"So awesome was his graceful omnipotent person, fortune of millions stood altered in moments"
Through the ages, there have been many revered sages and spiritual masters who have adorned this world in various manifestations, transcending religious divides and attaining sainthood by proclaiming universal salvation.
In the present era, we have witnessed such divine incarnations in the form of Shirdi Sai Baba, Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon, Baba Taj of Pune, Dadaji Dhuniwale of Saikheda, Meerasingh Maharaj, Avatar Meher Baba, Upasani Maharaj, and Narayan Singhji, to name a few. But Hazrat Baba Tajuddin, the emperor amongst all and the Patron Saint of the City of Nagpur, has exalted the entire universe by his divine presence.
The author of "Taj Kutbi" (the only authentic account of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin written by Kutubuddin Qazil) recounts that when he sought Baba's permission to write about him, Baba Huzoor remarked: "Hoji Babu, but from where will you bring enough paper and ink?"
Baba Huzoor was born in Gora Bazar, Kamptee (near Nagpur) on 27th January 1861 to Hazrat Sayyad Badruddin (R.A.) and Mariyambi Saheba Guddanbi. He was named Tajuddin. At the time of birth, Baba Huzoor was thought to be stillborn. Following prevalent customs, a heated coin was touched to his temple, whereupon he opened his eyes with a loud cry. The branded scar remained with him throughout his life.
Baba Huzoor was orphaned very early in life and grew up at his maternal grandmother's house. At the age of six, he was admitted to school where he studied Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and English. It is said that the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Abdulla Shah Baba saw young Tajuddin studying in a madarsa and remarked to the tutor: "What are you trying to teach him? He has been well taught in his previous birth, and better tutors than you have taught him."
Baba Huzoor devoutly followed his religious obligations and spiritual meditations. At the age of 18, due to financial hardships in the family, Baba Huzoor enlisted in the British Army, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. He became an Army Jawan, yet never neglected his military duties.
While his platoon was stationed at Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Baba Huzoor came into contact with the Sufi master Hazrat Daud Makki Chisti. He spent hours engrossed in meditation and spiritual practices with him. When Hazrat Daud Makki Chisti left for his heavenly abode, Baba Huzoor meditated extensively at his shrine.
By this time, Baba Huzoor had scaled the zenith of spiritual heights, performing numerous miracles to alleviate the sufferings of humanity. The "Chistia Silsila," which was started by Khwaja Gharib Nawaz of Ajmer Sharif and propagated by Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, and Amir Khusro, was exemplified in Baba Huzoor. Even today, his immortal soul continues to guide spiritual aspirants just as he did when physically present.