“Who was Baba Mast Malang Didar Ali?” I often hear visitors ask. Baba Abdur Rehman Malang was a Sufi saint. He journeyed to India from the Middle East in the 12th century AD.
Legend states Baba Malang arrived in a village traumatized by demons. King Naladev ruled this village. The saint’s arrival was divine intervention. He came to eradicate evil and bring prosperity.
Upon reaching the village, Baba Malang and his followers felt parched. They asked a Brahmin Ketkar family for water. The Brahmin offered them milk and rest. Baba Malang blessed the Brahmin for his kindness. Then, he started his divine journey to fight evil.
Baba Malang’s story is deeply connected to a hill. The hill was originally much taller. When Baba Malang arrived with his horse Duldul, the hill’s height magically decreased. This happened as the horse set its footprints on the hill.
The spot where Duldul touched the hill became a water source. It is called Ghode ki Taap. Astonishingly, clear water flows even today. Pilgrims drink it believing in its healing power.
Baba Mast Malang’s legacy includes his disciples. Two of them were Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Hazrat Sultan Shah. They came from the Gulf. They wanted Baba Malang to return with them. He refused and chose to stay. The disciples stayed too.
Baba Malang declared a tradition. To meet him, devotees must first pay respects to Hazrat Baqtawar Shah and Hazrat Sultan Shah. These visits are known as Pehli Salami and Doosri Salami.
The Baba Mast Malang Didar Ali shows communal harmony. A Hindu family and a Muslim family participate in the rituals. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Baba Mast Malang Didar Ali. They seek blessings showing faith in Baba Malang’s miracles. They come together irrespective of religious differences.