the well known and widely worshipped dargahs in the silver city, draws a huge crowd especially on Thursdays. People from diverse religions come here to offer prayer to get their wishes fulfilled.

The ancient dargah of Sufi saint Sayeed Ali Saheed Bukhari, popularly known as Bukhari Baba's majjar, is situated near Barabati Fort in Cuttack. The structure with a white dome is a beautiful piece of Mughal architecture built in 1468. It attracts devotees from across the state. Not only Muslim but even people of other religions are regular ‘Murid’ of the ‘dargah’. Around two lakh devotees visit the sacred shrine annually.

Since recently, the dargah has been witnessing an unusual sight. Everyday, many people from different communities come here with photocopies of their passports to pray to the Baba to help them get a visa. Parents tie ‘dupata’ for their daughter’s marriage and children hang pens and pencils to get good scores in their examination.

Head priest of the dargah Sheikh Haji Niamuddin Chisty said Bukhari Baba came to India, along with the Afghan army, to popularize Islam. He toured the country on his horse and finally landed in Cuttack.

He used to listen to people's problem and solve them with his spiritual powers. He was beheaded by his enemies in a war. His horse carried the saint's body to Jajpur, while his head remained in Cuttack. His followers buried the body at Jajpur and his head was buried near Barabati Fort. Since then, people throng the place to offer prayers to the saint,” added Wajid.

Another member of Bukhari Baba's majjar, Md Sajid believes that the faith involved in tying the passport copy on the tree pays off. “I have been serving this dargah for many years and have seen many miracles happening. Devotees tie passport copies, mark sheets, dhaga, dupata, marriage invitation card, pen, etc. and pray to the Baba for fulfilment,” he added.

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