Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, Dargah Ajmer or Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Ajmer is a Sufi shrine of Moinuddin Chisti, also known as Gharib Nawaz, which means ‘Friend of the Poor’. He is a very highly respected Sufi saint of the Muslim community, and the shrine is a significant pilgrimage for the Muslims housing the Maqbara (grave) of the saint. The holy shrine has a divine aura to it, and it is visited not only by the followers of the Muslim community but people from other religions as well and from around the world.

It is believed that Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti came to India from Persia and apart from spreading the teachings of Islam, he dedicated his life to helping and supporting the poor and the needy. It is in this place that the saint breathed his last breath and thus, it is his final resting place which was constructed by the Sultan Iltutmish. It is said by the people who have visited this shrine, that the ambiance inside the premises of the dargah is so divine and peaceful that one tends to forget about his worries of life and be at peace for that moment.

The Dargah complex is built around the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is made of marble and is covered with a canopy of gold and silver. The complex also includes other structures such as a library, mosque, and a large courtyard where visitors can sit and pray. Visitors are expected to follow certain traditions such as covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering the complex. The dargah remains especially crowded during the annual Urs festival, which marks the death anniversary of the Sufi saint and attracts thousands of devotees from all around.

Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is believed to be the founder of Islam in India who spread the teachings of Islam in the country. He breathed his last breath here in 1236 AD and since then Islam followers believe that this place has immense divine powers. Moinuddin Chisti was born in 1141 CE in the city of Sistan, which is now in Iran. He was the direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and was trained in the spiritual discipline of Sufism by several renowned Sufi masters of his time. He traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world and eventually settled in Ajmer. Where he established a Sufi order and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of love, peace, and harmony.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built in the 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate. The shrine was further expanded and embellished over the centuries by several rulers and nobles, including Mughal emperor Humayun and Akbar, who visited the shrine in the late 16th century and offered several gifts and endowments.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah has been a center of Sufi spirituality and cultural exchange for centuries. Pilgrims visit the shrine from across the world to pay their respects, seek blessings, and participate in the various religious and cultural events held at the shrine. The dargah also serves as a symbol of harmony and brotherhood, as people of all religious backgrounds are welcome here and are treated with equal respect.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a fine specimen of a blend of various architectural styles including Mughal, Rajput, and Persian, with its intricate carvings, arches, and domes. The white marble dome of Chisti’s shrine was built in 1532, the date which is inscribed in golden letters on the northern wall of the dargah. The complex has eight entrance gates but only three are in use. The chief entrance to the dargah is the Nizam Gate, the yellow structure with floral designs, which was constructed by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the early 20th century. It leads to a huge courtyard, which is surrounded by a series of buildings and structures, including the main shrine. Other gates include Shahjahani Gate, Madar Gate, and the Delhi Gate. The Jannati Darwaja is a silver door that is used only on rare occasions.

The main shrine has a stunning façade made of white marble and a dome. The tomb is covered by a canopy made of gold and silver, which is supported by four marble pillars. The interior of the shrine is decorated with intricate floral patterns, calligraphy, and inlaid work, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The complex has a total of eight tombs besides that of Chisti, which belong to the members of his family. The dargah complex also includes a mosque that was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The mosque is built in Mughal style architecture and has intricately designed arches, domes, and carvings that make it appealing. The courtyard of the mosque is adorned with a stunning marble fountain and the walls are covered with beautiful calligraphy.

Overall, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and is considered one of the significant religious sites in India. Its blend of various architectural styles and intricate details makes it a must-visit site for anyone interested in the history, culture, and artistry of India.

• Three Entrance Gates : The entry to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is through Nizam Gate which is then followed by the Shahjahani Gate constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Then it leads to the Buland Darwaja which was built by Mahmood Khilji .
• Huge Cauldrons: The premises of Ajmer Sharif Dargah comprise 2 massive cauldrons one with a capacity of 2240 kg and another with a capacity of 4480 kg. These cauldrons are used to prepare kheer and sweets on special occasions which is a sight to see.
• Urs Celebration : According to the belief, when Khawaja Chisti was 114 years old, he locked himself inside a room for 6 days and spent all his time praying without eating. After this, only his mortal body was found and remained for his followers. Every year, Urs Festival is celebrated at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah where people gather to commemorate those last 6 days of the renowned Sufi saint.
• Samakhana or Mahfilkhana : A place where you can enjoy a soul-touching Qawwali. it is located on the western side of Saham Chiragh and Qawwali is held here on special occasions.
• Mosque : It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and is an excellent specimen of Mughal-style architecture with intricate carvings and domes.

• Adhai-din Ka Jhonpra : It is a historical mosque located just 1km away from the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The mosque was built in the 12th century and is famous for its unique architecture. It is a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Ajmer.
• Ana Sagar Lake : It is a beautiful and serene lake located about 2km from Ajmer Sharif Dargah. This lake was built by King Anaji Chauhan in the 12th century and is a popular picnic spot among families and tourists who want to enjoy some quality time while being close to nature. Boating is also available in the lake along with some cafés nearby which enhance the picnic experience.
• Akbar’s Palace and Museum : This museum is located about 3km from the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The museum now showcases a collection of Mughal and Rajput artifacts and offers a great insight into the Mughal era.
• Nasiyan Jain Temple : Located about 3km from the Sufi shrine, Nasiyan Jain Temple is a beautiful temple known for its intricate architecture and the unique museum inside, which showcases an assortment of Swarovski crystal exhibits. It is dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara of the Jain religion.
• Pushkar : Pushkar is a holy town located 14km from the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The town is known for its Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple, which is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Pushkar is also known for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair which also attracts tourists from across the world.
• Taragarh Fort : It is a majestic hilltop fortress located on a hilltop overlooking Ajmer city. The fort was built in the 14th century and offers a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding hills. Taragarh Fort also houses several ancient temples and is a popular spot for picnics and hiking.

• Timings

Winters – 6am-9pm.

Summers – 5am-8:45pm.

Closed for Khidmat – 2:50pm-4pm, on Thursdays – 2:20pm-3:30pm.

• Entry Fees – No Fees.
• Dress Code – Head covered and modestly covered attire.

The fort lies on a hill (that takes visitors an hour or so to climb) in Villupuram District, 160 kilometers from the state capital, Chennai, and is close to the Union Territory of Puducherry. Puducherry (or Pondicherry) is well connected to cities across India as well as other parts of the world. The city can be reached by air, rail, or road.

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Ajmer Sharif Dargah can be visited all throughout the year but the best time to visit this holy place is in the first six days of the month of Rajab, when the famous Urs Fair is held. The dargah is decorated during this time and looks spectacular making it a visual treat for the eyes. But one should keep in mind that the crowd will be to its fullest during this time, so if you want to visit the shrine at peace, then any other time of the year would be ideal.