The
final resting place for 'Gharib-Nawaz', Moinuddin Chishti is located in
Ajmer. People of all religions visit the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin
Chishti. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day
prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual
Urs, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their faith.
The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for
those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar
sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.
The entry to the
Dargah is through the Dargah Bazar that leads to the inner courtyard. The
high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept
two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg. On special
occasions, 'Kheer' cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the
pilgrims.
The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a
silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The
daughter of Shah Jahan had built a prayer room in the Dargah for the women
devotees. The premises of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of
Saint's daughter-Bibi Hafiz Jama, tomb of Shah Jahan's daughter Chimni
Begum.
| » Major
Attractions of Ajmer |
Taragarh
Fort : The giant fort stands guarding the city. It has six gates. The
fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha who was the governor of the fort and
laid down his life in an encounter. It gives a panoramic view of the city
situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges, this fort has immense
archaeological and historical importance.
Adhai-Din-Ka
Jhonpara : This is a masterpiece of Indo - Islamic architecture. As
legend goes its was constructed in two and a-half days (Adhi-Din). It is a
relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle with a front screen wall
of seven pointed arches. The distinct pillars and arched screen with its
ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
Urs Fair : The Dargah
Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and
is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh
devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the
subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary)
during the first six days of 'Rajab' (seventh month of the Islamic
calendar.)
| » Places to
Stay in Ajmer |
The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in
its hotels in and around Ajmer. Hotels like RTDC's Khadim, come with AC
Deluxe rooms as well as ordinary rooms, which give a comfortable stay in the
city. There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government
sponsored paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home.
Pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all
its small mountains become green, in winters temperature is chilled.
While Shopping in Ajmer, one can go on a buying spree of
various kinds of items representing Rajasthani culture and style. The
'Ittar' (perfume) is a major specialty of Ajmer. One can purchase here
amazing old silver jewellery with designs of a totally different era.
Air : The nearest airport is that of
Jaipur.
Rail : The city is well connected by
trains with all the major places in India.
Road :
The state transport has its bus services from all over Rajasthan and
also from Delhi. However, during the Urs, large number of people arriving in
Ajmer, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance during this time.
