In an extraordinary display of devotion and communal harmony, a woman originally from Mumbai has transformed a hill in rural Karnataka by constructing a beautiful dargah after selling her urban home to fund the project.
From Mumbai High-Rise to Rural Spiritual Center
Shanti Amma, who relocated from Mumbai to Hannikera village in Chittapur taluk of Kalaburagi district, has achieved what many considered impossible. She took the bold step of selling her house in Mumbai for Rs 40 lakh to finance the construction of Hazrat Maulali Dargah on the local hills.
When she initially expressed her desire to build both a dargah and a temple, she received little encouragement from others. Rather than being discouraged, she took this as a challenge and began construction in 2023. The dargah is now complete and awaiting inauguration.
Architectural Marvel and Future Plans
The newly constructed dargah features impressive architectural elements including a 15-foot high Gumbaz and four minarets (towers). Shanti Amma has even more ambitious plans, including offering a 5.5 kg silver horse to the dargah and constructing a temple dedicated to Mallayyaswami on the same hill.
In an interview with TOI, she revealed that her inspiration comes from Kannada light music songs, particularly 'Olithu maado manushya...' which encourages doing good for society. "I wish to set an example of communal harmony with this initiative," she stated.
Overcoming Practical Challenges
The construction presented significant logistical challenges. The hill stands at over 550 feet with no proper pathway, not even for bikes. Undeterred, Shanti Amma personally convinced laborers to carry construction materials including sand, cement, and metal up the difficult terrain.
Mallanagouda Malipatil, a local contractor and farmer, confirmed the hill's spiritual significance. "The hill where she has built the dargah has positive vibrations. Mallayyaswami, a saint, was involved in meditation there some 40 years ago, and a small dargah existed for decades," he explained.
Broader Social Impact
Beyond the religious structures, Shanti Amma has immersed herself in the community's welfare. Mamtaz Begum Modinsab Kolli, the gram panchayat president, noted her charitable works including distributing learning materials to school children, donating to temples, and providing financial help to the needy.
Sharanu Sajjanshetti, a local farmer, added that she offers free tuition to village children and creates awareness about education among rural people.
Interestingly, while she participates in auspicious ceremonies like badhaai and accepts donations from believers in Mumbai, she refrains from taking any donations in Hannikera and surrounding villages. "I feel Hannikera is like my hometown," she expressed with genuine affection.
The inauguration ceremony is planned for February or March, carefully timed when local farmers will be free to participate. This thoughtful scheduling reflects Shanti Amma's deep connection with and consideration for the rural community she now calls home.
