Rajasthan Travel Guide

Khawaja Gharibnawaz Dargah Ajmer

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Ajmer Sharif Dargah is also known by the name of Dargah Sharif, Khawaja Gharibnawaz Dargah Ajmer, Ajmer Dargah, Ajmer Sharif. It is most popular and important Muslim pilgrimage in Rajasthan. People from all the communities come here and pay homage in the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif. Ajmer Sharif is famous for fulfilling the wishes of the devotees. Various followers of different religion offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the Dargah.

History of Ajmer Sharif

Khawaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Ajmer is the tomb of the Hazrat Khwaja Moin-d-din Chisti, who was the founder of Islam in India and known as a great preacher of Islam in the world.

He was known for his noble teachings and peace. This Sufi saint is known to have come from Persia and died in 1236 in Ajmer after winning all hearts. Also known as “Khwaja Garib”

Later Mughal emperor Humayun, Akbar, Shahjahan, and Jahangir constructed mosques here. Main tomb gate is known as Nizam Gate which was erected by Shahjahan so it is also called Shahjahani Gate. After it, there is Buland Darwaja. Urs flag is hoisted on it which marks the beginning of the Urs festival.

Momuments At Ajmer Dargah

While visiting the Ajmer Sharif Dargah you will come across various monuments and notable buildings. All these buildings were erected by various rulers ruling India. It had been considered sacred since a very early age.

The entry to the Ajmer Dargah is through the Nizam Gate which is then followed by the Shahjahani Gate, which was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Then it leads to the Buland Darwaza which was built by Mahmood Khilji.

Some of the monuments you will come across while going to Ajmer Sharif Dargah are

  • Nizam Gate : It was built in 1911 by Mir Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad Deccan.
  • Buland Darwaja: It is a huge gate built by Mahmood Khilji and his successors. A Flag is hoisted above the gate before the start of Urs Festival.
  • Degs : Degs means a huge utensil used for cooking in historic times. You will find them on the side of second Buland Darwaja located in front of Saham Chiragh. The circumference at the edge of the larger cauldron is 10-1/4 feet. It cooks 70 pounds of rice, while the smaller Deg takes 28 pounds. One of them was presented by Akbar in 1567 A.D.
  • Samakhana or Mahfilkhana: A Place where you can enjoy the amazing soul touching Qawwali. It is located on the western side of Saham Chiragh. The place where Qawwali is held was built by Nawab Bashir-ud-Dowla Sir Asmaan Jah of Hyderabad Deccan.
  • Begami Daalaan: Located on the eastern side of the main shrine is a small and beautiful porch called as Begami Daalaan built by Princess Jahan Ara Begam, ):daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan.
  • Sanadli Masjid
  • Mazar of Bibi Hafiz Jamal
  • Aulia Masjid
  • Babafarid Ka Chilla
  • Jannati Darwaza
  • Akbari Masjid

Daily Ceremonies at Ajmer Sharif

Khidmat : This ritual is cleaning of Mazar and offerings by flowers. Khidmat is done two times a day. One at 4:00 am with the call of azan and second at 3:00 pm.

Morning Khidmat is performed half an hour before the Fajar prayer and evening khidmat is performed only by men. Ladies are not allowed the khidmat and offering of flowers and sandalwood take place with the khadim reciting Fatiha.

Lighting (Ros): Khadims bring candles inside the tomb with the beating of drums and lights up the lamps in the four corners with the recitations of sacred words.

Karka: This is the closing ceremony of the tomb and takes place after an hour of isha prayer. Before 20 minutes of closing the door when the fifth part of the night passes, the clock sounds five times.

The devotees asked to leave the tomb and three khakis clean the tomb. After that bell rings six times to mark the qawwals sing a special karka song and the door are closed after that.

Sama (Qawwali) : It is the song in the praise of Allah which is sung by qawwals who are devotional singers at the Mehfil-e-Sama in front of the Mazar after all namaz are over. Also, the Quran recital takes place every day.

URS in Ajmer Sharif

The largest Muslim fair in India, the annual Urs of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held at the dargah of the saint in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Urs celebrations continue for six days, commencing with the hoisting of a white flag on the tomb by the Sajdanashin (successor-representative) of the Chishtia order.

Over the days which follow, the tomb is ritually anointed with rosewater and sandalwood paste; qawwalis are sung and poetry recited in praise of the Almighty, prayers are said, qawwalis and other several programs all night to create brotherhood and happiness amongst people of different backgrounds and devotees offer nazranas or votive offerings.

Outside the dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as ‘tabarukh’ or sanctified food. The annual festival of Urs starts with flag hoisting at Buland Darwaja.

The Urs festival starts once the moon appears in the month of Rajab. With the commencement of the Urs festival, the daily schedule of the Dargah changes.

The main entrance of the holy tomb which used to closed at night is now open all day and night except for 2 or 3 hours at night.

Qul Day: It is the last day of the Urs festival which is the sixth day of the festival. It is the most important day of the festival and after morning prayer devotees start to gather at the holy tomb.

After those activities include a recital of Quran, Darood, peace, Shijra-e-Chishtia, and other verses. Devotees also tie small turbans to each other and pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Offerings – What to Offer at Dargah Sharif

Devotees can offer Chadar, Flowers, Ittar at the shrine or can contribute financially for the food or online donation to the trust for the maintenance of the Shrine. Most of the people offer velvet chadar with flowers.

You can also offer food or money for cooking the famous big and small deg which is situated in the Dargah Sharif which is then offered to the devotees.

Best Time to Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah

During Urs festival is the best time to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargahs holy tomb remains open throughout the day and night. Ajmer becomes a holy place in the Urs festival.

During Urs, the Dargah’s main gates called the Jannati Darwaza (Gateway to Heaven), which normally remains closed, are opened for the devotees.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Timings

Winters : Gates opens at 5:00 AM and closed at 9:00 PM
Summers :
Gates opens at 4:00 AM and closed at 10:00 PM

How To Reach Ajmer Sharif Dargah

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur. 136 KMs distance from Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It takes around 2 Hours and 30 Minutes to Reached there by using NH48 highway.

By Rail: Ajmer city is well connected by rail with important cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad etc.

By Road: Regular Bus Services are available from Ajmer city to all important tourist places in the state and another major city outside the State.

Cab : The Dargah is located 3 kilometers from the main bus stand at Ajmer. A cab takes about 10 minutes to get there and charges under INR 150.

Tuk-Tuk Since the area is rather crowded, it may be a good idea to take the tuk-tuk, especially if you are looking to get there fast. From the bus stand, a tuk-tuk charge between INR 50 and 75 and takes about 10 minutes to get to the Dargah.



Ajmer Sharif Dargah - Video Travel Guide

Ajmer Shariff Dargah

Ajmer Shariff Dargah

Ajmer Shariff Dargah in Rajasthan, India

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6 Responses to “Khawaja Gharibnawaz Dargah Ajmer”

Zoya Khan Says

Man ko sakuun milta hai jab b yaha aati hu… allah humesha apni nazre -e- karaam banye rakhna….Ameen.

Farheen amer Says

Awesome,one of the finest place in india.i love visitin the place .a place where there is no discrimination of religion.

Ganesh Says

One of the best pilgrimage in India that portrays the Unity of Indian People. I love visiting Ajmer Sharif and more importantly the qawallis here are just amazing. It has its own vibe. Ajmer Sharif is a must visit place if you are in Jaipur or Ajmer.

Yogesh Says

is there any Vishun temple in Ajmer Sharif Dargah?
someone post same question at https://www.quora.com/Is-was-Ajmer-Dargah-Sharief-a-Vishnu-Temple
some told it yes, some said no… or its just a propaganda to spread hatred between two communities

Raza Murad Says

hey sharif,
Mobile was allowed before the blast but now due do some safety reasons it’s better to leave your phone and camera out the dargah. there is no electronic detectors in the entrance so most of the visitors switch off their phone and keep it in their pocket but i advice you to don’t do that, your mobile can be stolen because of crowd and dhakka mukki inside the dargah.

taking photo is strictly prohibited inside the ajmer dargah so avoid to take camera while visiting dargah.

md sharif Says

Do they allow mobile inside the Ajmer Dargah?