after which Ajmer became home to many dynasties.Today, Ajmer is famous for the Dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti.
Ajmer lies at the base of Pushkar (11 km) where during the month of Kartik (October/November), devotees throng in large numbers for a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake.
The Dargah of Moin-ud-din Chisti - The tomb is located at the base of a barren hill and is also popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is so famous that it is considered next only to Mecca or Medina for the Muslims of south Asia. Infact Emperor Akbar used to make an annual pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra. The entire shrine has contributions from different kings and emperors. The huge entrance gate was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. A white marble mosque on the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari Masjid. Another mosque in the courtyard was built by Emperor Shahjahan. The saint's tomb covered by a splendid marble dome lies in the center of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform.
The shrine hosts a fair during Urs marking the death anniversary of the Saint. It is held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A large number of pilgrims come to visit the Dargah during this time.
The Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra - Located beyond the Dargah, this is an amazing blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. This structure has this unique name because it took only two and a half days (Adhai Din) to complete its construction. Originally built as a Sanskrit college, in 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri turned the building into a mosque by adding a wall with seven arches, in front of the pillared hall.
Taragarh Fort - The fort is located on top of a hill, which is a one and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra. The fort was used as a military depot during the Mughal period and as a sanatorium by the British. The fort provides a great view of Ajmer city.
Mayo College - Mayo is one of India's premiere public schools, it has now been converted into the Circuit House. The Ana Sagar Lake and the shrine of Swami Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj movement can be seen from here.
Accessibility -
Air - Jaipur (132 km from Ajmer) is the nearest airport.
Rail - Regular train services link Ajmer with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Road - There is a well-connected network of buses that ply to and fro from Ajmer connecting it to major towns and cities in north India.
| Fast Facts |
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| Area |
55.76 square km. |
| Languages: |
Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi |
| Best Time To Visit: |
July-March |
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