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Ajmer Sherif is the most important place of pilgrimage for the Muslims. Located at the foot of the hill, this Dargah Sharif is dedicated to the much respected Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. Also hailed as the Gharib Nawaz or the protector of the poor, the holy saint won all the hearts in Ajmer through his love, affection and services. He is the one who started the Chisti order of Fakirs in India.
Being a place of such piety, this Dargah Sharif is visited by thousands of people every year in the months of April-May on the occasion of the saints Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab.
Features:
The Dargah is also the house of a magnificent mosque made of marble and a piece of architectural genius, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
The centre of the compound holds the mazaar or grave surrounded by a golden railing. The dome is covered with shiny velvet curtains, one even from the holy land of Mecca.
The Urs is started by hosting a white flag by the Sajjada Nashin, the representative of the Chistis. This takes place on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, which is the sixth lunar month. The Jamati Darwaza or the gateway of heaven is flung open on the last day of the sixth month.
During the festival the tomb is washed and anointed with perfumes. This ritual known as the Ghusal. The tomb is then covered with silk cloth and Fatiha and Salamti are read. Mushaira, a poetic recitation by poets of all the communities in respect of the Khwaja is organized.
The Dargah premises have two huge cauldrons used to prepare special delicacies like kheer and distributed as tabarukh during the Urs festival.
During the festival the devotees present Nazrana or gifts to the holy saint in the form of flowers, chadars, ghilaph, incense sticks, perfumes. The gifts are received by the Khadims or the caretaker of the sanctified tomb.
Outside the dargah a group of professional singers called qawwals sing sons in the praise of the saint.
The end of the Urs festival is marked by the Oul on the 6th day of the Rajab.
Season
The best time to visit Ajmer is during the months of April-May when the Urs festival of the Sufi saint takes place.
How to Reach
Mount Abu is easily accessible. It enjoys good connectivity through all the three modes:
By Air
Nearest airport is Jaipur from where flights to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi are available.
By Rail
Located on the Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line, Ajmer has excellent rail connections.
It takes two and a half hours to reach Ajmer from Jaipur. The State Highways are well maintained and interlinked.
Tour to India takes you on a virtual tour of Fairs and Festivals in India. Tour to India also gives detailed information and online bookings for tours to Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan and the Urs Ajmer Sherif is one such festival in Rajasthan. To book the tour or for more information please fill up the given form below.
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