A dargah near Pune where a heavy stone gets levitated in the air

When faith can move mountains, can it not levitate a heavy boulder up in the air? Well, at the 700 year-old dargah of Pir Qamar Ali Darvesh in Shivapur village this is a reality that has left even the scientists scratching their heads for explanations.
Located on Pune-Satara Highway in Shivapur village, the tomb of Pir Qamar Ali Darvesh is made with beautiful white marble. The saint was honoured by the villagers during his short life span, and even now, people worship the saint with fervent prayers.

A strong-muscled saint

Qamar Ali took birth in a family having middle-class background. He was the youngest of all the children. It is said that all the brothers were popular for their muscular strength. However, despite being strong in body, Qamar Ali had a calm and peace-loving nature; so, he soon found his way by becoming a disciple of a Sufi saint. As fate would have it, Qamar Ali became enlightened by the divine grace, and began preaching morality. Again, as destined, the young Sufi saint died in his late teens. But, before breathing his last, he asked his followers to put a heavy boulder to be placed near his tomb.
Mystery behind the levitating stone

Interestingly, by the blessing of Qamar Ali, if 11 men try lifting the boulder with the tip of their index finger while devoutly calling the holy name of Qamar Ali Darvesh, the stone shall get levitated about two feet in the air above their head. The only condition is that the count of men and the way it is supposed to be lifted should not be altered. Thousands of people have witnessed this miracle with their eyes wide open, and even today, both believers and non-believers throng the tomb of the saint to watch the stone levitate.

The final message

Before leaving this world, Qamar Ali gave the message on behalf of the Almighty that we all are brothers in the eyes of Allah or God, and that we should love each other the way Allah loves us. That’s why, irrespective of caste or religion, if 11 men lift up the stone in unity while calling on the Sufi saint, they will succeed in their endeavour, which has defied even the law of gravity!

The tomb of Hazarat Qamar Ali is highly blessed, and several pilgrims visit the place to offer prayers and seek favours.

As a rule, women are not allowed at this dargah since Qamar Ali Darvesh was an unmarried celibate saint.

How to reach the dargah:

By air and rail, Pune is the nearest city. So, tourists can alight at the Pune railway station or the airport, and hire a private taxi to reach the tomb.