Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a historical mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan, that was built in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi. It is one of the oldest mosques in India and the oldest surviving monument in Ajmer. The name of the mosque means “shed of two-and-a-half days”, as a legend states that a part of the mosque was built in such a short time. Visit during Ajmer tour Package.
The mosque is an example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, as it was constructed from the materials of destroyed Hindu and Jain temples. Here are some details that will help you plan your visit to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra:
Location of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is located in Ajmer city, which is about 135 km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Ajmer is well-connected by road, rail and air to other major cities in India. The mosque is situated near the Ana Sagar lake and the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is about 2 km from the main central Ajmer railway station and 500 metres from the central jail.
Timing/Entry Fees Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is open to visitors throughout the year. The timings are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days. There is no entry fee to visit Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, but photography is not allowed inside the mosque.
How to Reach Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra can be reached from Ajmer city by various modes of transport. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw from Ajmer to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. The bus fare is around Rs. 10 per person and the taxi fare is around Rs. 100 per trip. You can also take a cycle-rickshaw or walk from Ajmer to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. The cycle-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 20 per person and the walking distance is about 2 km.
Things to Do/Must See Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra has many things to do and see for travellers of all interests and faiths. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra:
- Admire the architecture of the mosque, which has a square-shaped building with many pillars and arches. The mosque has a large screen wall with seven arches and two minarets on both sides. The interior of the mosque has a central dome and ten smaller domes with floral motifs.
- See the tombstone of Vasco da Gama’s son, who died in Ajmer in 1524 and was buried in this mosque with Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s permission. His tombstone has an inscription in Portuguese and Latin.
- View the inscriptions on the walls and pillars of the mosque, which contain verses from the Quran and praises for Muhammad Ghori, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and Iltutmish, who enhanced the mosque in later years.
- Visit the nearby attractions such as Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is one of the most sacred shrines for Muslims in India; Ana Sagar lake, which is an artificial lake built by Anaji Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan; Taragarh Fort, which is a hill fort that offers a panoramic view of Ajmer city; and Akbari Fort and Museum, which is a fort built by Akbar that houses a museum with various artifacts and paintings.
Significance of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is significant for its historical, cultural and religious value. It is a place where you can witness the legacy of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, who founded the Delhi Sultanate and established Islam as a dominant religion in India. It is also a place where you can witness the harmony and tolerance of different religions and cultures, as the mosque was built from the remains of Hindu and Jain temples and was visited by people of all faiths over centuries. It is also a place where you can appreciate the beauty and artistry of the early Indo-Islamic architecture, which combines elements from Persian, Arabic and Indian styles.
FAQ’s
Q: What are some of the other mosques near Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra?
A: Some of the other mosques near Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra are:
Akbari Mosque, which was built by Akbar in 1571 as a token of gratitude for his son’s birth after visiting the Dargah Sharif. It has a beautiful dome and arches with floral motifs.
Shah Jahan Mosque, which was built by Shah Jahan in 1637 as a tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It has a marble facade and a spacious courtyard with fountains.
Jama Masjid, which was built by Aurangzeb in 1688 as a replica of the Jama Masjid of Delhi. It has a red sandstone structure and three domes.
Q: What are some of the best places to stay in Ajmer?
A: Some of the best places to stay in Ajmer are:
Hotel Mansingh Palace, which is a luxury hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities and views of the Ana Sagar lake. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool and a spa.
Hotel Regal, which is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites with basic amenities and services. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop and a banquet hall.
Hotel Chitvan, which is a boutique hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with contemporary decor and facilities. It also has a restaurant, a garden, a pool and a library.
Q: What are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Ajmer?
A: Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Ajmer are:
Prasad (offering), such as chadar (cloth), flowers, perfume and sweets, that are blessed by the Dargah Sharif and given to the devotees.
Spices, such as saffron, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, that are grown in Rajasthan and have a rich aroma and flavour.
Handicrafts, such as leather products, pottery items, marble articles and paintings, that are made by local artisans and reflect the culture and tradition of Rajasthan.
Textiles, such as bandhani (tie-dye), leheriya (wave pattern) and gota patti (golden lace), that are dyed and embroidered by skilled craftsmen and have unique patterns and colours.
Conclusion
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, religion or art, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. It is a place where you can experience the past and the present in harmony. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a place that you should not miss when you visit Ajmer.
