When I first visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, I found myself wrapped in a sense of tranquility and fulfillment, which also thwacked the shackles of pessimism and hopelessness. Such is the energy of this place.
If you are also planning a visit to this holy place, here is an elaborate guide to help you plan the most fulfilling trip to Ajmer Sharif.
A glimpse into the history of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the tomb or final resting place of the great Sufi saint and philosopher Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was born in Sistan, Iran in 1143. He was a Sunni Muslim, preacher, philosopher, and mystic. He led an ascetic life and dedicated his existence to helping and uplifting the poor. His preaching and compassion influenced the lives of many. His empathy towards the poor gave him the name, Khwaja Garib Nawaz.
Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz set foot in Delhi during Sultan Iltutmish’s rule. Soon, he moved to Ajmer. He stayed in the city until he died in 1236. Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, built the Dargah in 1532.
Hazrat Kwaja Mloinuddin Chisti is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in mysticism by Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. People, irrespective of their religion, caste, color, and creed, visit his shrine to seek his blessings.
People from all parts of the world and all walks of life flock to the Dargah all year round.
How to reach Ajmer?
Being one of the biggest highlights of the princely state of Rajasthan, Ajmer is well-connected to other parts of the state, the national capital, and other parts of the country.
While ours was a road trip, you can take a train or a flight or plan a road journey.
By Train
The Ajmer Junction is well-connected to all the major cities. You can take a train to Ajmer from most cities, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ernakulam, Goa, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
By Air
Jaipur is the nearest airport to Ajmer. Jaipur International Airport is at a distance of 136.2 km from Ajmer, and it takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes to reach there via NH 48. You can also take a train from Jaipur to Ajmer.
By Road
Ajmer is excellently connected to National Highways. You can easily take a bus or a cab to Ajmer.
Local transport in Ajmer
Once you reach Ajmer, you can take a cab or an auto to the Dargah.
The best time to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah
You can plan your visit to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah anywhere between October and March. The weather stays cold and pleasant. But as it is the peak season, the city will be too crowded.
But if you want to witness Ajmer in its full glory, visit it during the annual Urs celebration.
The celebrations and festivals at Dargah Ajmer Sharif
The Urs celebration
The Urs is an annual festival held to commemorate Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The 6-day long celebration happens every year during the death anniversary of the Sufi saint in Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar.
The days are occupied with hundreds and thousands of devotees from every corner of the world to pray and offer “Chadars” and nights are filled with the enchanting aroma of Frankincense (loban incense), the glimmer of a thousand lights, and beautiful Qawwalis.
You can find the Buland Darwaza open round the clock throughout the Urs celebration.
The Chatti festival
The Begami Dalan in Ahaat-e-Noor comes alive every sixth lunar month during the Chatti Festival.
Thousands of attendees flock to the Dargah Sharif to seek blessings and experience spirituality.
Dos and don’ts of visiting the Ajmer Dargah Sharif
When I visited the Ajmer Sharif ki Dargah a few years back, it was also my maiden trip. As a first-timer, I made a few mistakes, of course.
I wasn’t sure which hotel should I book, where should I eat, and what places should I visit. But as they say, mistakes are the best teachers, I am now well-versed with all the dos and don’ts of visiting the holy Dargah.
Take a cue from my mistakes and leave no leeway space for mistakes while planning your trip to Ajmer Sharif. Here are the dos and don’ts of visiting the Dargah.
DO book a hotel close to the Dargah
If the primary objective of your trip is to spend time at the Dargah, I would advise you to book a hotel near the Dargah. Now, why should you do that? You should do that because it will save you all the travel time and traffic.
If you stay close to the Dargah, you can visit it any time at your convenience. You can even return to the hotel, take some rest, and go back to offer the prayers (namaz).
DO NOT carry valuables
A crowded place is an opportunity for pick-pockets to make money, and Ajmer Dargah is no exception. As the Dargah is always crowded, pick-pockets lurk around to fill their pockets. Beware of them.
Make sure you leave all your valuables safe at your accommodation. Take extra care of your wallet and mobile phone. I would suggest keeping your wallets and phones in the front pocket rather than the back pockets.
Wear a cross-body bag or a shoulder bag instead of a backpack.
DO get a Khadim to help you
While you might hear many tittle-tattle about visitors getting robbed by the men in white kurtas and black skull caps, do not believe all of them. Having said that, you should also not trust all the men wearing white kurtas and skull caps.
Well, let’s just say, not all Khadims are after your money, but not all Khadims are indifferent to money. Some are anti-materialistic, while some are covetous. You just need to find a trustworthy Khadim.
Now, before we move on, let me tell you that a Khadim is someone who takes care of the Dargah, just like a priest. They know the ins and outs of the holy place and facilitate your visit to the Dargah.
Having a Khadim by your side will help you navigate the place (let me tell you, it is a vast premise). They will take you to the right place where prayers and offerings are made.
DO NOT visit during crowded hours
If you ask me the best time to visit the Dargah, I would say early morning. It is the time when you can literally feel the place. Peace, spirituality, positivity, and serenity fill the Dargah premise during the wee hours. It is the best time to sit on the premises and get up close and personal with the divine powers.
DO keep your footwear at the counters outside
You will find many stalls outside the Dargah to keep your footwear safe for some money. Use this service, otherwise, you might have to walk barefooted to your accommodation.
Select the shoe stall closest to the entrance so that you don’t have to walk a long distance without your shoes. They will give you a token, which you need to return while collecting the shoes.
DO appreciate the gorgeous architecture of the Dargah
While you might be in your spiritual high during the visit to this holy shrine, keep your eyes wide open to witness the glory of Mughal architecture. As mentioned, the Dargah Ajmer Sharif was constructed during the Mughal rule. Every nook and cranny is painted in solemnity.
Whether it is the gorgeous yellow Nizam Gate with floral design (the main entrance of the shrine), the majestic Buland Darwaza, or the Jannati Darwaza in its silver glory, all these structures are immensely beautiful.
Apart from these, there are several other magnificent structures within the Dargah premises, including the Jama Masjid, the Akbari Mosque, the Sandali Masjid,
The pristine white marble dome, the gilded walls, and the gold etched ceiling, every architectural feature of the Dargah speaks about exquisiteness, artistry, and grandiosity.
DO NOT miss the Qawwali
If you happen to visit the Dargah after the evening prayers and euphonious musical tunes fall on your ear, head straight to Ahaat-e-Noor. It is a courtyard where Qawwalis are sung.
Immerse your senses in the enigmatic music and experience spiritual peace at its peak.
DO check out the “Deghs”
Head to the Darbar-e-Khwaja to check out the two Deghs (large cooking pot or cauldron). The large degh is 37 feet wide. It was presented by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. It has a capacity of 4,800 kg.
The smaller degh is also not small by any means. Donated by Emperor Jahangir, it has a capacity of 2,400 kg.
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DO or DO NOT make the offerings
Offerings are subjective. You might encounter many people forcing you to buy “Chadar”, flowers, and scents to offer to the Dargah, but it is up to you to decide whether you want to offer anything at all.
Offering something is fine, and so is not offering anything. Decide for yourself.
If you plan to offer something at the Dargah, do not fall into the trap of people asking for thousands of rupees for offerings. A basic “chadar” and flowers are more than enough. It is the intention that counts, not the pomp.
Where to stay in Ajmer?
Accommodation is not at all a problem in Ajmer. There are numerous hotels in the city to suit every budget. I have compiled a list of the best places to stay in Ajmer.
Hotel Mewara Estate
- Address: Near Anasagar Lake, Ajmer
- Distance from the Dargah Sharif: 1.5 km
If a stay dipped in luxury and grandeur is in your mind, book your stay at Hotel Mewara Estate. Constructed 150 years ago, a single moment inside the hotel will teleport you to the era of Maharajas and Maharanis.
Offering enthralling views of the Anasagar Lake, the hotel has the best amenities to offer.
Hotel Grand Xenia
- Address: Hathi Khera, Ajmer
- Distance from the Dargah Sharif: 4.4 km
Hotel Grand Xenia offers a comfortable stay on a budget. Loaded with family-friendly amenities and facilities, the hotel offers a magnificent backdrop of the mighty Aravallis.
Pratap Mahal, Ajmer- IHCL SeleQtions
- Address: Pushkar Bypass Road, Honkra, Ajmer
- Distance from the Dargah Sharif: 7.5 km
Pratap Mahal is a luxury resort apt for leisure travelers. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hotel is ideal if you wish to unwind and relax. The private balconies offer an unhindered view of the Aravalli Mountains.
The ambiance, services, and the hotel staff will make you feel like royalty during your stay.
Hotel Jannat & Restaurant
- Address: Opposite to Dargah Sharif near Kamani Gate
- Distance from the Dargah Sharif: 0.1 km
If you want to stay closer to the Dargah, Hotel Jannat is an ideal option. It is a 3-star hotel offering decent amenities and facilities on a budget. It is only a 3-minute walk away from the Dargah.
A stay at Hotel Jannat will give you an experience of the old city vibe, the true essence of Ajmer.
Places to eat near Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Ajmer isn’t just famous for its spiritual value, but it is also a paradise for food lovers. The single step into the street, where the Dargah is located, is a treat for your olfactory senses and taste buds. From lip-smacking street food to family restaurants, you can find an array of eating options a few steps away from the Dargah.
Momin Hotel & Restaurants
A family restaurant, Momin Hotel & Restaurant, boasts countless non-vegetarian delicacies on its menu. From Mutton Korma to Nahari, Mutton Chaap, and Chicken Mughlai, every dish is worth a try.
The Khadim’s Restaurant
The Khadim’s, sitting in Phool Gali, is another culinary gem. Apart from an assortment of delectable Mughlai cuisines, they also have an array of Chinese and vegetarian dishes on their menu.
Garib Nawaz Hotel
Round up your trip to Ajmer with a scrumptious meal at the Garib Nawaz Hotel. Their Mutton Paya with Khamiri Roti is highly recommended.
Apart from these, you can find hundreds of restaurants, kebab corners, and tea stalls in Langar Khana Gali, Phool Gali, Dargah Bazaar Road, and Naala Bazaar Road.
So, why should you visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah?
One- To seek blessings of Khwaja Garib Nawaz.
Two- To consume the divinity and positivity that fills the Dargah.
Three- To begin a spiritual journey within. To understand the preaching of Khwaja Garib Nawaz and devote yourself to uplifting others.
Four- To relish the delicious Mughlai food.
The end note
Use this guide to plan your trip to the Ajmer Sharif ki Dargah and share your experiences with us.
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