Ajmer - The City of Khwaja Garib Nawaz

It is believed that a person who prays with pure heart at Ajmer Sharif Dargah , gets all his or her wishes fulfilled.

One of the major and the oldest cities in the state of Rajasthan and a centre of Sufi devotion.

The holy Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is enshrined in Ajmer. He was believed to be Muhammed's direct descendant. Several mosques built in the complex were commissioned by Akbar and Shahjahan, who made it a point to visit the dargah at Ajmer once a year. The dargah resounds excellent Sufi music amid the long stretches of November - March.

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The Dargah

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Ajmer has even earned the title of "Madina of India".Each year devotees come here to take the benediction o fthe Sufi saint. Each year followers of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz ( literally,comforter of the poor), congregate here to celebrate the Urs (death anniversary) of the saint.

Around the Dargah

The dargah is surrounded by a great market in its vicinity. Great, bustling markets where anything and everything can be found. The Dargah Market even have some lodging inns and small hotels for the devotees to stay. Restaurants with great food and of one's choice can be found in the market. Be it the for the sweet tooths or the people looking out for delicious biryani, everyone's hunger needs can be satisfied. It is very rightly said:

A beautiful amalgamation that anyone would ever see. Where the poor are present, there is the Comforter of the Poor.{"Kitna haseen sangam hai.. Jahan garib khade hai.

The Dargah Sharif Ajmer - Inside Out

A). Buland Darwaza

The Buland Darwaza at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the entrances to the holy hospice. Erected in the 14th century, the gate is still an insight into the architecture of the 14th century people. Made out of Stone Slabs from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), it is one of the oldest entrances or gates for the visitors to enter the hospice.

B). Victoria Fountain (Hauz)

he Ajmer Sharif Dargah speaks to another model of advancement that holds the greatness of its old structures. . ⛲ The "hauz" at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, used for washing hands and feet before going in to offer prayers, was actually built by Queen Victoria in 1911 and hence gets its name - "Victoria Fountain".

C). The Jannati Darwaza

Make a wish. The Jannati Darwaza at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a boon in the form of a door. The Jannati Darwaza was the private entrance of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. . 👑 The Jannati Darwaza is opened for the general public 4 times a year(on both Eids, Open longest during Urs of Khwaja Garib Nawaz and during Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni). It is said that anything that is wished at this "Door to Heaven" turns out to be true. It is even said that those who use this doorway (when it's opened) to reach inside the dargah get their places fixed in Jannat (heaven). Want your wishes to come true? The Jannati Darwaza at Ajmer is all ears for your wishes.

Qawwalis and the Sufi Hospice

Qawwalis are an essential part of Sufism. Devotional songs sung in unison by the qawwal group evokes the divine ecstasy among the devotees at the dargah. Specially during the Urs festival of Khwaja Garib Nawaz, qawwalis throughout the day connects the people with their shaikh (saint).

Places to Visit on your trip to Ajmer :

Trips to Ajmer can vary according to one's preferences. Some people visit Ajmer only to visit the holy dargah sharif. But other people suffering from wanderlust who wanna go more ahead reach the city of Pushkar. I visit Ajmer every year to seek blessings from Khwaja Gharib Nawaz , that too without fail. So, on my last trip to the holy town, I decided to stay in Ajmer for a day and explore the city and the area near the dargah. So after getting in touch with the locals in the market, I reached the Govt. Museum, Ajmer which is also known as the Akbari Qila (Fort), now converted by the Govt into a museum. The fort even hosts a "Light and Sound Show" that makes one experience the story of the fort and the city of Ajmer. View glimpses of the show at Akbari Fort on my IGTV.

The fort is the one from where Emperor Jahangir (son of Mughal Emperor Akbar) issued a firmaan , royal order that allowed the entry of the East India Company in Indian subcontinent. This was the place that caught my attention after the dargah, as the rest tourist spots of Ajmer are well known among the pilgrims and tourists.

Where to stay in Ajmer : The best place to spend your night

Although the city of Ajmer has various options in hotels that the tourists choose according to their budgets and distance from the dargah. But the place which calls me back again to spend the night in Ajmer, lies near the Ana Sagar Lake Front (Chaupati). The hotel is a heritage property which is locally in India known as a haveli. The property is housed in the Vaishali Nagar Area of Ajmer and this is one of the best places to experience Ajmer.

The Mansingh Palace, Ajmer

The Mansingh Palace, Ajmer provides the perfect amalgamation of luxury, comfort and unparalleled hospitality. With superb ambience and lip smacking food, The Mansingh Palace, Ajmer tops my list when it comes to residing in the Ajmer city. A full 5 star service and the tariffs that suites one's budget. Built in a heritage style, the hotel is a perfect blend of heritage and modern hospitality. The best blend for any traveler who is in search of a great hotel with awesome food. The best items up on the menu is the Chicken/Mutton Biryani and it makes a brilliant combo when served with lassi. A pure royal feast after half a day's travel from the Capital city of New Delhi.

Anyone can be tempted for this lush green view from one's room. The greenery of Ajmer waking you up in the morning. Sound cool, but the vibes here are awesome!!!

The Mansingh Palace, Ajmer has beautiful lush green gardens that can steal anybody's heart. Beautiful multicolored bougainvillea flowers are a treat to the eyes.

The Mansingh Palace even houses various Rajasthani paintings , be it in the rooms or in the hotel lobby, the paintings add more charm to the decor of this heritage hotel property.

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