Dargah Sharif is a term that refers to the tomb or shrine of a Sufi saint, who is revered for his spiritual teachings and miracles. Famous dargah in Ajmer, Visit during Ajmer tour Pacakge. There are many Dargah Sharifs in India and abroad, but some of the most famous and visited ones are:
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a 13th-century Sufi saint who is also known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor). It is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and attracts millions of pilgrims every year, especially during the annual Urs festival.
- Nizamuddin Dargah, which is the tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, a 14th-century Sufi saint who is also known as Mehboob-e-Ilahi (Beloved of God). It is located in Delhi and is a popular destination for devotees of Sufism and music, as it hosts regular Qawwali sessions and cultural events.
- Haji Ali Dargah, which is the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a 15th-century Sufi saint who was a wealthy merchant before renouncing his worldly life. It is located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai and is a landmark of the city.
In this article, we will focus on Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which is one of the most important and sacred Dargah Sharifs in India.
Location of Dargah Sharif
Ajmer Sharif Dargah 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 Dargah is situated at the foot of the Taragarh hill, near the Ana Sagar lake. It is about 2 km from the main central Ajmer railway station and 500 metres from the central jail.
Timing/Entry Fees Dargah Sharif
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is open to visitors throughout the year. The timings are from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays. There is no entry fee to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah, but donations are accepted for the maintenance and welfare of the shrine. Photography is allowed inside the Dargah, but video recording is prohibited.
How to Reach Dargah Sharif
Ajmer Sharif Dargah can be reached from Ajmer city by various modes of transport. You can take a bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw from Ajmer to Ajmer Sharif Dargah. 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 Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The cycle-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 20 per person and the walking distance is about 2 km.
Things to Do/Must See Dargah Sharif
Ajmer Sharif Dargah has many things to do and see for travellers of all interests and faiths. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
- Pray at the sanctum sanctorum, which contains the blessed grave (maqbara) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. You can also tie a thread on the marble lattice (jaali) that surrounds the grave and make a wish.
- Visit the Akbari Mosque, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 as a token of gratitude for his son’s birth after visiting the Dargah. It has a beautiful dome and arches with floral motifs.
- See the tombstone of Vasco da Gama’s son, who died in Ajmer in 1524 and was buried in this Dargah with Khwaja’s permission. His tombstone has an inscription in Portuguese and Latin.
- View the old Dutch baptism and marriage register (1751 to 1804), which is preserved in the Dargah library. The register contains records of many Dutch citizens who lived in Ajmer during their colonial rule.
- Witness the Qawwali sessions, which are held every evening after Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Qawwali is a form of devotional music that praises God and His saints. You can also join the Zikr (remembrance of God) and Sama (listening to music) ceremonies that are held on special occasions.
- Participate in the Urs festival, which is the annual commemoration of Khwaja’s death anniversary. It is held for six days in the Islamic month of Rajab and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. You can also offer chadar (cloth), flowers, perfume and sweets to the shrine during this festival.
Significance of Dargah Sharif
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is significant for its spiritual, historical and cultural value. It is a place where you can experience the love, compassion and generosity of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who is regarded as the patron saint of the poor and the needy. It is also a place where you can witness the harmony and tolerance of different religions and cultures, as the Dargah welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is also a place where you can appreciate the beauty and artistry of the architecture, craftsmanship and music that adorn the Dargah.
FAQ’s
Q: What are some of the other Dargah Sharifs near Ajmer Sharif Dargah?
A: Some of the other Dargah Sharifs near Ajmer Sharif Dargah are:
Khwaja Fakhruddin Chishti Dargah, which is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s son and successor. It is located in Sarwar, about 60 km from Ajmer.
Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki Dargah, which is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s chief disciple and successor. It is located in Mehrauli, Delhi.
Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, which is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s grandson and successor. It is located in Nizamuddin, Delhi.
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 shrine 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
Dargah Sharif is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in spirituality, history, culture or art, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Dargah Sharif. It is a place where you can experience the peace, grace and blessings of the Sufi saints who have inspired millions of people across the world. Dargah Sharif is a place that you should not miss when you visit India.
