Ajmer
Distance from
Jaipur 239
Overview
Nuzzled in the base of Aravali mountain ranges, Ajmer is a renowned holy spot for both Hindus and Muslims. The great king of the Chauhan dynasty, Ajaipal Chauhan in the year 1100 AD, established this historic city. Ajmer signifies India's true rendezvous with religious convictions, where a saint is revered by all, irrespective of his caste or creed. The secular nature of true India is enlivened in the life and history of this great city.
Bestowed with the natural beauty, Ajmer is flanked by majestic mountains on all sides. Formerly called as Ajaimeru, which is synonymous with 'Invincible Hill', Ajmer reflects all that is virtuous and thrilling about Rajasthan. Once the glorious domicile of the illustrious Prithviraj Chauhan, Ajmer is a miscellany of amusing cultures absorbed from various dynasties like the Mughals, the Scindias, Rajputs and the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Founded in the 7th century, Ajmer withstood the mighty Turkish invasions and finally, it fell in the hands of the British. These famous dynasties had contributed much to the historic development of Ajmer in to vibrant city.
A renowned pilgrim center, Ajmer presents a remarkable synthesis of Hindu culture with Sufi traditions. It has played a key role in the history of Rajasthan since it was tactically and politically a vital state in the early times.
Though not a shoppers delight, Ajmer provides excellent artifacts and Silver Jewellery. Well placed on the shores of a flamboyant watercourse, Ajmer is a retreat in a desolate tract shrouded in comforting greenery. With its magnificent peaks, majestic lakes, elegant Mugal style mansions and historical monuments, Ajmeer offers as a trendy tourist location that displays the celebrated Rajasthan traditions.
Attraction
Dargah Sharif: Dargah Sharif, the most famous pilgrimage centre in Rajasthan, is the place were Khwaja Moin-Ud-Din Chisti. He was a Sufi saint who dedicated his life to the service of the poor and the downtrodden. This site is revered by people of all religions and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The dargah with silver doors was constructed in several stages and houses the original tomb of the saint in a silver railing and a marble screen.
Every year 'Urs' is held here for a period of 6 days in remembrance of the great Sufi saint. This duration of 6 days has special religious significance as people largely believe that when the saint was 114 years old, he locked himself inside a room for 6 days to pray and left his mortal body in solitude.
According to legends, Emperor Akbar offered the cauldrons when he was blessed by a heir to his throne by the saint. The tomb, which was built by Humayun, is located on the foot of a small and barren hill in Ajmer. It is built with white marble and has 11 arches along with a Persian inscription.
Archaeological Museum: Archaeological Museum was established in 1949 and is located in the Dil-e-Aaram Gardens of Ajmer in Rajasthan. The museum is divided into three sections and comprises a large number of scriptures and some excavated material dating back to earlier civilizations. Two 'Yupa Pillars' (sacrificial posts) of the museum are decorated with inscriptions from the Barnala and Prathihara scriptures belonging to the 8th century and terracotta from early historical periods.
The museum houses various dug up material from Rairh, Bairat, Sambhar, Nagar and other destinations.The museum is open to visitors between 10 am and 4:45 pm daily and the entry fee is Rs. 3 for Indian nationals and Rs. 10 for foreign nationals.
Nasiyan Temple: Nasiyan Temple, also known as Lal Mandir (Red Temple), was built in 1865 and is located at Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer. The temple is a two storied structure dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Jain 'Tirthankara'. The edifice is divided into two parts; while one part forms the worship area and has the idol of Lord Adinath, the other part has a hall and forms a museum.
The interiors of the museum are made up of gold, and depict the five stages called Panch Kalyanak in the life of Lord Adinath. It has an area of 3200 sq ft and is decorated with Belgium stain glass, mineral colour paintings and stain glasswork.
Comprised of a focal hall adorned with gold and silver decorations, it is widely recognised as the 'Golden Temple' (Swarna Mandir). Wooden gild representations, glass engravings and paintings are also showcased in the temple.Popularly called as 'Soni Ji ki Saiyan', the temple got this name as it is decorated with precious stones, gold and silver work.
Bhim Burj and Garbha Gunjan: Bhim Burj and Garbha Gunjan is a stone tower within the precincts of the Taragarh Fort. Garbha Gunjan is a canon that is located under the Bhim Burj. It is so big that it ranks second in India when size is taken as the parameter for comparison. Water reservoirs located here were used to store and supply water to public whenever there was water scarcity in the region.
How to reach
By Air: From Ajmer the nearest airport is Jaipur which is about 130 km.
By Road: Ajmer is well connected by road with Agra, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur and Delhi.
By Train: Ajmer is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu and Mumbai.
