Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Arguably the most famous pilgrimage center in Rajasthan, Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the resting place of Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chisti. He was a Sufi saint who dedicated his entire life in the service of the poor and the downtrodden. The place is regarded as one of the holiest places in Islam and one of the most sacred pilgrim sites by people of all religions. The shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The Khawaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah was made in different stages and it houses the original tomb of the saint in a silver railing.

According to the legend, Khwaja came to India from Persia. For a small span of time, he stayed in Lahore and then finally settled in Ajmer. He prayed to Allah for the well being of the poor. It is believed that Khwaja locked himself in a room for six long days before his death. He left his mortal body in solitude. Since then, the shrine has been turned into a popular religious place. It is believed that every wish made with a pure heart at the Dargah is fulfilled.

Dargah Sharif was built by the Mughals, which makes it feature splendid Mughal architecture. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah has various buildings, tombs, courtyards and Daalaans. Some of such structures include Buland Darwaza, Nizam gate, Degs, Begami Daalaan, Dargah Shrine, MehfilKhana, Aulia Masjid, Jama Masjid, Langar Khana, Victoria Hauz and more. The Mughal tone added to the shrine truly makes it a masterpiece. In the inner courtyard of the shrine, there are two huge cauldrons with a capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg. These cauldrons are used for cooking kheer during special occasions.

The best time to visit the shrine is from the month of October to March. It is the time when the famous Urs Fair is organized. During this fair, the Dargah is decorated beautifully. Ajmer Sharif Dargah is popular amidst devotees and travelers with different names, such as Khwaja Saheb, Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Ajmeri, Khwaja Baba, Khwaja Sahib and Sultan-Ul-Hind.

Where is Ajmer Sharif?

Ajmer Sharif Dargah is located in the city of Ajmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Opening and Closing Time

• Ajmer Sharif winter timings – 5 am to 9 pm
• Ajmer Sharif summer timings – 4 am to 10 pm

Entry fee – There’s no entry fee

Best time to visit Ajmer Sharif

In terms of weather, November to March is the best time to plan the Ajmer Sharif Dargah tour. For culture, visit during the annual Urs of Moinuddin Chisti in May.

How to reach Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Jaipur airport is the closest to Ajmer city. Take a flight to Jaipur and from there, a bus to Ajmer (2.5 hours). Once you are in the city, take a local cab or bus to reach Ahmer Sharif Dargah. For those travelers who wish to travel by train, Ajmer Junction is the major train station to the dargah. It is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata , and other cities in India via regular trains. Taxi and auto-rickshaws will be available from outside to reach dargah.

Things to do in and around

• Here are some things that you can do in and around Ajmer Sharif on your trip –
• Witness the beautiful architecture
• Talk to a local about the dargah’s history
• Visit Adhai-din ka Jhonpra Mosque
• Explore Akbar’s Palace and Museum
• Enjoy a shopping tour of Ajmer