Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah, Jain Temple in Ajmer, Rajasthan

Quote of the Post: "This holy shrine is a miraculous place for many devotees who come to visit from all across the world." - Quote about Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah by Sachin Kumar Gupta

During our one day trip to Ajmer and Pushkar from Jaipur, we visited first Pushkar and it was then time to visit Ajmer. This place added value and unique experience to my travel tales in India. Ajmer is 132 kms. away from Jaipur and 198 kms. from Jodhpur. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar which is 14 km away. The best time to visit Ajmer is between October and March. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Major attractions for visitors of Ajmer are Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah, Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra (two-and-a-half-day mosque), the Ana Sagar Lake, the Taragarh Fort, Daulat Khana, Daulat Bagh, and the Nasiyan Jain Temple.

Anasagar Lake Ajmer

The first to visit was "Ana Sagar Lake", while coming back from Pushkar. It is a large artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The nearby area is developed with the help of local people. The Baradari and the adjoining parks are the picnic areas of city and favorite outing spots. We saw many people parking their vehicles nearby and bathing at different spots. Our driver stopped at the parking area for sometime, and gave us chance to take a look to this lake. To be frank, the lake is not up-to-the mark, and need to be maintained.

Then we approached to Ajmer-e-Sharif, famous for the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally cherished by all religions. It is the landmark of Ajmer and one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in India which is worshiped by all people in India. Very few people know that Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was a Sufi saint from Persia, made this place his abode. Mughal King Humayun completed the construction of the shrine. Emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage to Ajmer. Our driver showed us the way to Dargah, a narrow, crowded street and 15 minutes walk through market.

Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan have built mosques in the complex. The place is divided into multiple courtyards. The saint's tomb is in the center of the second courtyard and the actual tomb inside is surrounded by a silver railing and partly by a marble screen. The tomb is of marble and the dome is gold plated. 

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti - Ajmer Sharif Ajmer

Timings: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Winters) and 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Summers)

The aroma of incense sticks (Agarbatti) has a mesmerizing effect on the devotees. The mystic atmosphere inside the holy shrine is suffused with serenity, sanctity and spirituality. As you enter the Dargah courtyard, you see two massive 'boilers', meaning cauldrons. There are many miracles (Karamaat) that strengths the belief of people in Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin in Ajmer. Modern science and logic have no place in the hidden calculation and determination of miracles. 

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti - Ajmer Sharif Ajmer

There is an unending stream of devotees to the shrine throughout the year but it becomes live when millions of devotees throng the shrine during the Urs fair. Sufis and believers converge from all over India and abroad, as it is believed that those visiting the shrine during Urs receive special blessings of the saint. It is said that big celebrities visit this place, from time to time, to make a wish. 

Some important points to remember before visiting Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah:

*Park your vehicle near to the Dargah market area as people charge on hourly basis. You should leave your high end cameras in your vehicle only.

*The railway station is indeed at a 10 minutes walking distance (1 km) from Ajmer Sharif. You can skip taking an auto.

*It is customary to cover your head while inside the complex. Remember to carry a skullcap or a scarf. The skull-cap is on sale in the colorful market just outside the Dargah. 

*It is also customary to make floral offerings, mainly of roses, incense sticks (Agarbatti) and sweets that are locally available. We took our offering from near the main gate, where we left our shoes and slippers.

*Photography is not allowed inside the complex, but you can just take from outside the entrance. As we were in the group of 6 having SLR and other stuff, so entered in group of 3. 

*Everyone has to walk bare foot inside the main gate, It also helps to keep the place clean. 

*Put off your shoes, slippers and camera outside the Dargah from where you purchased the offerings.

*There is a water tank inside where you can clean your hands and feet before entering the main shrine.

*Listen the blissful Qawwali at Shrine in Ajmer e Sharif Dargah.

*As custom, tie the thread to the jali as per your wish. When you come back again and untie the knot if your wish comes true.

*Don't let people follow you, who ask for money at time to time. 

*Ajmer Dargah Bazaar which offers some amazing articles which can be taken back home as a souvenirs of the city.

*For many, The Dargah Bazaar Ajmer is one of the best ways to enjoy the Bazaar Ajmer which is always a great experience.

*If you are visiting Ajmer, ask your driver to drive to nearby must visit Jain Temple.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan - Jain Temple Ajmer

Soniji Ki Nasiyan - Jain Temple Ajmer

Soniji Ki Nasiyan - Jain Temple Ajmer

Soniji Ki Nasiyan or Ajmer Jain Temple:

Entrance Fee: INR 10.

It is another must visit place in Ajmer, My search helped us to enjoy best of Ajmer in a day. Soniji Ki Nasiyan is an architecturally rich Digambara Jain temple. The main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari "City of Gold", has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting several figures in the Jain religion. We took too many photographs inside this place. After that we were on our way back to Jaipur.