Sri Haji Malang Baba

Out of the five peers (Sufis) who guided Sri Dada to establish this Gurumarg for the benefit of mankind, Sri Haji Malang Baba was the leader in this mission. He spent his whole life serving humanity through his divine motivation and influence. Enough information on all the other Sufi Vibhutis was able to be collected except for Sri Haji Malang Baba. All the data collected about him was taken from narrated stories. Every time Haji Malang Baba came in Sanchar avastha through Dada's medium, he emitted absolute unconditional love that reached everyone's heart. This is why at the mention of Sri Haji Malang Baba, he emerges in one’s mind as a powerful heavenly being rather than a divine-human being.

Malang Baba's Darga is situated on top of a hill named Malang Gad, near Kalyan. This piece of land was the diskha Bhoomi of the Nathas. Usually, there are three religious processions or pilgrimages that take place here. The first Utsav is on Diwali Padwa, second is the main Utsav on Magh Shudh Purnima, and the third Utsav is on Falguni Purnima day. As promised to Muhamad Pegambar, even today Sri Haji Malang Baba continues his mission of manavta dharma and swadharma through a different religious appearance from the land of Naath Prabhu. Sri Haji Malang Baba, the name itself, has the essence of divine inspiration, where Haji means the one who has completed his 'Haj ' pilgrimage to Mecca-Medina and 'Malang ' means Brahmachari, or it also means 'Malay ang ' whose whole body smells like Sandalwood (Chandan).

Haji Malang Baba had attained this divine power by strictly following religious conduct. Later, according to Almighty's wish, Haji Malang Baba carried out the mission to undertake manavta dharma and help mankind through Sri Dada's medium. In this mission, Baba disregarded every aspect of religion, caste, sub-caste, and gender; overlooked the differences between rich and poor, old and young, while serving the people and blending totally with the almighty. This is why the meaning of the worldly name 'Haji ' is now perceived as a Vibhuti who is wholly integrated with the divine power as one.

The name Malang (Brahmachari) is so appropriate because Brahma Gyan (Universal knowledge) is encompassed all around his presence, surrounding him with a heavenly glow. He generously fed his devotees Brahma Gyan with great love, just like how a mother feeds her child. Just like how sandalwood fragrance is spread by rubbing gently on the stone, Haji Baba's selfless, generous acts are emanated with divine love. The word Baba in Haji Malang Baba refers to parental love (matrupitru prem) and duties (kartavya). Baba's love and kindness are compared to that of the Kshirsagar and are described through the hymn 'Malangbaba Premsagara'. Sri Dada himself was also very affectionate, and when Haji Malang Baba came in Sanchar avastha through Sri Dada's medium, the divine love used to overflow and touch the hearts of all the devotees. This divinity had such a strong emotional effect on all the devotees that they were left in a state of awe.

When you go for Haji Baba's darshan, different insights and awareness are presented by Baba through the surroundings mediums. During the climb up the hill, hundreds of scroungers are seen begging for food. Haji Baba makes us aware that despite living in the proximity of the almighty, if one continues to live with a perception that this life is due to our past karma, then pain and suffering will never leave you. Baba explained that when you bow down and touch your forehead to his Mazar, do not fall prey to karma but come forth with real dharma. Live for others rather than live for your own self. Instead of making a prayer for oneself, make a prayer for the welfare of mankind and encourage humanity as a whole. After a tedious climb, when devotees reach the dargah and touch their forehead to Baba's mazaar, they feel a surge of contentment and happiness.

Every night there is 'Khidmat' ritual in Haji Baba's dargah. This is a ritual of removing and clearing away of the offered flowers and spreads by the devotees during the entire day on the Samadhi. Then again, Chandan paste and attar are applied to the Samadhi. Rosewater is sprinkled, dhup is shown to the Samadhi, and the reading of the Quran begins. At the end of the ritual, a square piece of small white cloth is spread over the Samadhi, which is Baba's original coverlet (chaddar). Then all other spreads offered by the devotees are placed on top of the original white spread. Baba`s original white cloth on his Mazar teaches us, that even though Gurukrupa ashirwad may seem tiny as this white cloth, it holds significant importance to our souls. If we possess Krupa ashirwad in our hearts, then all future happiness will spread like these lavish substantial spreads on Baba's Mazar. The forthcoming sorrows will be cleared away along with the joy, just like in the Khidmat ritual. Eventually, what is left behind is the pure Krupa ashirwad and love. This is the foundation to establish Gurumarg.

During the Siddhanta of Tarak mantra, on Malang Baba's urus day, Sri Haji Baba took a solemn vow from the 7 sevaks and warned them that this Sankalp must remain a secret and should not be discussed outside. However, as soon as Sri Haji Baba left, none of the seven sevaks had any memory of this Sankalp. It had completely erased from their mind. This was Sri Guru's remarkable mystical way. Our only prayer to this loving and superior Vibhuti should be that we carry out Sri Dadas and all Divya Punya Vibhutis mission with compassion and love as expected by them.