Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is considered to be among the holiest Muslim shrines in India and is also a famous landmark in Ajmer. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, the Sufi saint from Persia is enshrined here. In keeping with his secular teachings, its doors are open to people of all faiths and religions. Some say that Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti believed he was a direct descendant of Muhammad and preached his beliefs to the masses. While on his world travel, he was urged by Muhammad, in a dream, to visit India. He reached Ajmer, via Lahore, and made it his home from 1192 till his death in 1236 AD.

The shrine was built by Mughal King Humayun in honour of this saint. You can step inside the Dargah through a series of massive silver doors that lead into a courtyard where the saint's tomb is centred. Made of marble and gold plating, the actual tomb is guarded by a silver railing and a marble screen. During his reign, Emperor Akbar made a pilgrimage to Ajmer every year. He, as well as Emperor Shah Jahan, built mosques inside the shrine complex. Visitors to the shrine are awed by the atmosphere of peace and serenity that the combined effects of flowers, sweets and burning incense sticks create.

About Dargah Sharif
There is an old saying that worshipers who visit Ajmer Sharif and pray with full faith and loyalty at Dargah will free their souls. Ajmer sharif is a Sufi Dargah, dedicated to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. It also hosts 6 days annual festival of “Urs” to celebrate the death anniversary of Moinuddin Chisti. It is located in Rajasthani city of Ajmer in Northern India which has several beautiful tombs, buildings, daalaans and courtyard of Mughal architecture. Various followers of different religion offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume non-alcoholic at the Dargah.

Ajmer Sharif is a big enclosure consisting of several gates, degscauldrons and mosque, in the addition to the tomb of Moinuddin Chisti. First gate - Nizam Gate, The first main entrance to Ajmer Sharif which stands at a height of 60 feets was created by Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1911. It was built to protect it from rains. Second Gate - Shahjahani Gate, This is a second gate which was erected by Shah Japan. It was used in Urs festivals. In front of this gate, vendors sell flowers and beautiful religious sheets for worshipers. Third gate - Buland Darwaza, The tallest gate which stands 80 feet high is Buland Darwaza, upon which Urs flag is hoisted. It marks the beginning of tomb of Moinuddin Chisti.