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Ajmer Sharif Ajmer
Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the ‘Dargah Sharif’, the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint’s marble domed mausoleum is India’s most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged. The Urs or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage. Lengthy queues of several kilometres snake their way past the tomb at the shrine while outside the Dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as ‘tabarukh’ or sanctified food. Within the dargah lies a mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan. Like all of Shah Jahan’s buildings, the mosque too, is an architectural marvel - a magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow courtyard for the faithful to pray in, richly embellished with ornate calligraphic inscriptions, delicate carvings and detailed trelliswork.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Dargah is during the annual Urs of Moinuddin Chishti in May. Even if you’re unable to make it to Ajmer for the Urs, time your visit for the winter instead- summer all across Rajasthan means hot, dry weather which can take some getting used to. Winters are much more pleasant and comfortable.
Trivia
Tip of advice! Dress modestly and maintain the decorum. It is preferred that the women cover their heads with a scarf, dupatta or any other cloth.
Timing
The Dargah (shrine) is open daily from 5 in the morning till 9 in the evening.
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