Introduction
Meer Khalander
Other Saints
Baba Budan Hills
Places of Interest
Aulia
Famous Devotees
Pilgrimage
The Coffee Story
Getting there...
Chikmaglur
Photo Gallery
Map Gallery
The Annual Urs

Pilgrimage

Often pilgrims are not aware of the details about the Dargah, the places nearby connected with it, or customs followed here. Attendants are too busy to explain all the details. The following paragraphs will act as a guide to all the pilgrims visiting Baba Budan Hills.

The journey in the ghat section by narrow roads, steep gradients and hairpin curves with enchanting scenery on both sides is a thrilling one. About a mile from the point you come to the northern side of the range where the beautiful Honamma Falls are situated. You can rest here for a while. About a mile from this spot is the principal village nearest to the Dargah, Athigundi (Budan Nagar). There are small hotels here and coffee, tea and snacks are available. The Dargah is about 4 miles from here. It is just about 1 1/2 miles by foot track. Vehicles normally stop near the office of the Dargah on the hills. Attendants are present all the time to receive the pilgrims. There is a register in the office to record details about the pilgrims. Intimation should be given in the office if lodging facilities are required.

The Dargah

Many people are accustomed to take something for the "Fateha" whenever they visit a Dargah. Sugar, Agarbattis and coconuts are always available here. Sweets and flowers are available only in the season. Since time immemorial it is the custom here, to offer coconuts. Pilgrims carry two, four, six or more according to their might or vow and leave behind half the number in the Dargah and bring back the other half after the Fateha. There is a stone-slab outside the Dargah where the coconuts are broken and distributed among the poor. Some people prefer to carry a few coconuts back to their homes.

The Dargah has two portions. The right one as you step in, contains Dada's seat (Chilla) and the left one Mama Jigni's seat. As you enter Dada's portion, you see four graves on a platform. The four saints buried here are Hazrat Jan-e-Pak Shaheed, Hazrat Malik Tujjar Farooqui, Hazrat Malik Wazeer Ispahani and Hazrat Abu Turab Sheerazi. These four saints used to live with Dada engaged in prayers and meditation. They were "Hafiz-e-Koran' and rapt during the recitation. Right in front of the door, in the interior portion, is Dada's seat. In front of the seat there is a small spring which supplied water to Dada for "Wazu". Water from this spring is offered to pilgrims as benediction. Many take this water home in bottles as they have found healing powers in it. To the right and left of Dada's seat in the wall, you see openings. It is said that Dada left through one of these. Muslim devotees believe that he left for Mecca and Medina, and Hindu devotees declare that Sri Dattatreya Swamy left for Kashi. In the right wall there is a niche (Mehrab) which contains a pair of wooden sandals, coated with silver, which Dada is said to have used. To the right of Dada's seat there are four other seats. These are the seats of the four saints buried in the cave, mentioned earlier. After the Fateha, the sacred water from the spring is offered to the pilgrims. Those who like to make vows are guided by the attendants. In the right wall, in the outer portion, there is an opening resembling an underground passage. It appears to be an outlet for water. People say, tigers enter the cave through this opening. Many have heard the roaring of tigers during the night and often the attendants have seen a tiger, in front of Dada's seat. When the attendants open the Dargah, they tap the door and wait for a few seconds. After the Fateha, pilgrims pay their respects to Dada, collect their offerings, leaving behind whatever they desire for the Dargah and enter the other portion. There are sealed boxes in which pilgrims can drop their cash offerings.

Stay

Pilgrims stay for a day or two more after their visit to the Dargah (Ziarat). On intimation at the office, the attendants will make all arrangements. There are a few simple but comfortable rooms. "Ganji" from Dada's Langar (Bhandar Khana, Kitchen) is offered to all, in the morning and evening. Hotel facilities are available throughout the year. People who like to cook their own food can conveniently do so. There are shops which supply all necessary things, at reasonable prices. Utensils can be obtained from the office. The rooms have electric lights and water has to be pumped up and supplied through taps. People have to pay electric energy charges. Barring this, nothing is charged for all the facilities, provided by the institution.

Before departure pilgrims pay their respects to Sajjada Nishin Sahib and seek his blessings. Remember that the Sajjada Nishin is Dada's representative and deputy. Very often Dada speaks to his pilgrims through him and his word is Dada's word. Contributions for the maintenance of the Dargah, for providing amenities to the pilgrims or for any other purpose can be made to him.

For those who do not have their own vehicle, there are buses towards both Chikkamagalur and Shimoga. There are many spots here of great interest to tourists and a visit to these can be conveniently coupled with the pilgrimage.

Towards Shimoga, one can visit Krishna Rajendra Hill Station at Kemmangundi, the Iron and Steel works, the Cement Plant and Paper Mills at Bhadravati, the world famous Jog falls and Sharavati Hydroelectric station, visit Agumbe and watch the famous sunset there and proceed to Hassan and see the temples at Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola, which are world famous for their intricate and beautiful sculptures.

May Dada pray to God to bless us with all the good things we aspire for in this world, and the other - Amen [BACK TO TOP]