Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is considered to be among the holiest Muslim shrines in India and is also a famous landmark in Ajmer. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the Sufi saint from Persia is enshrined here. In keeping with his secular teachings, its doors are open to people of all faiths and religions. Some say that Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti believed he was a direct descendant of Muhammad and preached his beliefs to the masses. While on his world travel, he was urged by Muhammad, in a dream, to visit India. He reached Ajmer, via Lahore, and made it his home from 1192 till his death in 1236 AD. The shrine was built by Mughal King Humayun in honour of this saint. You can step inside the Dargah through a series of massive silver doors that lead into a courtyard where the saint's tomb is centred. Made of marble and gold plating, the actual tomb is guarded by a silver railing and a marble screen. During his reign, Emperor Akbar made a pilgrimage to Ajmer every year. He, as well as Emperor Shah Jahan, built mosques inside the shrine complex. Visitors to the shrine are awed by the atmosphere of peace and serenity that the combined effects of flowers, sweets and burning incense sticks create.

History of Ajmer Sharif
Khawaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Ajmer is the tomb of the Hazrat Khwaja Moin-d-din Chisti, who was the founder of Islam in India and known as a great preacher of Islam in the world. He was known for his noble teachings and peace. This Sufi saint is known to have come from Persia and died in 1236 in Ajmer after winning all hearts. Also known as “Khwaja Garib” Later Mughal emperor Humayun, Akbar, Shahjahan, and Jahangir constructed mosques here. Main tomb gate is known as Nizam Gate which was erected by Shahjahan so it is also called Shahjahani Gate. After it, there is Buland Darwaja. Urs flag is hoisted on it which marks the beginning of the Urs festival.

Best Time to Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah
During Urs festival is the best time to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargahs holy tomb remains open throughout the day and night. Ajmer becomes a holy place in the Urs festival. During Urs, the Dargah’s main gates called the Jannati Darwaza (Gateway to Heaven), which normally remains closed, are opened for the devotees.

How to Reach Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Ajmer has always been known for its historical and spiritual significance. Due to this, the dargah of Ajmer Sharif holds great reverence in the hearts of devotees. It is located at an approximate distance of 403, 1,024, 1,667, 1,812 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Ajmer by the following means of public transportation.

By Air : Jaipur airport is the nearest airport to reach Ajmer Sharif. From the airport, one is required to travel another 140 km to reach the dargah. Regular direct and connecting flights from all cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru arrive here hence one may consider traveling by air.

By Rail: Ajmer Junction railway station is the nearest to reach the holy place in Rajasthan. From the station, one is required to cover nearly 1km to reach the dargah. One may consider traveling via Ala Hazrat Express, Chetak Express, Uttranchal express, and Ashram Express. Trains from all metro cities of India arrive here hence one may consider traveling by train if looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly travel option.

By Road : Ajmer is well-connected by motorable roads and national highways to other Indian cities. If you are traveling by road you may either get on an inter-state/ private tourist bus from nearby regions. Otherwise, you can also consider taking taxis or may drive to Ajmer city in your personal vehicle as well as per your travel budget and convenience.