The
lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great
reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy
Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected
Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried.
The
Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in
India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the
poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His
spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in
solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be
disturbed. 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.)
The pilgrims who come to seek the blessings of
the Khwaja make rich offerings called nazrana at the holy spot where the
saint has been entombed. The offerings of rose and jasmine flowers,
sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense contribute to the fragrance that
floats in the air inside the shrine. Also offered by devotees are the
chadar, ghilaph and neema, which are votive offerings for the tomb. These
are brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims inside
the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the sanctum sanctorum of the dargah,
professional singers called qawwals in groups and sing the praises of the
saint in a characteristic high pitched voice. People gather around them and
listen attentively, sometimes clapping to the rhythm of their instruments.
| » Major
Attractions of Ajmer |
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.
Ajmer-e-Sharief
Dargah : At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s
most important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. It is the
splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly
known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca
or Median for the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a
pilgrimage to this Dargah from Agra once a year.
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.
Ana
Sagar Lake : It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The
catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari'
pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer.
the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite
outing spot.
| » 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.
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.
Local
Transport : City bus service operate in the city and to Pushkar.
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also
available for commutation.
Pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all its
small mountains become green, in winters temperature is chilled.
Urs Fair 
