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AJMER - THE LAND OF COMPOSITE CULTURES
Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has
been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja
Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to
be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when
Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.since then, Ajmer
became home to many 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 a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as
Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi
saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti,which is equally revered by the Hindus
and Muslims.
Ajmer is
also the base for visiting Pushkar(11 km.),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.
PRIME SITES
The Dargah: At the foot of a
barren hill, is situated India’s most important pilgrimage center
for people from all faiths. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi
saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb
or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for
the Muslims of south Asia. Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to the
Dargah from Agra once a year.
The
mausoleum has a gigantic gate,which was built by the Nizam of
Hyderabad.The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of
particular interest and on the right side of the courtyard ins the
Akbari Masjid built in white marble. There is another mosque in the
courtyard built by Shahjhan.
A view of the Dargah of KhwajaMuinuddin Hasan
Chishti, a sufi saint.
The
saint’s tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the centre of the
second courtyard which is surrounded by a silver platform.
The
shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs-commemorating
the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to
6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair
that springs up during this time is the major attraction.
Shahjhan’s Mosque: In the corner
of the inner court of the Dargah, is a magnificent building in white
marble with a long (30.5m) and narrow court having low arcade and
delicate carvings with trellis-work.It is the most marvelous of all
the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.
 Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra:
A remarkable structure, this is a masterpiece of
Indo-Islamic architecture located on the outskirts, of the city,
just beyond the Dargah. As the legend goes, its construction took
two and a half days (Adhai-Din) to complete. It was originally a
Sanskrit college, built within a temple. In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed
Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by
adding a sevenarched wall in front of the pillared hall in just
two-and-half days(adhai-din) and hence the name. The distinct
pillars-and arched "Screen" with its ruined minarets make it a
splendid architectural masterpiece.
Taragarh Fort: A steep one
and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra leads to the
ruins of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill.One can have an
excellent view of the city from here. The fort was the site of the
military activity during the Mughal period, later used as a
sanatorium by the British
Adhal-din-ka-Jhonpra
The
Museum: Once the royal residence of Emperor Akbar ,the museum houses
a rich repository of the Mughal and Rajput armour and exquisite
sculptures.
Mayo College:
Mayo College has been called
the “Eton Of India” since its founding in 1870 AD. This is best
expressed in the words of Lord Lytton, Viceroy of India on his visit
to Mayo as the Chief Guest on the Annual Prize Giving day on 5th
Dec. 1879.
Mayo College, Ajmer
EXCURSIONS
 Pushkar
Lake (11km.): The lake is situated on the edge of the
desert and surrounded by hills on three sides, is separated from
Ajmer by ‘Nag Pahar’-the snake mountain. On this mountain the
Panchkund and the cave of the saint Agastya are located. It is
believed that Kalidas-the 4th century sanskrit poet and
playright , chose the setting for his masterpiece Abhigyanam
Shakuntalam in this forest heritage.
Pushkar lake
According to legend , the origin of Pushkar dates aback to the time
when lord Brahma was on his way in search of a tranquil land to
perform a Yagna. A lotus fell from the hands
of
the lord into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot and was
dedicated to him. A Brahma temple located here is a popular place of
pilgrimage.
Pushkar Fair: It is one of the
most colorful fairs of India. Lakes of pilgrims throng the lake
during the annual cattle fair. Besides trading of horses, camels,
cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural
events. Cloths, household items and leather goods are for sale
during the fair. On the full moon of Kartik(Nov.) pilgrims take a
holy dip in the lake.
Man Mahal:
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence
of Raja Man Singh of Amer, Man Mahal. Presently it is converted to
RTDC Sarover Tourist Bungalow ensuring convenient accommodation to
travellers.Pushakar palace ( Kishangarh House) adjoining it is a
heritage hotel.
Foy Sagar(5km) : A picturesque
artificial lake named after the engineer for who created it under a
famine relief project.
Shopping : Shopping in Ajmer is
an enjoyable experience. One can shop for antiques, curios,
fascinating gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs,
colorful tie-and-dye sarees and embroidered jodhpuri ‘Jutis’.
Especially during the annual Urs fair, a range of colourful items
and marvellous creations of traditional folk aristsans are for sale.
TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Jaipur 132 km is the nearest airport.
Rail:
Regular train services link Ajmer with important cities.Some
important train connections are: Gujrat Mail (Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi
Sarai Rohilla); Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur): Delhi,
Express(Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur);Shatabadi Express(New
Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi).
Road: A good network of bus
services operate from Ajmer to key destinations around.
Local Transport: City bus
service operate in the city and to Pushkar. Unmetered taxis,
auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Banks/Money Changers: Bank of Baroda,Prithviraj Marg, Bank of
Bikaner & Jaipur,Station Road, Bank of India,Kaisarganj, Bank of
Rajasthan,Mayo College, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank,
Prithviraj Marg, State Bank of India, near Collectorate,
Also,authorized money changers are available in the leading hotels.
Hospitals: J.L. Nehru Hospital
Club:
Ajmer Club
Tourist
Reception Centre: Assistant Director,Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel
Khadim(RTDC), Tourist Information Counter at Railway Station.
Guide
Service:Approved guides may be hired through the Asstt. Director,
Tourist Reception Centre
Important Telephone Numbers: Police Control Room
Roadways (Central Bus Stand), Railways, 131 (Enquiry), 132
(Reservation), General Post .
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area
:55.76 sq.km.
Altitude :486 meters
Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer :38.1degree C 27.7 degree C
Winter :23.3 degree C 05.5 degree C
Rainfall :38 to 51 cms.
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Best Season :July-March
Languages :Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi.
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