135 kms south-west of Jaipur, lies the sacred city of Ajmer; an important pilgrimage to both Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where the tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Hasan Chishti is placed, is like another Mecca for the Muslims. The great saint is believed to have retreated to his meditation grounds six days prior to his death, he was burried at the same spot. The death aniversary of the great saint, known as the festival of Urs, is celebrated over a period of six days. Devouts from all over the world come here to pay their homage to the great saint.
Under the rule of Humayun the Ajmer Sharif mosque was completed. Empror Akbar was a regular visitor to this religious shrine. The holy shrine is in the middle of Ajmer city and is spread over a large area. Two massive iron cauldrons (degs) are placed at the entrance of the dargah where devotees put there donations which are later distributed among the poor. Akbar and Shahjahan had constructed two mosques in the complex and the saint's tomb, with a marble dome, is in the centre of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. |