Ajmer Sharif
Hordes of pilgrims travel to the famous Ajmer Sharif dargah, which is situated to the west of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The holy shrine of Ajmer Sharif houses the tomb of the revered Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti and is regarded as a sacred place by Sunni Muslims. Hazrat Moinuddin Chisti, preached Islam and spread the message of peace among humanity. Loved by many, he is also known as Garib Nawaz - the helper of the poor and needy. Though he died in 1232, his holy tomb still attracts millions of followers from across the world.
The Ajmer Sharif complex has the Akbari Mosque that was commissioned by Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan. Even today, it is the main attraction in Ajmer and the reason why the faithful reach its doorway with hope in their hearts and a prayer on their lips. After all, this holy shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment.. The dargah or the royal court is a grand chamber for prayers with an ornamental entrance and Belgian chandeliers.
Situated on the foothills of the Taragarh range, Emperor Akbar walked up to this place to seek blessings of the Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti.
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The marble mausoleum houses a large number of visitors and pilgrims every year. Some pray at the adjoining Akbari Mosque, while others rest in the grand complex. There is a separate prayer hall for women pilgrims. Inside the tomb, the atmosphere is that of tranquility and peace. A common activity is the singing of quawwalis or Sufi devotional songs in the outer courtyards. Religious leaders read out Scriptures from Sufi texts. A crown of solid gold adorns the tomb, while inside, devotees offer rose petals and chadar or ornamental spreads, as prayers.
Historically speaking, Ajmer has strong affiliations to Muslim culture and to the Mughal rule. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, erected the main gate of the Ajmer Sharif dargah in 1911, separating the shrine from the main road. Within the mosque complex, there is also a tomb of Baba Farid, the grandson of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Ajmer Sharif Festival The annual pilgrimage of Urs is a major festival at the Ajmer Sharif dargah. This spiritual fair commemorates the Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti's death anniversary. Held during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar), it usually falls in the month of May or June. It is said that Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti cooked for six days before leaving his mortal remains. That's why the fair is held for six days. Every year, pilgrims from all over India and the world come to seek the saint's blessings during these sacred six days. During this time, the entire shrine is resplendent with the scent of the rose petals, sandalwood, and jasmine.
