|
Ajmer
is a popular pilgrimage centre
for Hindus as well as Muslims situated on the banks of the
Ana
Sagar
Lake
at an altitude of 486 meters above sea level.
Ajmer
was founded by a Rajput chieftain Raja Ajaipal Chauhan, who also built first hill
fort in the 7th century, the Tara Garh fort. this fort gives birds eye view of
Ajmer
. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.Since then,
Ajmer
became home to many dynasties, leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and
traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures
and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Ajmer
is Especially famous for Sharif-tomb of the Sufi, saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti, here at this The tomb of thousands of pilgrims visit every
year on the anniversary of the saint's death. This tom is equally revered by the
Hindus and Muslims. The shrine is next only to
Mecca
or
Medina
for the Muslims of south
Asia
This small town also housed a red coloured Jain temple .The beauty of this temple
is widely acclaimed.
PRIME SITES
The Dargah :
At the foot of the barren hill,is situated
India
's most important pilgrimage centre for people from all faiths. It is the splendid
tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti,more popularly known as Khwaja
Saheb or Khwaja Sharif.The shrine is next only to Mecca or Medina for the Muslims
of south Asia.Akbar used to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The mausoleum has a
gigantic gate,which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The two massive cauldrons in
the courtyard are of particular interest and on the right side of the courtyard is
the Akbari Masjid built in white marble. There is another mosque in the courtyard
built by Shahjahan.
The saint’s tomb with a
splendid marble dome is in the centre of the second courtyard, which is surrounded
by a silver platform.
The shrine attracts thousands
of pilgrims during the Urs-commemorating the death anniversary of the Saint, held
from the 1St to 6 th day of the Islamic month of Rajab.A colorful fair
that springs up during this time is the major attraction.
Shahjahan's Mosque :
In the corner of the inner court of the Dargah,is a magnificent building in
white marble with a long (30.5 m) and a 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.
Adhai-din-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 ,Mohammed 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
distinct pillars-and arched 'Screen' with its ruined minarets make it a splendid
architectural masterpiece.
Taragarh Fort :
A steep one and a 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.
Mayo
College
: One of the
India
's best public schools,located in the southeast 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 its own house within the spacious college grounds,covering 81
hectares. Now it is a Public School open to all.
The Circuit House :
The former British residency,overlooking the artificial lake,Ana Sagar,has now
been converted to the Circuit House.The lake and the cenotaph and the shrine of
the Hindu reformer Swami Dayanand,founder of the Arya Samaj movement in
India
,can be viewed from here.
EXCURSIONS
Pushkar Lake(11 Km) :
The lake,situated on the edge of the desert surrounded by hills on three sided,is
separated from Ajmer by 'Nag Pahar'-the snake mountain .On this mountain the
Panchkund and the cave of saint Agastya are located. It is believed that Kalidas-
the 4th century Sanskrit poet and playright,chose the setting for his
masterpiece 'Abhigyana Shakuntalam' in this forest heritage . According to the
legend,the origin of Pushkar dates back to the time when Lord Brahma was on his
way in search of a tranquil land to perform a 'Yagna'.A lotus fell from the Lord
into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot and was dedicated to him. A Brahma
temple located here is a popular place of pilgrimage.
Pushkar Fair :
It is one of the most colorful fairs of India.Lakhs of pilgrims throng the lake
during the annual cattle fair. Besides trading of horses,camelsmcows and
bulls,there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events. Clothes,household
items and leather goods are for sale during the fair. On the full moon of
Kartik(Nov.) pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake.
Man Mahal :
Along the banks of the
Pushkar
Lake
is the former residence of Raja Man Singh of Amer,Man Mahal.Presently it is
converted to RTDC Sarovar Tourist Bungalow ensuring convenient accommodation to
travellers.
Pushkar
Palace
(Kishagarh House) adjoining it is a heritage hotel.
Foy Sagar(5 Km) :
A picturesque artificial lake named after the engineer Foy who created it
under a famine relief project.
|
Other places to visit . .
.Kishangarh 27 kms
The best time to visit ; The best time to visit
October to February.
How To Get
There
| By Air |
Jaipur 132 Km is the nearest airport. |
| By Rail |
Regular train services link
Ajmer
with important cities. |
| Road |
A good network of bus services operate from
Ajmer
. |
|
|
Rajasthan
