Ajmer
Ajmer was
founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan and it is situated in the green
oasis wrapped in the barren hills.Ajmer used to be a major center
of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when the Ruler Prithviraj
Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. After Prithwiraj Chauhan
Ajmer witnessed dynasties, which came and left leaving behind
indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the
city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various
cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam. Today, Ajmer is one of
the most significant pilgrimate destination equally important for
Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah
Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Ajmer is very close
to Pushkar (11 kms) which is significant for the famous fair held
normally in the month of October/November. Pushkar, the abode of
Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque
lake. The Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the
month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.) ,devotes throng in large numbers here
to take a dip in the sacred lake
SIGHTSEEING Ajmer:
Ajmer Dargah
located at the foot of a
barren hill in the old part of the town, this is India's most
important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. Popularly
known as Dargah Sharif, it is the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja
Moin-ud-din Chisti who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. Mughal
Emperor Humayun completed construction of the shrine and the
Nizam of Hyderabad added its massive gate. Akbar used to make a
pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The two massive
iron cauldrons in the courtyard are for offerings, which are
customarily shared by the family involved in the shrine's upkeep.
There are two mosques in courtyard one built by Akbar and the
other by Shahjahan. The saint's tomb with a marble dome is in the
centre of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver
platform. Please note you have to cover your head in certain
areas of the Dargah, hence kindly keep a scarf or cap. The shrine
is next only to Mecca for the Muslims of south Asia. The Urs Mela
commemorating the death anniversary of the saint is held here in
the seventh month of the lunar calendar and attracts a large
number of Muslims from India and abroad. A colourful fair that
springs up during this time is the major attraction.
Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer :-
is an artificial lake that
was created in the 12th century by damming River Luni. On its
bank is the pleasant park, the Daulat Bagh containing a series of
marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shahjahan. There are fine
views from the hill beside the park. Boats are available for hire
at the jetty.
Adhai din ka Jhonpra Ajmer :-
located beyond the Dargah, on
the outskirts of the town are the ruins of this mosque. According
to legend, its construction in 1153 took 2 ½ days (adhai
din), hence the name. It was originally a Sanskrit college, built
within a temple. But In 1193 AD Mohamed Ghouri seized Ajmer and
converted the building into a mosque by adding a seven-arched
wall in front of the pillared hall. The building is a fine piece
of Indo-Islamic architecture. The pillars are all different and
the arched screen with its minarets is noteworthy.
Taragarh Fort Ajmer:-
about 3 km beyond the
Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque lies this fort. Taragarh or the Star
Fort, was built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town's founder and
commands a superb view over the city. It was the site of much the
military activity during the Mughal period and was later used as
a sanatorium by the British.
CITIES of Ajmer:-
Pushkar :-
The sister city of Ajmer,
Pushkar is just 11-km away from the city. The road to Pushkar
passes through the Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain.Pushkar is an
ancient city and has seen history being made since the Ramayana
period. The account of this city can be found in the 4th century
writings of the Chinese traveller-- Fa-Hien and also in the
scripts written during the era of Muslim invasions. The city is
considered by Hindus to be one of the most sacred places in India
and has, perhaps, the only existing temple in Asia, dedicated to
Lord Brahma. Life in the city is very much related to the Pushkar
Lake. Mythology says that this ancient lake was formed when a
lotus flower fell in the valley, from the hands Brahma.
The 52 bathing ghats that surround the lake are believed to have
special powers e.g. 'Naga Kund' for fertility, 'Roop Tirth' for
beauty and 'Kapil Vyapi Kund' for curing Leprosy.
The famous Pushkar fair is held every year on the Kartik Purnima
day. This fair is famous as a bazaar for the animals particularly
the camels. But the folk dancers and the folk musicians add
traditional colour in the fair, which gives a new leash of life
to the town.
Mangliyawas :-
This town is famous for two
800 years old trees of a rare species- ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN-
popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'. People visit this place
through out the year but on dark moon day of 'Sravana' (also
spelt as Shravana) thousands of people come to worship the trees.
The town is 26-km from Ajmer.
Beawar :-
This town is located 54-km
from Ajmer and is famous for the Badshahi procession festival
held on the next day of Holi. On this occasion, people
participate in large numbers and throw 'Gulal' on each other.
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