Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal
Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to
Mohammed Ghauri.since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties,
which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture
and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of
various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Today,
Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as
Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi
saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti,which is equally revered by the Hindus
and Muslims.
Ajmer is also the base for visiting
Pushkar(11 km.),the abode of Lord Brahma,lying to its west with a
temple and a picturesque lake.The Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for
Hindus. During the month of Kartik(Oct./Nov.),devotes throng in
large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Attractions
to See In Ajmer
- The Dargah
(Ajmer-e-Sharif)
It is the landmark of Ajmer and
one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in the country. It has a
secular appeal and revered by people of all sect. Khwaja
Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint from Persia made this place his
abode from 1192 till he died in 1236 AD. Mughal King Humayun
completed the construction of the shrine. The Dargah is
approached through a massive gate with silver doors built in
several stages. Emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage to
Ajmer.
- Shahjhan's Mosque
In the corner of the inner
court of the Dargah, is a magnificent building in white marble
with a long (30.5m) and narrow court having low arcade and
delicate carvings with trellis-work.It is the most marvelous of
all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.
- Taragarh Fort
Taragarhor the 'Star Fort' is
situated three kilometers and a steep 1 and a half hour climb
beyond the Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra Mosque. As it is situated on a
height, it commands a spectacular view over the city. It was
built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town's founder. The fort was the
site of much military activities during Mughal times and was
later used as a sanatorium by the British.
How to Reach
- Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 135
kms away.
- Rail
Ajmer is on the
Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line and most trains stops
at Ajmer.
- Road
It is connected with bus from all places
like Jaipur, Agra, Aligarh, Abu road, Bikaner, Bharatpur,
Barmer, Haridwar, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Nagaur.
