Ajmer, which has become a popular pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Muslims, is famous for the Dargah Sharif- the tomb of a Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti. Both Hindus and Muslims revere this Dargha equally. Pushkar, a pilgrimage center for the Hindus lies about 11 km from here. Pushkar, which has a beautiful lake, is the abode of Lord Brahma and it has a temple for the deity. Devotees from all over India throng this place in the month of Karthik (Oct-Nov) to take a dip in the holy lake of Pushkar

135 kms south-west of Jaipur, lies the sacred city of Ajmer; an important pilgrimage to both Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where the tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Hasan Chishti is placed, is like another Mecca for the Muslims.

The great saint is believed to have retreated to his meditation grounds six days prior to his death, he was burried at the same spot. The death aniversary of the great saint, known as the festival of Urs, is celebrated over a period of six days. Devouts from all over the world come here to pay their homage to the great saint.

Under the rule of Humayun the Ajmer Sharif mosque was completed. Empror Akbar was a regular visitor to this religious shrine.

The holy shrine is in the middle of Ajmer city and is spread over a large area. Two massive iron cauldrons (degs) are placed at the entrance of the dargah where devotees put there donations which are later distributed among the poor.

Akbar and Shahjahan had constructed two mosques in the complex and the saint's tomb, with a marble dome, is in the centre of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform.

Ajmer situated in the foothills of `Ajaya Meru' the unconquerable hill, this green paradise was founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D.

One of the major city of Rajisthan, Ajmer became domicile to various dynasties, which left behind ineradicable mark of Hindu, Isalamic culture and traditions on the city’s history. It is a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims.

The city is embellished with the monolith of a Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are anxiously received by devotees, The dargha known as the ‘Dargah Sharif’.


Prime Attractions

The Dargah :

At the foot of a barren hill, is a marble domed mausoleum. It is India’s most significant shrine for Muslims and thousands of devotees of all religions visit the holy place through the year. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar visited the saint in the 16th century in pursuit of a boon for a child, the saint obliged the Emperor. He used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for the Muslims of south Asia.

Shahjahan’s Mosque :

Inside the premises of Dargah there is a dazzling structure in white marble with a long (30.5m) having low corridor and delicate carvings with trelliswork. It is the most outstanding of all the sanctums within the shrine of the Dargah.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra :

An unprecedented structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located just beyond the Dargah. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri conquered Ajmer and transfigured the building into a mosque by constructing a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-half days (adhai-din).

Taragarh Fort :

The remnants of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill, can be approached by a exciting one and a half hour steep climb. A view of the entire city from the fort is unimaginable. Initially the fort was Mugals for the military activity, later it was used as a sanitarium by the British.

Fairs & Festivals - Ajmer
The annual Urs and Pushkar fair.

Leisure - Ajmer
Shopping

Ajmer presents items, which carry the Rajasthani fervour and reflect ancient mood of the area. One can purchase here amazing old silver jewellery with designs of a totally different era. The annual Urs gives an opportunity to bargain some of the intriguing and colourful items of the region.

Climate - Ajmer
Temperatures are very high during summers and very low during winters. Ajmer has a typical desert type of climate. The best season to visit this place is between October and March.