Introduction
Ajmer
lies in the state of Rajasthan at a distance of 130 km from Jaipur. The
sacred city symbolises national integration and peace. It houses the
mausoleum of the Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (r.a.). The Urs
Festival falls in the month of May. And people, regardless of their cast and
creed, pour into the city to make oblations and get their noble wishes
fulfilled. Devotees and pilgrims flock to the Dargah from all over the
country and the world. The Annual Urs commemorates the saint's union with
the Almighty. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, on account of his humane
deeds, is renowned as 'Gharib Nawaz', the benefactor of the poor.
The largest religious fair in the country, the Urs Shareef holds utmost
significance to the Muslims. The Muslims make up their minds to undertake
the journey to Ajmer months before the auspicious occasion actually takes
place. The sight at the Dargah Sharif represents the deep-rooted
spirituality of the Muslims and their profound devotion to Allah. People
make votive offerings in the form of chadar, flowers, sweets etc.
Celebrations & Offerings
The Urs Shareef (death anniversary) spans the first six days of Rajab
(seventh month of the Islamic calendar), around May according to the
Georgian calendar. Hordes of devotees move in queues to have a glimpse of
the rauza shareef (sanctum sanctorum). Devotees with the offerings settled
on their heads wait in the line for their turn to be blessed with that
single holy glance for which they have travelled here.
No matter, whether you are a devotee or a mere traveller, the religious
aura that surrounds the place is sure to seep through your nerves. Sufism
permeates the spot every inch. Qawwalis and mehfils are organised to honour
the saint. Mass prayers are held. Sufi singers, from all over the country,
arrive here to sing praises of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in their distinctive
high-pitched tone. Pilgrims sit around listening to the holy songs, sometime
clapping to match the tune. Women too attend the religious mehfils and their
seating arrangements are made in separate places.
There
are two huge cauldrons at the Dargah are used to cook Kheer (milk pudding).
The cauldrons were presented by Mughal emperor Akbar and Shah Jahan. These
are as huge as to carry 4480 kg and 2240 kg of rice. The milk pudding, which
is held as tabarruk (blessed food), is distributed among the devotees.
Other Attractions
» Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra
» Akbar's palace
» Nasiyan Jain Temple
» Kishangarh Fort
» Ana Sagar Lake
» Mayo Colllege
» Abdullah Khan's Tomb Daulat Bagh
» Khobra Behroon Temple
» Badnor Fort
» Sawai Bhoj Temple
Reaching Options
The closest airport is at Jaipur, 135 km away. The airport has regular
flights connecting to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Udaipur.
Ajmer lies on the Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai railway line and so a
number of express and mail train pass through the city. Road route are well
established. Regular bus services connect Jaipur with Agra, Bikaner,
Bharatpur, Barmer, Haridwar, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Nagaur etc.
