Ajmer

Muslim Pilgrimage Tour Of Ajmer Sharif In India


The most important of all Muslim pilgrimage centers in India, the dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti at Ajmer Sharif is revered by people of all faiths. It is situated 135 km from Jaipur and is renowned for fulfilling the wishes of the followers. Apart from the devout Muslims, people of other religions throng the holy dargah and pray for the fulfillment of their desires. The devotees also offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the shrine.

Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti was the founder of Islam in India. He was one of the greatest preachers in the world. The revered prophet undertook to propagate Islam in India by the most peaceful means and with great forbearance. When Khwaja arrived, the Muslim community in India was not as large as it is now. The Khwaja, by his noble teaching, touched the hearts of everyone who came his way.

The dargah is the tomb of the sublime Sufi saint who came to Ajmer from Persia and died in 1236. It was built by emperor Humayun. Later, rulers like Shahjahan, Jahangir and Akbar also constructed mosques here.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Upon arriving at the shrine, one has to make the entry from the Dargah Bazaar. This would lead to the first courtyard. There is a mosque built by Emperor Akbar in this courtyard. There are also present two cauldrons or degs, where donations could be made. All these donations would later go to the needy. Khwaja's tomb is in the second courtyard. Positioned in the center, it is situated in the second court. The tomb is a domed marble chamber, surrounded by silver railings.

Devotees visit Ajmer Sharif to be blessed by the Khwaja. When their prayers are answered, their wishes fulfilled, they come again to offer the promised gilaf (velvet cloth), ittar (perfume), etc. Besides these offerings, they also recite the holy Qur'an, nafal namaz, milad and aayat-e-karima and khatam khawajgan.

How to Reach

By Air :
The nearest domestic airport is at Jaipur, 132 km away. International flights operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi

By Rail :
Ajmer is accessible by trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur.

By Road :
Ajmer is connected by road to all the major cities of Rajasthan. Regular bus services also operate from Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi.