Nestled in the small town of Ajmer, the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah is one of the most prestigious pilgrimage sites in India. It houses the holy tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, a Persian Sufi saint. The dargah was built by the great Mughal ruler Humayun in 1236 to commemorate the saint. Today, the dargah stands as a symbol of devotion, peace and unity, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah boasts a stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. It features majestic domes, intricate marble detailings, grand arches and beautiful gates. Inside the dargah, you will get to see additional features like Buland Darwaza, Jannati Darwaza, Jhalra, Tank Victoria, a giant cauldron and the tomb of Nizam Sikka. You can offer your prayers at the dargah as well as listen to the soul-stirring qawwali performed by local artists.
Right outside the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah, there is a vibrant market which is perfect for purchasing souvenirs and ending your day.
Highlights
• Offer your prayers and seek blessings at the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.
• Admire stunning white marble carvings on the tomb of Moinuddin Chisti, a pious saint.
• Attend the soulful qawwali sessions at the Mehfil Khana for a spiritual and soothing experience.
• Shop souvenirs such as handwoven fabrics, jewellery, holy books, attar and tasbih at the Dargah market.
How To Reach
- By Car: You can take a taxi or your private vehicle to the Dargah Sharif Ajmer Government Car Parking which is around 4 km from the city centre. Once you reach the car park, you can take a 20-minute walk towards the dargah, covering around 1 km.
- By Foot: Another popular way of reaching the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah is by foot. The Dargah is around 2 km from the city centre which can be easily reached by a 30-minute walk.
Best Time To Visit
Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah is a year-round site and can be visited throughout the year.
- Best Season: Plan your visit during the Urs festival of Ramadan or Eid for a spiritually enriching experience.
- Best Day of the Week: You can visit the dargah on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and explore peacefully.
- Best Time of the Day: Visiting the dargah either during the early morning or late afternoon is advisable to explore peacefully with fewer crowds.
Other Essential Information
Visitor's Tips:
- Dress modestly covering your knees and shoulders as well as carry a handkerchief or dupatta to cover your head.
- Take off your shoes and sandals before entering the dargah as a sign of respect.
- Take offerings like chadar and flowers from the market laid outside the dargah for convenience.
- Respect the rules and regulations and avoid taking pictures inside the dargah, especially inside the tomb.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings like mobile phones, cameras, wallet and watches as it is a crowded area.
Offer your prayers
Devotees from all over the world come to offer their prayers at Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah. The main shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is where you offer your silent prayers and seek blessings. You can also purchase chadar (sacred cloth), flowers, sweets, fruits or attar (fragrance) as an offering. After praying, visit the Buland Darwaza where you can tie a thread and make your wish. One of the best times to offer your prayers at the dargah is during the Urs festival.
Listen to qawwali
Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah is also known for its soulful qawwalis which is a significant part of the Sufi religion. Qawwalis are generally performed in the Mehfil Khana of the dargah which is an intimate seating arrangement. However, during popular occasions like the Urs festival, the qawwals are performed in the open courtyard to accommodate more people. You can sit around the local artists and listen to the qawwals for a soothing experience.
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Shop souvenirs
Right in front of the Ajmer-e-Sharif Dargah, you will get to see a huge market, lined up with several vibrant shops. You can purchase offerings like chadar, attar, flowers, sweets, fruits and incense. Some religious items available include tasbih (prayer beads) and holy books related to the Islamic religion. You will also find some specialities of Ajmer like handwoven fabrics, attar, dry fruits, pottery, ceramics and traditional jewellery.
