[400 Kms from Delhi/ 7 hrs drive from Delhi]
Established in the 7th century by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan, Ajmer is widely known for its pilgrimage places for Hindu and Muslim followers. The famous Dargah Sharif of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is the main attraction of this City. By a frequent shifting of the power has left behind a rich legacy, which can be found at several religious shrines in the city. This oasis wrapped in the green hills, offers an incredible marks of an amalgam of Hinduism and Islam religion.
Visit to Dargah
Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti was constructed by Emperor Humayun. The houses the mausoleum of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Also known as Dargah Sharif, this Dargah is a sacred place for people of all religions. Being one of the most important holy places for Islam Ajmer Shariff receives thousands of devotees throughout the year. Sick, troubled, healthy, rich, poor people from all walks of life come here to seek the blessings of the saint.
Located in the foot this beautiful tomb is one of the most visited pilgrimage center in the state. The tomb features several courtyards and mosques. The tomb is topped by a dome of white marble. Its massive gates were provided by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Apart from the religious importance carved marble partition, 2 massive cauldrons, special prayer hall etc. are the main feature of this Place.
Through the crowded Dargah bazaar lined with numerous tiny shops is the main entrée to the holy shrine. This road is always thronged by hundreds of devotees. The entrance is through the elaborately carved silver doors. There are two huge pots which are used to cook ‘langar’ that is offered to the devotees every day. The mausoleum of the saint is bordered by a silver railing and covered with a marble screen. Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan built an exclusive prayer room meant only for women devotees.
Nasiyan Temple (Built in the year 1865)
Located on Prithviraj Marg this religious shrine is popularly called as Red Temple. This shrine also one of the main attractions of Ajmer. This Digambar Jain Temple is widely revered amongst the religious people. Double storey structure, architectural brilliance, wooden figures and precious stones are some of the min feature of this Temple.
Urs Festival of Ajmer
The Urs or annual pilgrimage festival is celebrated each year in the month of May. It is a prominent festival for the spirituals belongs to all religion. Chadar, Ghilaph and Neema are offered for the tomb by several hundred thousand devotees. During the festival mass prayer held for the eternal peace of the mankind. Kheer (Milk Pudding) and Tabarukh (sanctified food) is cooked in two huge pots, which is distributed amongst the devotees.
At night, religious assemblies called mehfils are being arranged. On the 6th of Rajab, after the usual mehfil music, the Sajjada Nashin performs the ghusal of the tomb.
Fatiha and Salamti are read. Qawwalis are sung. A poetic recitation called mushaira is arranged. Poets form all religions and communities participate in this mushaira to recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja. There are separate places reserved for women and men for attending the mehfil. The mehfil concludes late in the night with a mass prayer. The Qul (end-all) on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.
How to Reach Ajmer Dargah
Ajmer is situated about 130 km from Jaipur. The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport. RSRTC provides economical and easy regular bus services between Jaipur and Ajmer. Ajmer railway station is connected to other cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. If you are traveling from Delhi the best option is to travel by Shatabdi Express or Intercity Express.
A good network of state and national highways connect Ajmer to other major cities. Ajmer’s city dwellers also commute by Tongas, auto-rickshaws and three-wheelers. One can also hire cabs from local travel agents for the excursions, at a very nominal price.
