Nagaur, a city in Rajasthan, India, is known for its historical and cultural significance. It is home to the Nagaur Fort, one of the finest examples of Rajput-Mughal architecture, which witnessed many battles and sieges in the past centuries. But apart from the fort, there is another attraction in Nagaur that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is the Tarkeen Dargah, a shrine of a Sufi saint named Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, who was a disciple of the famous Sufi master Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. Visit during One Day Nagaur Local Sightseeing By Private Cab
The shrine is one of the most revered and visited shrines in Rajasthan, where devotees come to seek blessings and miracles. In this article, we will explore the overview, location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQ’s and conclusion of this shrine.
Overview of Tarkeen Dargah
The Tarkeen Dargah, also known as Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri Dargah or Nagauri Sharif, is a Sufi shrine located in Nagaur city. The shrine is dedicated to Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, a 13th-century Sufi saint who was born in Nagaur and spent most of his life there. He was one of the chief disciples of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order of Sufism in India. He was also a close friend and companion of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, another prominent Sufi saint of the Chishti order. He was known for his piety, wisdom, and miracles. He died in 1252 CE and was buried in his hometown Nagaur.
The shrine consists of a white marble tomb (mazar) of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, surrounded by a courtyard and a mosque. The tomb is covered with a green cloth and decorated with flowers and chandeliers. The courtyard has a water tank and a fountain, where devotees wash their hands and feet before entering the shrine. The mosque has a large prayer hall with arches and domes, where devotees offer prayers and recite verses from the Quran. The shrine also has a library, a guest house, and a langar (community kitchen), where free meals are served to the visitors.
The shrine is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the shrine, but donations are accepted at various places inside the shrine. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the shrine premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the shrine.
Location of Tarkeen Dargah
The Tarkeen Dargah is located in Nagaur city, which is about 135 km north-west of Jaipur city in Rajasthan state. Nagaur city is one of the oldest cities in India and has a rich history and culture. It is also known as “the cattle capital of India” for its famous cattle fair that attracts thousands of traders and tourists every year.
Timing/Entry Fees Tarkeen Dargah
The Tarkeen Dargah is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the shrine, but donations are accepted at various places inside the shrine.
How to Reach Tarkeen Dargah
The nearest airport to Tarkeen Dargah is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 150 km away from Nagaur city. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nagaur city. The nearest railway station to Tarkeen Dargah is Nagaur Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from the shrine. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the shrine. There are also regular buses available from Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and other cities to Nagaur city. Alternatively, one can also drive to Nagaur city by taking the National Highway 65 or 89.
Things to Do/Must See Tarkeen Dargah
Apart from visiting the Tarkeen Dargah, there are many other things to do and see in Nagaur city. Some of them are:
- Visit the Nagaur Fort, which is one of the finest examples of Rajput-Mughal architecture, which witnessed many battles and sieges in the past centuries. The fort covers an area of 36 acres and has high walls, spacious courtyards, beautiful gardens, elegant palaces, colorful fountains, magnificent temples and a museum.
- Visit the Nagaur Cattle Fair, which is held in January-February every year. It is one of the largest and most colorful cattle fairs in India, where thousands of camels, horses, cows, bulls and other animals are traded and exhibited. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
- Visit the Ladnun Jain Temple, which is a temple of the Digambara sect of Jainism. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient Jain temples in Rajasthan, which has exquisite carvings and paintings.
- Visit the Saiji ka Tanka, which is a memorial of a saint named Saiji Maharaj. It is a place of peace and tranquility, where devotees come to meditate and pray.
- Visit the Nagaur Fort Museum, which is a museum that displays weapons, armors, paintings, manuscripts and other artifacts from the fort’s history.
- Enjoy the sound and light show at the Nagaur Fort, which is a show that narrates the history and legends of the fort with music and lights.
Significance of Tarkeen Dargah
The Tarkeen Dargah is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is one of the most revered and visited shrines in Rajasthan, where devotees come to seek blessings and miracles from Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, a 13th-century Sufi saint who was a disciple of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. The shrine is believed to possess spiritual energies that can heal the wounded soul and grant blessings to the devout.
- It is also one of the most important Sufi centres in India, where the teachings and traditions of Sufism are preserved and propagated. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes love, peace, and unity with God and His creation. The shrine hosts various Sufi events and festivals throughout the year, such as Urs (death anniversary), Qawwali (devotional music), Zikr (remembrance of God), and Mehfil-e-Sama (spiritual gathering).
- It is also one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Rajasthan, which reflects the influence and integration of different cultures and styles. The shrine showcases traditional Islamic and Rajasthani architectural features, such as arches, domes, minarets, carvings, calligraphy, and paintings.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Tarkeen Dargah called Nagauri Sharif?
A: Tarkeen Dargah is called Nagauri Sharif because it means “the noble shrine of Nagaur” in Urdu. The word “sharif” is an honorific title given to respected Sufi shrines in India.
Q: What is the best time to visit Tarkeen Dargah?
A: The best time to visit Tarkeen Dargah is during the Urs celebration, which commemorates the death anniversary of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri. The Urs is held on the 7th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal month in the Islamic calendar, which usually falls in November or December. During this time, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the shrine to pay their respects, engage in devotional practices, and participate in vibrant festivities.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Tarkeen Dargah?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Tarkeen Dargah are:
One has to remove their shoes before entering the shrine premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the shrine.
One has to refrain from smoking, drinking or eating inside the shrine.
One has to follow the instructions of the staff and security personnel.
Conclusion
The Tarkeen Dargah is a shrine of a Sufi saint in Nagaur that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a place where one can witness the glory and grace of Khwaja Hamiduddin Nagauri, who was a disciple of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. It is also a place where one can experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Sufism and Rajasthan. Visiting Tarkeen Dargah is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed by anyone who wants to explore the essence of Islam.
