Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a prominent landmark in Ajmer and is considered one of India’s holiest Muslim shrines. The Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti of Persia is enshrined here. Its doors are open to people of all faiths and denominations, in line with his secular teachings. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti was said to think he was a direct descendant of Muhammad and preached his beliefs to the masses. In a dream, Muhammad urged him to visit India while he was travelling around the world.
He arrived in Ajmer via Lahore in 1192 and lived there until his death in 1236 AD. In honour of this saint, Mughal King Humayun constructed a shrine. Within the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, you can enter through a set of huge silver doors that lead to a courtyard with the saint’s tomb in the middle. The actual tomb, which is made of marble and gold plating, is guarded by a silver railing and a marble screen.
Emperor Akbar made a yearly pilgrimage to Ajmer during his rule. Within the shrine complex, he and Emperor Shah Jahan founded mosques. The combined effects of flowers, candy, and burning incense sticks produce an aura of peace and serenity that awes visitors to the shrine.
History of the Dargah
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah has a long and illustrious past that will leave you speechless. Prepare to witness and observe spiritual harmony at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti’s tomb, in addition to the magnificent architecture. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was a Persian who settled in the Lahore area, which was part of India at the time. AAccording to legend, the Sufi saint locked himself up in this exact location to give prayers for the less fortunate.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was nearly 114 years old when he died, and his holy mortal remains form his tomb. He died in the early 13th century and was said to have had incredible spiritual abilities. Even today, you will come across stories which claim that any wish which is made in front of his tomb in Ajmer Sharif Dargah will get fulfilled.
Architecture of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah was constructed during the Mughal era and thus reflects the traditional Mughal architectural style. The Dargah contains a variety of courtyards and buildings, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and Nizam Gate. The magnificent Buland Darwaza, which is the grand gateway, will greet you as you reach the Dargah. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti’s tomb itself, speak volumes of the magnificence of Mughal architecture. You will find the tomb under a dome-shaped chamber lined with silver railings. The surrounding pillars and walls are made out of marble which further adds an edge to the place.
The Best Time to Visit Ajmer Dargah
While September to March is the best time to visit, visitors should double-check the Ajmer Sharif Dargah opening and closing times. In the winter, the gates are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and during the summer, they are open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During Eid, Urs, and Shawwal, the timings can change. If you plan to visit the dargah as part of an Ajmer tour package, make sure to check the timings with your tour operator ahead of time.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Sufi or not. Nothing beats a peaceful evening spent watching the dervishes dance to enchanting Sufi music, and you can do just that at Khwj Ghareeb Nawaz’s dargah.
How to Reach Ajmer Dargah
Ajmer in Rajasthan is a well-connected city. It is connected to almost many famous cities in the country either by rail, road or air.
By Air: The Jaipur airport is the closest to the city of Ajmer. From the airport, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
By Rail: The Indian Railway Network is one of the most well-connected services in India. There would be regular trains from essential places in the country to Ajmer, either directly or by a change in two trains to help you reach the city. From the station, you can book a cab or take a local bus to reach the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
By Road: Though hiring a cab is an option, it would be advised to take regular buses that ply between important cities to Ajmer regularly. There would be direct buses to Ajmer from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer that will help you reach the destination. From the bus stop, you can take a taxi or another local bus to reach the Ajmer Dargah.