Ajmer City Guide
Dargah Sharif, the final resting place of Moin-Ud-Din Chisti, is one of the most sacred shrine for Muslims as well as Hindus
Location : The Dargah Sharif, Ajmer is situated in the heart of Ajmer city.
Best time to visit : October to March, when the climate is cooler.
Attractions : The annual Urs fair during July-August.
About the Dargah
The Dargah Sharif, final resting place of Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chisti, is one of the most holy places for Muslims. The Dargah is equally holy for Hindus and other religion followers. Khwaja was also called as Gharib Nawaj, which means the protector of the poors. Khwaja was a Sufi saint who came to India from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poors. Later emperor Akbar is said to have traveled to Dargah from Delhi on foot to wish for a heir. Annual fair of Urs is held here in remembrance of late Khwaja. It is said that during his last days, Khwaja shut himself in a room for 6 days and left his mortal body in solitude. Urs is one of the major fairs of Muslims. The shrine is equally prayed by Hindus. People have faith that any wish asked with pure heart will be fulfilled by Khwaja.
Architecture
The Dargah building was constructed by the Mughal rulers, from Humayun to Shah Jehan. The architecture of the building is a true representative of the Mughal style of building monuments. The Dargah Bazar is the entry point that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 Kg. On special occasions, 'Kheer' cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims. The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. There is a prayer room for women, which was constructed by Chimni Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan. The premises of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of saint's daughter-Bibi Hafiz Jama and tomb of Shah Jahan's daughter Chimni Begum.
