Ajmer Sharif Dargah, located in Ajmer city of Rajasthan, is one of the major Sufi religious places in India. Here is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti. He is also known as Khwaja Garib Nawaz. This Dargah is a center of reverence not only for the Muslim community but also for people belonging to different religions and faiths. According to the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the Dargah is associated with the Sufi tradition of love, compassion and mutual harmony.

Who was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti?

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is believed to be born in the Persia region in the 12th century. He was a Sufi saint and is counted among the major saints who popularized the teachings of the Chishti order in India. Humanity, kindness, helping the needy and love are given special importance in his teachings. According to historical accounts, Khwaja Saheb reached Ajmer around 1192 AD and he stayed here and gave spiritual education to the people. He died in the year 1236 AD. Due to his teachings, he is also known as 'Garib Nawaz' i.e. the one who is kind to the poor.

How was Ajmer Sharif Dargah built?

After the death of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a religious place gradually developed at his tomb. According to Rajasthan Tourism Department, Mughal emperor Humayun built the dargah in the saint's honour. Later, the Mughal rulers also constructed various buildings and mosques in the complex. Mughal emperor Akbar is said to have a special connection with this Dargah. According to historical accounts, Akbar used to visit Ajmer and pay pilgrimage to the Dargah. Shahjahan had also built a mosque in the Dargah complex. Today its entrance gates, courtyards, marble lattices and domes reflect its historical architecture.

Why is the architecture of Dargah special?

Ajmer Sharif Dargah has many historical structures. Prominent among them are Nizam Gate, Shahjahani Gate and Buland Darwaza. Marble lattices and silver railings are visible around the main shrine. There are also mosques, courtyards and other religious buildings in the Dargah complex. Devotees coming here offer chadar and flowers at the shrine and pray. Religious events to Sufi tradition and Qawwali also attract people in the complex.

Why is Urs celebrated in Ajmer Sharif Dargah?

The death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is celebrated as Urs. This event takes place in the month of Rajab of the Islamic calendar. During this period, a large number of pilgrims from India and abroad reach Ajmer. There is a tradition of offering chadar, praying and participating in religious programs at the Dargah. The number of devotees in Ajmer increases significantly during the time of Urs. In such a situation, while planning a trip, it is useful to first collect information to accommodation, traffic and crowd.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Opening Timings

As per the available tourist information, the Dargah timings may vary depending on the season.

Changes in timings are possible due to special religious events or systemic reasons. It is better to check the information on the official website of the Dargah before visiting.

How to reach Ajmer Sharif Dargah?

Ajmer is connected to many major cities of Rajasthan by railway and road. The Dargah is located in the heart of the city and can be reached from the railway station by local auto, taxi and other means. The distance from Jaipur to Ajmer is about 130 kilometers by road.