Ajmer Sharif is a renowned Sufi shrine located in the city of Ajmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The shrine is dedicated to the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who is also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (the "Benefactor of the Poor"). Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a 13th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Persia and established the Chishti order of Sufism in the subcontinent.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is one of the most important Sufi shrines in India and attracts millions of devotees from all over the world every year. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture, which combines Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The main entrance to the shrine is called the Nizam Gate, and the shrine itself is surrounded by a large courtyard.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is also famous for the Urs festival, which is held every year in the month of Ramadan to commemorate the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. During the festival, the shrine is decorated with lights, and qawwalis (Sufi devotional songs) are sung throughout the night. The festival attracts a large number of devotees, and the atmosphere is festive and joyful.
Ajmer Sharif is considered special for several reasons. Here are some of them:
Spiritual Significance: Ajmer Sharif is an important pilgrimage site for Sufi Muslims, who believe that Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a saint and a spiritual guide. The shrine is said to have special spiritual significance and is believed to have the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees who visit it with pure intentions.
Unique Architecture: The Ajmer Sharif Dargah has a unique architecture that combines Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and colorful tiles. The main entrance, called the Nizam Gate, is made of silver, and the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is covered with a canopy made of gold and silver.
Festivals: The Urs festival, which is held every year in the month of Ramadan, is a major attraction of Ajmer Sharif. During the festival, the shrine is decorated with lights, and qawwalis (Sufi devotional songs) are sung throughout the night. The festival attracts a large number of devotees, and the atmosphere is festive and joyful.
Historical Significance: Ajmer Sharif has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century, when Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti came to India from Persia and established the Chishti order of Sufism in the subcontinent. The shrine has since become a symbol of the syncretic culture of India, where people of different religions and backgrounds come together to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Things to Do
Here are some things to do when you visit Ajmer Sharif:
Offer Prayers: The main reason people visit Ajmer Sharif is to offer their prayers at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Devotees can offer flowers, chadars (cloth offerings), and sweets at the tomb and seek blessings.
Attend the Urs Festival: The Urs festival is a major attraction of Ajmer Sharif, and it is held every year in the month of Ramadan. During the festival, the shrine is decorated with lights, and qawwalis (Sufi devotional songs) are sung throughout the night. The festival attracts a large number of devotees, and the atmosphere is festive and joyful.
Visit the Akbari Masjid: The Akbari Masjid is located inside the Ajmer Sharif complex and is a beautiful mosque built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The mosque has a unique architecture and is adorned with beautiful carvings and calligraphy.
Explore the Ana Sagar Lake: The Ana Sagar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located in the heart of Ajmer city. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, enjoy the scenic views, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Visit the Adhai Din Ka Jhopra: The Adhai Din Ka Jhopra is an ancient mosque located in the heart of Ajmer city. The mosque was built in the 12th century and has a unique architecture that combines Hindu and Islamic styles.
Explore the Taragarh Fort: The Taragarh Fort is a historical fort located on a hilltop overlooking Ajmer city. Visitors can explore the fort, enjoy the scenic views, and learn about the history of the region.
Places to Visit
Here are some of the top places to visit when you are in Ajmer Sharif:
Dargah Sharif: The Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the main attraction of Ajmer Sharif. The shrine is visited by millions of devotees every year and is considered one of the holiest places in India.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra: This is an ancient mosque located in the heart of Ajmer city. It was originally built as a Sanskrit college but was converted into a mosque by Qutubuddin Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
Ana Sagar Lake: This is a beautiful lake located in the heart of Ajmer city. It was built by King Anaji Chauhan and is a popular spot for boating and picnicking.
Akbari Masjid: This is a beautiful mosque located inside the Ajmer Sharif complex. It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and is known for its beautiful architecture.
Nareli Jain Temple: This is a beautiful temple located on the outskirts of Ajmer city. It is known for its unique architecture and is a popular spot for Jain pilgrims.
Taragarh Fort: This is a historical fort located on a hilltop overlooking Ajmer city. It was built in the 14th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Mayo College: This is a prestigious boarding school located in Ajmer city. It was founded in 1875 and is known for its beautiful architecture and well-manicured campus.
Overall, Ajmer Sharif has a rich history and culture, and there are several places to visit and explore in and around the city.
How to Reach
Ajmer Sharif is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are the details on how to reach Ajmer Sharif:
By Air: The nearest airport to Ajmer Sharif is the Jaipur International Airport, which is about 135 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ajmer Sharif.
By Rail: Ajmer Sharif has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and other cities run regularly to Ajmer Sharif.
By Road: Ajmer Sharif is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states by road. There are several private and state-run buses that connect Ajmer Sharif to other cities. You can also hire a taxi or drive yourself to reach Ajmer Sharif.
Once you reach Ajmer Sharif, you can easily explore the city on foot or hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw. The Dargah Sharif is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
