Description

This is a Sufi shrine which encloses the ‘maqbara’ (grave) of Garib Nawaz, the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Built in the 13th century, the shrine is popular among people of all faiths who flock here to have their prayers answered. The shrine has three gates – the main gate or the Nizam gate, the Shah Jahan gate erected by the Mughal Emperor and the Buland Darwaza. Another big draw at this holy shrine is the sacred and scrumptious food that is served to devotees. Cooked in giant cauldrons known as ‘degs’, devotees gather in throngs to be blessed by this prasad.

This is a Sufi shrine which believed that a person, who prays with a pure heart at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, gets all his or her wishes fulfilled. Ajmer Sharif is a Sufi shrine and one of the most visited places in Ajmer. The pious Persian Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who is well-known for its secular preaching is enshrined here. Many Muslims believe that Moinuddin Chisti was Muhammad’s direct descendant and it was on his request (Muhammad came to his dream) he went to India. He reached Ajmer in 1192 via Lahore and stayed there till his death in 1236 AD.

His shrine was built by Mughal Emperor Humayun, and in order to enter the dargah, you need to go through a series of massive doors made from silver with beautiful carvings. As you reach the courtyard, you would come across the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, carved out of marble. It has gold plating on top and is guarded by a railing made from silver and a marble screen.

There are several mosques inside the dargah complex, built by Akbar and Shah Jahan, who made it a point to visit Ajmer at least once a year.

The place is an architectural marvel and perfect for connecting to your spiritual self. You do not have to be religious in order to visit this place. The peacefulness and serenity of this place is something that you would not get anywhere else.

GETTING THERE

By Air: Ajmer is a well-connected city, with the Jaipur airport being the closest one. You can hire a cab from Jaipur to reach the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

By Bus: There are regular buses to Ajmer from cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur.

By Rail: The Indian Railway network connects most of the Indian cities to Ajmer.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES

The dargah opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 9:00PM. It stays closed from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM.

ENTRY FEE

No entry fee is required to enter this dargah as it’s a pious site.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Winter is the best time to visit Ajmer. The dargah resonates beautiful Sufi music during the months of November - March. You can also visit during Eid.