Ajmer Travel Guide
History of Ajmer
Founded by Ajai Pal Chauhan, the city of Ajmer derives its name from Ajaimeru. A stronghold of the of the Chauhan clan till 1193 AD, Ajmer fell under the Mughal rule when Mohammed Ghouri took over the city from Prithviraj Chauhan. Since then Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam Later, Ajmer fell under the British occupation and remained a focal point from where British Chief Commissioner for Rajputana kept a watch on all the Rajput kingdoms. It finally merged with India upon its independence from the British rule.
Monuments of Ajmer
The site India Travel Destinations makes sure that you get an opportunity to enjoy the
rustic glory and ancient charm of the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India during your tours to historical monuments in the northern part of India.
There are a number of places of historical interest in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India that you could tour to during your historical tours to this historical city. These are the Ajmer Sharif, Anasagar Lake, Dargah of Miran Syed Husain, Jama Al-Tamish and the Taragarh Fort.
The Ajmer Sharif located in the oldest part of the town and is one of the most important historical sites that you must visit during your tours to the historical monuments in Ajmer, India. Ajmer Sharief is famous for the tomb of Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, the saint who founded the Sufi order. The Sufi saints are considered to be the greatest ambassadors of Islam in Pakistan and India.
The Anasager Lake is an artificial lake that was constructed by Raja Anaji sometime in the 1150 A.D. During your tours to the historical monuments to the region you can visit the Chilla Khawaja Saheb that is located atop the Anasagar Ghati. You should also visit the Baradaris or marble pavilions that were constructed on the banks of the Anasagar Lake. These lovely pavilions were constructed by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan.
Dargah of Miran Syed Husain
Hazrat Miran Syed Husian Asghar Khangswar's dargah is located on the highest point of the Taragarh Fort. Hazrat Miran was the governor of Ajmer at some point of time in history.
Jama Al-Tamish
During your tours to the historical monuments in Ajmer, India you must visit the Jama Al-Tamish that is popularly known as Dhai Din-Ka-Jhonpra. This lovely mosque is one of the most frequented by those who tour to this region. This monument is a remarkable example of a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. The minarets and pillars at this monument are examples of excellent architectural skill and acumen.
Taragarh Fort
The massive Taragarh Fort is famous for its architectural splendor and its huge gates. During your tours to the historical monuments in Ajmer, India you get an opportunity to visit the Miran Saheb ki Dargha that is located inside the Taragarh Fort.
Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
Tour the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti with Indian Horizons and discover a pious mausoleum where you find peace and happiness.
Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was born and brought up in Persia. He lost his parents at the age of 16 and inherited an orchard and other family businesses that he renounced after he met a pir baba who stopped by on his orchard one day.
Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was a great Sufi saint who was the harbinger of Islam in India. He served and blessed the poor. It is believed that those who come and pray with unadulterated faith and devotion at his Dargah or mausoleum are blessed out of their miseries.
The holy Dargah Sharief in Ajmer is the second most important pilgrimage after Mecca and Medina for the Muslims all over the world. The magnificent gateway that leads to the Dargah was constructed by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Invoke the blessings of almighty Allah at the two mosques located within the Dargah Sharief in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Sprawled over a huge area in the heart of Ajmer, the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is located at a distance of 4 kilometers from the Ajmer railway station.
Marvel at the aesthetic and stunning white dome that crowns the main tomb. Besides Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's Dargah there are several other monuments of historic interest located within the Dargah Sharief enclosure. Tour the tenement of Bibi Hafiz Mahal, Begami Dalan that was constructed in the memory of Begum Jahanara, See the Mehfil Khana, Aulia Mosque and the Chillah of Baba Farid.
Festivals of Ajmer
Urs Festival in Ajmer
The variety of fairs and festivals in Rajasthan impart a characteristic charm to this desert state that has for long generated a lot of interest in the minds of the tourists who have a proclivity for delving deep into the rich history and culture of the place. Urs in Ajmer is a popular festival in Rajasthan that is informed with a serious religious tinge. Urs in Ajmer is held in the honor of the venerated Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Urs, Ajmer takes place yearly during the first six days of the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.
Khwaja Moinuddin was loved and respected as the benefactor of the poor. During Ajmer's Urs, people cutting across a large section of the society offer special prayers at the mosques. The entire actively participates in the celebrations. The mortal remains of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti have been entombed at Dargah Sharif which now serves as the site for the largest Muslim Fair. Many devotees pay a visit to this shrine with the belief that they will no return empty handed if they pray for something in a pious and whole-hearted way. The shrine witnesses the footfalls of a large cross-section of the society who come here to pay their tribute to this great soul. The offerings comprise of chadar, ghilaph and neema. The mehfils and qawwalis that are organized add to the charm of the festival. Another interesting aspect of Urs in Ajmer is the plundering of
the milk pudding that is cooked in two capacious cauldrons. This blessed food is generously distributed among the devotees.
The celebrations of Ajmer's Urs are kick-started by hoisting a white flag by a member of the Chistis on the dargah. The ritual is swiftly followed by opening the gates of heaven popularly called the Jannati- Darwaza. According to the popular belief, one can ensure a place in "jannat" or heaven if one crosses the gate seven times. The tomb is sanctified by the rose water and sandalwood paste. Sweet smelling perfume is then sprinkled on the tomb. This is followed by shrouding the tomb with an exquisitely embroidered silken cloth. Recitation of Fatiha and Salamti is a ritual. The poetry sessions act as a major draw for the connoisseurs of literature and also for those who are culturally inclined. In these sessions, the poets read out their compositions consecrated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
How to Reach?
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jaipur,
By Rail:
Ajmer is located on the main Delhi - Jaipur - Ahmedabad - Mumbai line. Most of the trains on this route stop at Ajmer. There is a daily Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Ajmer.
By road:
Ajmer can be easily reached by road from both Jaipur and Delhi. It is a nine-hour road-trip from Delhi to Ajmer.
Hotels in Ajmer
Hotel Man Singh Palace, Ajmer
Hotel Regency, Ajmer
Hotel Embassy, Ajmer
Hotel Phool Mahal Palace, Ajmer
Hotel Ambassador, Ajmer