ajmer

The world-famous Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the most frequently-visited pilgrimage point in Ajmer. The complex houses numerous monuments; important attractions within the Dargah include two imposing gates called Buland Darwaza, the mausoleum where Moinuddin Chishti's tomb is placed. There is also a mosque and a huge cauldron where believers donate money, which is then used to feed the poor and needy. A popular custom at the Dargah is to make offerings in the form of flowers and a chaddar which is placed over the holy saint’s tomb by pilgrims seeking blessings from the Holy Spirit. It is also believed that one can make a wish come true by tying a thread at the shrine, which has to be taken off once the wish comes true. A large number of pilgrims visit the Dargah to make offerings in the name of the Sufi saint who dedicated his life to the betterment of society. Adding to the ambience of the Dargah complex is the impeccable Mughal architecture, the spellbinding qawwalis and the divine scent of incense sticks all around. An event that reveals the true harmonious character the Dargah is the annual Urs, a six-day festival which is held during Rajab, the seventh month of the lunar calendar each year.
 

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is an ancient temple and a Sanskrit college that was converted into a mosque by the founder of the Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin Aibak, in 1193. The mosque is popular for the double depth calligraphic inscriptions that adorn its façade. Though most of the ancient temple is in ruins today, the area of the mosque is still used as a place of worship.
 

Soniji Ki Nasiyan, so called the Red Temple, is a Jain temple dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. Main attraction of the temple is the main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari "City of Gold", which has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting several figures in the Jain religion. The temple draws a lot of crowd, especially because of its beautiful architecture and an amazing sculpture of the Universe. This extravagantly built temple is the perfect place to interpret the primeval world from the Jains’ perspective. Aesthetically designed, Nasiyan Temple is made of two storeys and is divided into two parts, one of which is a prayer area and the other a museum.
 

An artificial lake which was brought to life in the 12th century, Anasagar Lake is named after Anaji Chauhan, Prithviraj Chauhan's grandfather. The scenic lake is adjoined by Daulat Bagh, another important tourist attraction in Ajmer. Ideal for the more laid back, a jetty or paddle boat ride around the Anasagar Lake would be a good option. While touring Anasagar Lake, be sure to visit the island in the centre of the lake which is popular for evening strolls.
 

A historic fort that was established by the Chauhan Dynasty, the Taragarh Fort is perched on the Aravallis and offers a bird's eye view of the city of Ajmer. Taragarh Fort is claimed to be the first hill fort in Asia, and is very impressive with its solid rectangular shape and rock strong 4.5 metre walls. It enjoys close connectivity to the Dargah Sharif and is located at walking distance from Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra.
 

During the Mughal period, Ajmer grew in importance as Emperor Akbar began an annual pilgrimage to the dargah of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti. This fort was built by Akbar in the 16th century, along with a mosque located inside the dargah. It served as the emperor's residence during his visit to Ajmer. Even now, the imposing square building has bastions at each corner, a magnificent gateway and an audience chamber inside. It was converted into a museum in 1908, and now exhibits sculptures, inscriptions, miniature paintings, and arms and armour from various historic sites around Rajasthan.