Mehboob Subhani Dargah: A Hilltop Symbol of Hindu–Muslim Faith, Healing, and Harmony
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
8 December 2025.
The Mehboob Subhani Dargah in Akot, Maharashtra is a revered hilltop shrine attracting Hindus and Muslims alike. Known for its Langar, blessings, miracles, annual Urs, and inclusive traditions, it reflects centuries-old faith, local culture, and shared spiritual heritage.
Main Points:
1. A historic Chillah linked to Hazrat Ghaus Pak of Baghdad.
2. Visited daily by devotees from all communities for blessings and healing.
3. Women, men, and children participate with flexible customs.
4. Annual urs draws large gatherings and sandal procession.
5. Managed by hereditary Mujawirs, including one Hindu caretaker.
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Perched atop a quiet hill in Akot City, the Dargah of Mehboob Subhani stands as a spiritual landmark where faith transcends boundaries. Revered by both Hindus and Muslims, this centuries-old Chillah of Hazrat Ghaus Pak (Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Gilani) continues to draw devotees seeking blessings, healing, and inner peace. From daily Langar and traditional offerings to heartfelt stories of answered prayers, the shrine reflects a living culture of devotion and harmony. The Dargah’s inclusive atmosphere, where customs blend gently and visitors from diverse backgrounds gather, makes it not just a religious site, but a shared heritage of communal unity.
The Dargah of Mehboob Subhani is the most famous shrine in Akot City, Maharashtra. It is located in a residential area with a significant Muslim population, near the Kacheri (District Treasury) and the District Court. The shrine stands on the top of a small hill, where very few people usually go.
As one enters the Dargah premises, there is a gateway on which “Ya Muhammad,” “Ya Allah,” “Ya Ghaus,” and “Ya Khwaja” are inscribed. Beneath these inscriptions, “Hazrat Mehboob e Subhani” is written in bold letters.
Outside the Dargah, there is a small shop selling cardamom seeds, incense sticks, oil, sweets (Sheerini), and other offerings. Devotees purchase these items from the shop and get them blessed with Fatiha. One unique observation is that the shopkeeper has displayed a photograph of Hazrat Shah Sailani Baba inside the shop.
A daily Langar is prepared at the shrine, which is served to all visitors.
In reality, the dargah is the chillah (spiritual retreat site) of Hazrat Ghaus Pak of Baghdad. It is a medium-sized shrine built in traditional Islamic architectural style, with a central room topped by a dome. The turbat (resting place) of Mehboob Subhani is located inside this central chamber. Women are not permitted inside, and men must enter with their heads covered.
The shrine is visited equally by Hindus and Muslims. A Sindhi Hindu gentleman, who owns a large restaurant near the central bus stand, has been visiting the dargah daily for the last 20–25 years. He once suffered from an incurable disease and says he benefited greatly after praying at the shrine. Another devotee, Vijay Tegute, aged fifty and employed in the Kacheri, was encountered at the dargah. He is a Dalit by caste and a Nav-Bauddh by faith, and has been visiting the shrine regularly for the past twenty years. On this particular day, he had brought flowers in gratitude, as his son recently got a job in the CRPF after seeking blessings from the Baba.
Many Muslim women were seen bringing their infants to receive blessings. In the absence of the Mujawir, some of them even entered the central chamber. A few Muslim boys were also seen entering the room without covering their heads. This reflects that strict orthodox customs are not rigidly observed at the shrine. Offerings usually consist of coconuts, sweets, and flowers, while beef is strictly prohibited.
Near the Dargah of Mehboob Subhani, there is another shrine, the Dargah of Hazrat Dilawar Peer Baba, which is also situated at a considerable height.
A large gathering takes place during the annual urs. Traditionally, the urs was observed on the 11th day of the 11th Islamic month, but since the date often coincided with the monsoon season, it is now held during winter. During the urs, the sandal procession is taken out and carried to the dargah of Umarkhan Baba near the bus depot. The majority of participants in the procession are Muslims, with only a few Hindus and Dalits joining.
The dargah is managed by a hereditary Mujawir whose family earns the income from the shrine. The father of the present Mujawir had reconstructed and expanded the dargah nearly 30 years ago. However, the current Mujawir cannot make decisions independently; he must work in consultation with the local community.
The present Mujawir, Sheikh Ramzan, has been serving the dargah for 55 years. In addition to him, a Hindu Mujawir named Pratap Bhai also serves as a caretaker. According to Sheikh Ramzan, applying the soot from the continuously burning lamp inside the shrine helps improve eyesight, even those who could not see earlier begin to regain their vision, he says. He further states that offering 21 laddoos, ₹251 as arkan, and other offerings helps fulfil one’s wishes.
People of all communities, Hindus and Muslims, visit the shrine. There is also an arrangement for pilgrims to stay within the courtyard of the dargah, where those coming from outside spread their bedding and rest. As there is no mosque nearby, visitors perform their prayers around the shrine itself.
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A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
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