Whether Datta Peetha or Darga of Dada Hayat Khalender, a Sufi saint, exists needs an objective examination.
The first question to be resolved is whether there is a 'darga'. What is meant by 'darga'. Darga is a place where the grave of some famous saint is located. There is no such darga here as the saint died in Trichy where his body was buried and a darga is constructed.
Then why do Muslims offer prayers at the disputed place? Islam does not permit prayer in a place where Hindus offer pooja for Dattatreya Swami. Then what remains is Datatreya Peetha. Let Hindus manage with it as they like. I stand by Islamic tenets, not by what a few individuals say.
Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan
Bangalore