Ajmer

Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif - tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. 120 km (78 miles) west of Jaipur, was founded by great Raja Prithviraj Chauhan in 7th century. Ajmer is known for

Dargah of Khwaja Mu'in-ud-din Chisti (1142-1236) and Ana Sagar Lake. Also known for the famous boarding schools Sophia college (Girls) and Mayo college (Boys).

Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. It is a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility.

The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co.

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar

PLACE OF INTEREST

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra :-A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of Indo Islamic architecture located on the outskirts of the city. Just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its construction took two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohammad Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days (adhai-din) and hence the name. The district pillars and arched screen with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.

Ana Sagar Lake :-Located towards the north of Ajmer city this beautiful lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 A.D, by damming the river Luni. Later the Mughal emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', Shah Jahan built a marble pavilion and the Daulat Bagh gardens were laid by Jehangir.

Dargah of Kwaja Moinuddin Chishti :- At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India's most important Pilgrimage centre for people from all faith. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, more popularly known as Khwaja Sharif. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by pilgrims irrespective of their faith. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfilment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.

The entry to the Dargah is through the Buland Darwaza that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 Kg and 4480 Kg. On special occasions, Kheer cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims. The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The daughter of Shah Jahan had built a prayer room in the Dargah for the women devotees. The primises of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of Saint's daughter-Bili Hafiz Jama, tomb of Shah Jahan's daughter Chimni Begum.

Mayo College :- One of Indian's best public schools located in the south east of the city. It was founded in 1875 A.D. only for the princes. Each prince along with his entire retinue and an English tutor had his own house in the spacious college grounds covering 81 hectares. Now it is a public school open to all.

Soniji Ki Nasiyan :- Also famous as Lal Mandir, it consists of models of human development & Jain Purans engraved in main hall. Models of Ayodhya & the panch Kalyanak are present in he other part of the temple. This red coloured Jain temple was built in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed. Built in the year 1865 by Rai Bahadur seth Mool Chand Soni of Ajmer.

The temple consists of two parts, the first portion is the worship area for Jain community where idol of Lord Adinath the first of the 24 tirthsnkars, of Jain religion is installed. The second portion is the museum section where the five stages (Panch Kalyanak) in the life of Lord Adinath have been depicted in the form of statues. The 40 x 80 feet hall is exquisitely done up in pure gold, Belgium stain glass, mineral colour paintings and stain glasswork. Thus this two-story museum is a treat to the Soul.

Taragarh Fort :- A steep one and half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military activity during the Mughal period later used as a sanatorium by the British.

The Museum :- Once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar, the museum houses a rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput armor and exquisite sculptures.

FESTIVALS

'Urs Ajmer Sharif' (May - June) :- The Urs, a celebration is held in the solemn memory of 'Kwaja Moinuddin Chishti', a sufi saint. Several Thousand pay obeisance at his shrine in Ajmer every year.

Forts & Places:-
Man Mahal

TARAGARH FORT