How To ? When ? Why? Where

Famous for the Dargah Sharif-tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Ajmer is situated in the South west of Jaipur. Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan founded this city, which is a popular pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims, in the 7th Century AD. It is also famous for its prestigious Mayo College, which was established by British exclusively for Indian nobility.

Major attraction of Ajmer

Dargah

Pushkar- Pushkar is famous for temples. It has more than 400 temples, which include Balaji la Mandir, Man Mandir and the Rangji Mandir.

11 km from Ajmer is Pushkar a sacred spot for Hindus. This place is famous for the temple of Lord Brahma and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a holy place for Hindus. During Oct./Nov, large numbers of devotees take a dip in the sacred lake. The annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held on a grand scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

WHEN TO VISIT AJMER

The best time to visit Ajmer is from October to March. Avoid the trip to Ajmer in summer.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 135 kms away.

By Train: Ajmer is well connected with other cities of country by rail.

By Road: It is connected with bus from almost all places like Jaipur, Agra, Aligarh, Abu road, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Barmer, Haridwar, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Nagaur.

PLACES OF INTEREST

AJMER-E-SHARIEF DARGAH (Dargah Of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti)

The final resting place for Gharib-Nawaz Moinuddin Chishti is located in Ajmer. Not only Muslims but also the people of other 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. People of all religion have faith in it as this shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts.

You can enter the Dargah through the Dargah Bazar that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg are kept. Kheer is cooked in these cauldrons on some special occasion, which 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. There are tombs of Bhishti, tomb of daughter of saint- Bibi Hafiz Jama, tomb of daughter Shah Jahan Chimni Begum.

Remember to carry a skullcap or a scarf with you, as it is compulsory to cover the head while entering the complex.

ADHAI-DIN-KA-JHONPRA

One of the magnificent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, this mosque have said to be built in two and a half days flat. It was a Sanskrit college during 12th century. But in 1193 AD Mohammed Ghori destroyed the college and built a mosque in its place. It is built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike.

ANA SAGAR

Built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD, this lake is located towards the north of Ajmer city. Later additional constructions were made to beautify the lake. A marble pavilion named Baradari was built by Shah Jahan.

NASIYAN (Jain Temple)

This red colored Jain temple was built in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts scenes from the Jain mythology. This temple is worth visiting.

TARAGARH FORT

The beautiful fort, which stands guarding the city, has six gates. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha. It gives a panoramic view of the city situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges.

BRAMHA TEMPLE (Pushkar)

The only existing temple that is dedicated to Lord Bramha. Inside the temple you can see a beautiful carved silver turtle on the floor facing the sanctorum. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors name engraved on them.

PUSHKAR LAKE

Adjoining the Bramha Temple is the charming Pushkar Lake, which has fifty-two bathing ghats. Mythological stories says that this lake have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma.

This lake has religious importance for the Hindus. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. People believe that the water of this lake cure many diseases, so they have strong believe in it.

FAIR AND FESTIVALS

URS FAIR

The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer 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 that is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.

The pilgrims who come to seek the blessings of the Khwaja make rich offerings called nazrana of rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste and perfumes. The fragrance of all these float in the air inside the shrine. They also offer the chadar, ghilaph and neema, for the tomb. These and many more offerings are brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims.

Members of all communities have access to the dargah. It is compulsory to remove the shoes, before entering, at the main gate. One should cover the head all the time, after entering the dargah premises.

PUSHKAR FAIR

This fair is held in the Hindu month Kartika, which is around Oct-Nov and is world famous for its cattle fair. At this time the town jam-packed with tribal people from all over Rajasthan and tourist. One can enjoy here shopping and also the delicious eateries. Tourists are entertained by various games and circus shows. Villagers from all over the state come here to sell camels, horses, elephants and cattle and other livestock. Elaborate arrangement for staying of visitors is made including luxury tents. If you are in Pushkar at this month then do not miss this fair.

OTHER EXCURSION

KISHANGARH

27 Kms north east of Ajmer, Kishangarh, which was founded by Kishan Singh (a Rathore Prince). It is famous for the miniature paintings. Paintings of Bani Thani are the major attraction. The town is also famous for marble and textiles. Train and bus connects Kishangarh.

CAMEL SAFARI

You can enjoy horse or camel safari in Pushkar. Camel safaris are a splendid way to experience the rugged beauty of the desert.

If you are planning a trip to Rajasthan then also visit Amazing Ajmer and Popular Pushkar.