 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:
Dargah: Das Heiligtum-
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 :-
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 -
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 ˝ 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 :-
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 :-
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.
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.
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