The Ajmer -e -Sharif Dargah is built in the small town of
Ajmer which was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th century AD. It
was from Ajmer that the last Hindu ruler of Delhi Prithivi Raj Chauhan
controlled a major part of North India. Later Akbar the Mughal emperor used
Ajmer as a base for his operations in Rajputana. But above all Ajmer is more
important as the resting place of the great Sufi Saint - Khwaja Moinuddin
Christi. Muslims from all over the world regard it as a revered place.
Emperor
Akbar too walked to the Dargah all the way from Agra. Every year on the
occasion of the Urs, lakhs of devotees belonging to the Muslim religion
gather to pay homage to Garib Nawaz, the protector of the poor. Generally a
silent town it rise to the annual Urs. The small town suddenly turns in to a
bursting lively place with Muslim devotees thronging the city to their full
capacity.
Temple Architecture
One of the privileged Muslim shrine in the country, the Ajmer - e - sharif
was completed as a shrine by the Mughal King Humayun. The last remains of
the late Sufi Saint is preserved here who lived in this place from 1192 till
he breathed his last in 1236 AD. In its vicinity there are mosques built by
Shah Jahan and the saint's tomb rests in the middle. The front porch is
covered with lamps and chandeliers donated by the devotees.
The tomb is constructed out of marble and the dome is gold plated. Inside
silence prevails with the smell of incense sticks and offering of flowers.
Two massive cauldrons are to be found in the Dargah courtyard. The largest
cauldron has the capacity of as much as 4480 kgs of rice. In the lunar month
of the Muslim calender during the Urs, Sufi saints from all over come to
have the special blessings of the holy saint. All devotees cover their head
with a white skull cap as a mark of customary respect.
Nearby Attractions
» Adhai-din-ka-jhopra - The earlier Sanskrit
learning center converted in to a Mosque by Mohammed Ghori in 1198 AD. On
the outskirts of the town this Mosque can be seen decorated with ornate
calligraphic inscriptions.
»
Taragarh fort - Ajaypal Chauhan constructed the Taragarh fort in 1100 AD
on a hilltop, The fort is also known as Star Fort and gives a birds view of
the city of Ajmer. It is the first fort to be constructed on a hill.
Accommodation
Heritage hotels are available in Puskar about 12 kms from the place of
Ajmer. Hotel Puskar Palace is one of the best destination for a warm and
comfortable stay with 30 deluxe rooms all with lake view and air conditioned
services.
Reaching There
» By Air - Jaipur, 132 kms from Ajmer is the nearest
airport from where major airlines operate.
» By Rail - Ajmer is well connected with Delhi,
Agra,Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittaur and Abu Road.
» By Road - Good network of roads connect Ajmer with
major locations like Ahmedabad Sirohi, Mehsana, Dausa, Fatehpur Sikri and
Nagaur which is placed at a distance of 162 kms.
Rajasthan
Temples
