Ajmer is a Muslim pilgrimage city where the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is situated. Pushkar, where the famous Brahma temple is located, is 11 kilometers away. This city is also the base camp for Pushkar, the Hindu pilgrimage city.
Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah Alias Ajmer Sharif, is an international waqf.
Moinuddin Chishti (1141 – 1236) was born in the area, which is presently in Afghanistan and Iran. He established the Chishti Order of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent. As a child, he spent his time praying and meditating. He disposed of his properties and donated them to the poor. He is also known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor).
Moinuddin Chishti has visited most of the Muslim places of culture, including Mecca and Medina. Later on, he reached this town and settled there. Chishti worked for Muslim and non-Muslim cooperation.
Mughal emperors of India were followers of Chishti. Mughal emperor Humayun built this Dargah or place of work-ship. It is also known as the Mecca of India. It is said that he used to walk barefooted and come to this Dargah with his wife, to pray for a male child.
There is also a palace close to this Dargah, which Emperor Akbar built. There is a man-made lake called Ana Sagar Lake in the city, built by Arnoraja, the Rajput King.
Chishti order of Sufism
Chishti Order was established in the city of Chisht in present-day Afghanistan by Abu Ishaq Shami. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was his follower and established the Chishti Order of Sufism in India.
Syed Zainul Abedin, a direct descendant of Moinuddin Chishti (22nd generation), currently heads Sharif Dargah. Being Dargah Dewan (Dewan of Dargah), he is also the head of the Chishti order of Sufism.
Details on Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Nizam Gate is the main entry gate to the Dargah. The next gate is the Shajahani gate. These gates were built with silver. The next gate is Buland Darwaza. Darwaza is a Hindi word, which means gate. Beautifully carved pillars can be seen inside the Dargah. The top portion of the Dargah is covered with Gold. There is a small fountain and a small pond around the fountain (to wash hands or face for those going in for prayers), situated close to the main portion of the Dargah. The tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is decorated with flowers.
There may be a small queue to enter the sanctum. There are many priests near the sanctum area. The priests will cover your head with white scarf-like material and bless you saying ‘your sins are forgiven.
Male devotees can pray inside the nearby mosque, which can be accessed through the steps, outside of the main tomb.
There are many Daily Ceremonies at Dargah. Those who are interested can participate or watch them.
How Do I Go to Ajmer?
Ajmer is at a distance of 135 kilometers from the state capital city, Jaipur. Bhilwara Town is around 140 kilometers from the Dargah. Jodhpur is approximately 200 kilometers distance. Udaipur is at about 260 kilometers distance from this world-renowned Dargah.
Note: You need to cover your hair to enter this Dargah. Ladies typically cover their hair with a shall, available for sale at the nearby shops. Gents typically use handkerchiefs to protect their hair.