Ajmer Sharif

The dust of your doorstep
is just the right thing to apply,
If Surmah does not show
its beauty in the eye!
- Amir Khusru

Ajmer is famous all over the world for its tomb of the eminent Sufi saint Hazrat Khawaza Moinuddin Chisti. The disciples of this great saint included the brave Mughal emperors. The favoured destination of Ajmer is located in the shadow of the Aravallis in central Rajasthan. The unbiased ambiance of the Dargah is opened for devotees from every caste, creed and sect. The crown on the tomb's summit is made of solid gold, and the open space in the foreground is a mosque built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

As you enter the Dargah, have a look at the two pulchritudinous gateways, Buland Durwaza, which were built by Sultan Ghyasuddin Khilji of Mandoo. Akbar was the first Mogul emperor to visit the Dargah on foot, when Ajmer came under his possession. He built the Akbari Masjid in the Dargah in 1571 A.D. which is a voluminous, red sandstone mosque, situated at the right side of the main entrance. In the center of the compound lies the actual mazaar, or grave, bustling with the prayers of the devotees. Around it is a golden railing donated by emperor Jahangir and the crown at the apex is made up of solid gold. Inside, the hush deepens, despite a crush of people. The jeweled mazaar, covered with gold cloth, is protected by silver railings and a great dome above. Pilgrims stand outside the outer railing, and the khadims (hereditary shrine keepers) move in the space in between. The heaps of rose petals give off an incredibly strong scent that fills the room, adding to the atmosphere. The walls are paneled with velvet curtains, including one from Mecca.
Scoop
Place - Rajasthan
Area - 9.8 sq .km
Altitude - 413 metres
Built In -1256 A.D
Built By - Humayun
Best Season To Visit -October to March
Local Transport - cars, local buses, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

The Climate Graph
Ajmer has hot summers and cool winters. The maximum temperature in summer (from April to June) is around 45ºC. In winters (from November to February), days are sunny and pleasant but nights are bit cooler.

Accommodation Options
There is no dearth of accommodation options in Ajmer. To mention a few:

• Hotel Mansingh Palace
• Bijayniwas Palace Resort
• Roopangarh Fort
• Hotel Regency

Eating Joints
Give a treat to your tongue and stomach in the multi cuisine restaurants of Ajmer.

• Bhola Hotel
• Club Restaurant
• Haveli Heritage Inn
• Hotel Hayatt
• Hotel New Park
• Sheesh Mahal
• The Daavat

Shopping Junction

• Shopping in Ajmer is an adventurous activity, especially when it is in its crowded markets. One can really indulge in inexpensive items representative of Rajasthani art and culture. Silver and gold ornaments, jewellery, tie-dye and block printed textiles, embroidered blouses and shoes called mojaris are some of the hot selling items of Ajmer.
• Ajmer is also popular for atar (perfume) made from the juice of roses. Emperor Jahangir was the one who patronised its use when atar was first presented to him, and since then rose atar has been synonymous with Ajmer. While the Urs festival is in full swing artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers congregate on Ajmer to display and sell their colourful wares.

Major Highlight
The Urs Festival
This festival begins in the month of May. A must see quantum of the fair is the mushaira or poetic recitation. Poets from all pockets of India gather wholeheartedly to recite compositions dedicated to Khwaja. People also gather in religious convocations which include singing of Qawwali songs by devotees.
Ajmer Times
http://www.topix.net/in/ajmer

Map Of Ajmer Sharif
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/districts/ajmer.htm

Getting There
By Air
The nearest domestic airport is at Jaipur, 132 km away. International flights operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi
By Rail
Ajmer is accessible by trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur.
By Road
Ajmer is connected by road to all the major cities of Rajasthan. Regular bus services also operate from Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi.