Moti Dungri, Alwar: A Unique Shrine where Hindus and Muslims pray together

On top of the Moti Dungri hills, there is a unique integrated shrine that stands as a testimony to India’s communal harmony. This place brings together the Hindus and Muslims under one roof as the devotees of both the faiths pay a visit to the Sayyed Darbar on the left and Sankat Mochan Vir Hanuman Mandir on the right. Believe it or not, there isn’t even a single wall separating the two structures. The place is popular for as a weekend getaway destination in Rajasthan.

Courtesy: Times of India

The compound has flags of both saffron and green colors furling together and there is a 30 meter tricolor in front of the hill. The same loudspeaker and musical instruments which are used for playing bhajans are later used for performing Qawwali. The fragrance of wicks and camphor soaked in ghee mixes with that of the loban burning at the dargah and create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Perhaps it’s the only place in India where you will find Hindus and Muslims praying together under the same roof, whereby Muslims fold their hands at Lord Hanuman’s Temple and Hindu bow down at the Sayyed Darbar. The temple is usually crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays while the Mazaar is visited most on Thursdays.

The shrine lies on the top of the Moti Dungri Hills where you will find the Moti Dungri Palace lying in the ruins for the past 90 years. It’s said that Maharaja Mangal Singh had constructed the 4-storey palace in 1882, where Alwar’s royal family resided. In I928, Maharaja Jai Singh decided to construct a ship-shaped palace in its place but the construction couldn’t be completed because of some unknown reasons.

Some believe that the ship carrying the design that was coming from England sank on its way, while some say that it was the king’s second wife who committed suicide after which the place was termed as inauspicious.

Although the temple has been there for a long time, the mazaar was built considering the population of Muslims in Alwar. Apart from being an example of religious harmony the place is also popular tourist destination of Alwar tourists who come here to adore the beauty of the palace’s architecture. Although the entry of public is prohibited inside the palace, the Ganesh Temple and Laxminarayan Temple are open for visitors.