Important information Ajmer

Ajmer

Ajmer, the sacred secular town was founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan and became the famous bastion of the Chauhan Rajputs. The Chauhans dominated the region till the end of the 12th century. After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, the most   distinguished   Chauhan ruler, at the hands of Muhammad Ghauri in  1193, the glory of Chauhans waned. Subsequently, the town witnessed   many upheaval until Akbar annexed it to the Mughal empire in 1556. He made it the headquarters for the operations in Rajputana and Gujarat. Ajmer is associated with many important historical events of national importance. Sir Thomas Roe, the ambassador of King James I of England, presented his credentials to Jehangir in Ajmer, on 1 Oth Jan. 1616. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan was born here and the war of succession between the sons of Shah Jahan was won in 1659, by Aurangzeb in the battle of Dorai near Ajmer. From 1818 onwards, it came under the domain of the British, who left behind a legacy of excellent educational institutions.

Tourist Acctration in Ajmer

• Dargah Khwaja Sahib
• Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra or "Two and a half day shed"
•  Magazine 
• Rajputana Museum
• Nasiyan (Red Temple)
• Mayo College
• Circuit House
• Ana Sagar
• Visal Sar
• Prithviraj  Chauhan Smarak
• Taragarh Fort or the 'star fort'

Dargah Khwaja Sahib : This 13th century Dargah is one of the holiest Muslim shrines m the country. It is the final resting place of the great Sufi saint - Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the 'Bestower of Boons' popularly known as 'Garib Nawaz' or the 'protector of he poor'. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world flock here to seek the blessings and pay homage to the Khwaja, by offering chadars at the grave of the holy soul. The argah has a massive gate with silver doors, which were built by the Nizam of yderabad. The tomb richly adorned with gold and silver lies in a magnificent domed namber in the centre of the second courtyard. Qawwals from all over the world come ere to sing in the praise of the saint. On the right side of the courtyard is the Akbari as J'd built in white marble by Akbar. There is another impressive mosque built by Shahjahan. Other attractions in the shrine are the two massive degs (cauldrons) in which the ritual rice is cooked. The smaller deg has a capacity of about 2240 kg. and the larger one can hold 4480 kg. of rice. The 'looting' of deg is a unique ritual, as professional 'looters' empty the deg in minutes and even jump in the steaming deg. This 'loot' is then sold as tabarruk (sanctified food) by the' looters'. The six day celebrations of the Urs or death anniversary of Khwaja is the most important event of Ajmer. During this time millions of devotees from all sects and religions gather here.

Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra or "Two and a half day shed" : The relics of an old mosque lies to the west ofdargah. It was originally a Sanskrit college, within a temple enclosure and was destroyed by Mohammad Ghauri in 1193. It is said that he ordered, the mosque to be made ready on this site for his prayer within two and a half days. The archways are adorned with intricate carvings depicting Kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the holy Koran.

 Magazine : This innermost portion of the fort constructed by Akbar is the most important relic of Mughal history in the city. The main entrance to the building faces Naya Bazar and is provided with balconies (jharokhas) on both the sides. Sir Thomas Roe, the British envoy, presented his credentials to Jahangir over here.

Rajputana Museum : It was set up by the Govt. of India for preservation and study of unique and rare relics collected from the various states of Rajputana.

Nasiyan (Red Temple) : The famous Digambar Jain temple was constructed in 1865. The Svarna Nagari Hall, behind the shrine exhibits gilt wooden representations of scenes from Jain mythology.

Mayo College : This elite public school was established in 1875, for providing education to the children of the royal families in the country. Today, it is one of the premiere educational institutions of India and is open to everybody. There is a museum displaying historical objects of interest and biological preservation.

Circuit House : It overlooks the Ana Sagar lake and was formerly the British Residency. Nearby, is the cenotaph and shrine of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj movement, who breathed his last at Ajmer.

Ana Sagar : This beautiful 12th century artificial lake is named after Anaji Chauhan. Its huge embankment was erected with people's help, while the 'Baradari' or pavilions were constructed by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh gardens was laid by Jehangir.

Visal Sar  : The pristine lake amidst sylvan surroundings was built by King Visaldeva (1152-1163 AD.) and is designed like the sacred Pushkar lake.  

Prithviraj Chauhan Smarak : The memorial on the way to Taragarh Fort commemorates Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu emperor of India. A life-size statue of the king is erected amidst well laid -out gardens.

Taragarh Fort or the 'star fort'(8 kms.): The 7th century fort built by Ajaipal Chauhan is perched atop a hill and was earlier known as Ajaya-Meru-Durg. It is nearly 2-3 kms. in circumference and has 9 impregnable gates.

REACHING THERE

Airport Jaipur:  (131 kms.) 

Railhead: Well connected by rail. 

Road : It is connected by good network of roads.