Ajmer Rajasthan
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 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.
It is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India . In 1193, after Prithviraj Chauhan had lost Ajmer to Sultan Mohammed of Ghori, the Persian saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who had come with Ghori, settled and preached here.
Later in 1556, when Emperor Akbar captured Ajmer , he visited the tomb of Khwaja on foot to pray for a son. The boon was granted and the fame of Ajmer spread far and wide.
The entrance to the complex is the Dargah Bazaar, through a high gateway that leads into the first courtyard. The tomb surrounded by silver railings is enshrined in a domed marble chamber in the centre of the second courtyard near the magnificent mosque of Shah Jahan. Devotees sprinkle rose petals over the grave when they pray here.
The tomb attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the saint's death, the Urs, in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. Sweetened rice filled in degs are served to devotees on Urs.
The final resting place for 'Gharib-Nawaz', Moinuddin Chishti is located in Ajmer. People of all religions visit the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their faith. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.
Places To See In Ajmer
1. Kishangarh
This sleepy little hamlet located 27km from Ajmer, was once the capital of a princely state ruled by the Rathores. It nurtured one of the finest schools of miniature paintings in the 18th century. The Bani Thani style of miniature painting in Kishangarh evolved under Nihal Chand - the court painter of Raja Sawant Singh.
2. The Dargah
This beautiful tomb lies in the foot hills and is one of the most visited pilgrimage center in the state. The tomb marks the burial place of the renowned Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. The place features several courtyards and mosques. The tomb is topped by a dome of white marble and has massive gates that were provided by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
3. Taragarh Fort
Popular as Star Fort, this 12th century fort stands on a hill top. The fort gives a spectacular view of the Ajmer city. The fort was built in the year 1100 A.D., by Ajaypal Chauhan. The fort, due to its strategic position and height, was considered as invincible.
4. Shah Jahan's Mosque
This great mosque is provided in the inner courtyards of the Dargah at Ajmer. Built in Mughal architectural style, the mosque features 11 arches and a stunning height of 41 metres. The mosque is topped by a magnificent marble dome, which is believed as having been extracted from the same mines from which marble for Taj Mahal was extracted.
5. Pushkar Lake
This famous lake of Rajasthan is located in a small town - Pushkar, some 11 kms from Ajmer. With some 500 temples located on its banks, the lake encompasses the divinity and holiness all around. There are 52 Ghats that connects the series of temples. These temples were built by the erstwhile rulers of different regions of Rajasthan and as such many of the Ghats and temples have been named by their founders. The lake water at Pushkar is considered holy by the Hindu followers. Thousands of pilgrims reach the place, every year, for salvation. The Pushkar Fair, held in the month of Kartik (November) is a special attraction. One gets a lot to see in this week long animal fair.
6. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
This ancient mosque, which at present is in ruins, is one of the primitive Indo-Islamic buildings in North India.The building, believed to be a Sanskrit institutions, was modified and restructured by the Muslim invader Muhammad Ghori. There are seven arches lining up the facade and the entire structure is built over pillars. One astonishing fact about these pillars is that no two of them are same. There are contradictory reports about the name attributed to this structure. Some people believe that the mosque was constructed in two and a half days; adhai meaning two and a half ( adhai din ka jhonpra - two and a half day cottage). Yet, another version holds a two and a half days fair responsible for the name.
7. Urs Ajmer Sharif
Urs Ajmer Sharif Held in the holy town of Ajmer in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, special prayers are offered at the mosque, and huge amounts of consecrated food offered from the large, steaming cauldrons that were a gift from Akbar. While quwwallis are sung at night, the celebrations unite people of all faiths, and the complete town is decorated with buntings, and wears the spirit of festivity.
