Showing posts with label ajmer sharif rajasthan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ajmer sharif rajasthan. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Rajasthan Tour: An experience to treasure


WELCOME TO Rajasthan, India Tour. Rajasthan – the largest state of India – is one of the most visited and popular travel destinations of India. It presents lots of options for tourism to its visitors. Rich culture and traditions, ancient & medieval forts & palaces, rich flora and fauna, incredible shopping, lip-smacking cuisine are prime features of boom in Rajasthan tourism. The state enjoys a large gathering of tourists coming here for wonderful holidays and tourism options.

There are several world famous travel destinations in this vibrant and colorful state of Rajasthan. Some popular travel destinations of the state are Jaipur – the Capital City, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Ranthambhore, Sariska, Mandawa, Samode, Bharatpur and Chittorgarh. All these destinations are very popular among tourists from all over the world. When you explore these exotic travel destinations, you surely have wonderful experience of life time.

The prime attraction of Rajasthan India tours, is rich culture and tradition of the state that can be seen in its various monuments like forts, palaces, havelis, temples, etc. Whatever part of the state you travel, you find several magnificent forts, stunning havelis and elegant palaces. While exploring forts and palaces of the state, you will be amazed by watching beautiful architecture of Rajasthan. Rightly, the state is described as the Land of Monuments.

City Palace Complex at Jaipur and Udaipur, invincible forts at Kumbhalgarh & Chittorgarh, elegant Lake Palace at Udaipur, mammoth Meharngarh Fort at Jodhpur, royal cenotaph of Jaswant Thad at Jodhpur, Golden Fort at Jaisalmer, Temples at Pushkar, Dilwara Jain Temples at Mount Abu, Ranakpur Jain Temples, grand Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum at Jodhpur, stunning havelis of Jaisalmer & Mandawa are worth visiting. These are the unforgettable attractions of tour in Rajasthan, India.

Apart from monuments, there are several other attractions in this state of Rajasthan.
There are wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, adventure & sports destinations, lakes, trekking trails etc. Ranthambhore National Park & Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve & National Park, Bharatpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary are worth exploring. Hotels of Rajasthan and sand dunes are also very popular attractions. Rajasthan tour is incomplete without exploring rippling and glistering sand dunes of the state. One of the best and suitable ways to explore sand dunes is Camel Safari.

If you want to beat the heat of this desert state of Rajasthan, a visit to Mount Abu (the only hill station of Rajasthan) can be delightful and memorable experience. Cool and delightful ambiance, exceptional scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes make it perfect destination for holiday.
Source: http://www.merinews.com/

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore & Puskhar

Day 1: Delhi (Arrival)India Gate, Delhi Tour Packages
Fly from your country to Delhi - The Political and Cultural Capital of Incredible India. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative or your leader will be waiting for you in the arrival hall located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the airport travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening so the rest of the day is at leisure. If you have arrived early your leader will brief you with sightseeing options. You may also explore some of the busy markets of Delhi. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Day 2: Old & New Delhi
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Drive into the heart of India's Capital to explore Old Delhi visiting the famous Jamia Mazjid, walk through the Chandini Chowk and India's oldest and busiest market, Sish Ganj gurudwara, Enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and the 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, stop for photos at the colorful market before finishing the Victorian Cannaught Place - One of the most prominent architectural remnants of British Rule. Later visit Birla Temple, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple (Lakshminarayan Temple), Humanyu Tomb, Crematory of Mahatma Gandhi, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Government buildings & Qutab Minar and other countless monuments. In the evening you will have time for shopping activities. Return to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Delhi - Pushkar / Ajmer (280 Kms - 6.5 hrs)Pushkar Travel Packages
After breakfast in the morning you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Ajmer. The 14 kms onward drive through the Snake Mountains will reach you to Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the places with highly prestigious sites for both Hindu and Muslim Religions in the world. While Pushkar is known for the only temple in the world of Lord Brahma- the god of creation, Ajmer is globally known for the Mazaar of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. People come to pray to the lords for the fulfillment of their desires, it is said whoever visit these places in their lifetimes their desires gets fulfilled soon. It is also known as Tirth Raj- the Raj (king) of pilgrim center. No pilgrimages of Hindu or Muslims are considered to be complete until the pilgrim bathes in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake or he presents a holy sheet at the Dargaah (Muslim shrine). Indeed Pushkar is so sacred that no eggs, meat or alcohols are allowed within the city.

Arrive and check into the hotel / dessert resort, enjoy the traditional Rajasthani Folk Music, Dance, Puppet shows. Later take Camel ride on the nearby sand dunes Pushkar also hold biggest annual Camel & Craft Fair, which is known all over the world. In the evening visit the Lake, Temple or the Mazaar or carry on with the leisure activities. Overnight stay is at the Hotel / Desert resort.

Day 4: Pushkar - Jaipur (130 Kms 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Jaipur. This historic city was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amber valley to newly formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer, soldier, and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan & is world famous as the Pink City. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India's second most visited site. Arrive and check into the hotel. After change, wash and rest go for half day sightseeing of Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort from where at the foothills of the fort Elephants will carry you to the famous Amber Fort top, the elephant ride gives you the experience and impression of how Maharajas & royal family members were using the services of elephants. Visit the Amber Fort. Later in the evening explore the colorful busy markets of the pink city or for leisure activities. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 5: Jaipur
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel go for a full day sightseeing of the beautiful historic Pink City. You will visit the marvelous City Palace - the current generation of the Maharajas (King) still live here, Museum, Astrological Observatory, Hawa Mahal (wind palace) where from royal ladies were watching daily processions and daily life. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small wHawa Mahal, Jaipur Tour Packagesindows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name. Evening is for shopping in the busy streets and some excellent souvenir shops. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6: Jaipur - Ranthambore (170 kms - 3 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Ranthambore National Park - the tiger sanctuary is known for the place where you can catch the tiger by its tail. Upon arrival you will be welcomed in a traditional manner. Arrive and check into your Jungle Resort. Later in the day after change wash and some rest go for Jungle Canter Safari. to watch different varieties of animals especially The Tiger. You can also watch here leopard, panther, spotted deer, antelopes & many varieties of birds. Return back to the Jungle Resort in the evening. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities in and around the jungle resort. Enjoy the dinner over bonfire and traditional folk dance and musical show in the deep forests. Overnight stay is at the jungle resort.

Day 7: Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Kms - 5 hrs)
Early in the morning tea / coffee will be served. Go inside the Tiger Sanctuary on an exclusive Jeep Safari to spot Tiger and wildlife. Return to the resort for breakfast and check out to drive to Agra. Enroute visit one of the most important places of Mughal Era - The Fatehpur Sikri - the abandoned Mughal Kingdom, founded by Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra. Walk the aisles of the Jama Masjid mosque, entered by way of the impressive Victory Gate, and lose yourself in the throngs of pilgrims at the tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti, his white marble-encased tomb enclosed within the Jama mosque's central courtyard. Considered the crowning architectural legacy of Akbar (who also built the Red Fort) and still almost perfectly preserved, today the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue your drive to Agra. Arrive in the city of Love and commitment. Check into the hotel. After change, wash and some rest visit one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal (monument of love), built by 5th great Mughal Emperor Shahi Jahan in the memory as mausoleum of his beloved queen Anjuman Bano Begum ( with love emperor called her Mumtaz ). After her death in 1627 AD, in her memory emperor started to built Taj Mahal ( Taj means crown & Mahal means Palace, so it is Crown Palace ) from 1631 to 1653 AD with 22000 labors working since sun rise to sun set in 22 years. It isRanthambore  National Park Tours the romantic origin of Taj as much as its architectural splendor that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements. Built in pure white marble which was transported from Makrana in Rajasthan by the help of animals Taj Mahal is one of the man made wonder's of the world.

Later in the day visit Agra Fort which was built by three emperors, Akbar & Jahangir in red sand stone & Shahi Jahan in white marble. The Fort is 2.5 Km long and during Mughal rule 1/3rd of the Fort was occupied by the army. When British ruled India, they repeated same tradition and now traditionally Indian army has occupied the same. Afterwards visit Itma-ud-ullha the Baby Taj and Sikandra. You will have spare time in the evening for shopping and leisure activities at some of the best souvenirs shops to take back some of the memories from India for your friends and family. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8: Agra - Delhi (230 Kms - 4 hrs) - Onward Journey / Fly Back to your country
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have spare time for leisure activities or last visit to some of the souvenir shops for the last minute shopping. Later check out and drive back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi, depending upon your flight timings you will have time to explore the city and local markets. Later in the day depending upon your onwards tour program transfer to the international airport to board connecting flight and fly back to your country with the everlasting memories of the magnificent glimpses of Incredible India.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

How Ajmer is the famous pilgrime in Rajasthan, India?

Ajmer Sharif is the most important place of pilgrimage for the Muslims. Located at the foot of the hill, this Dargah Sharif is dedicated to the much respected Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. Also hailed as the Gharib Nawaz or the protector of the poor, the holy saint won all the hearts in Ajmer through his love, affection and services. He is the one who started the Chisti order of Fakirs in India.

Being a place of such piety, this Dargah Sharif is visited by thousands of people every year in the months of April-May on the occasion of the saints Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab.
Features:

The Dargah is also the house of a magnificent mosque made of marble and a piece of architectural genius, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The centre of the compound holds the mazaar or grave surrounded by a golden railing. The dome is covered with shiny velvet curtains, one even from the holy land of Mecca.

The Urs is started by hosting a white flag by the Sajjada Nashin, the representative of the Chistis. This takes place on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, which is the sixth lunar month. The Jamati Darwaza or the gateway of heaven is flung open on the last day of the sixth month.

During the festival the tomb is washed and anointed with perfumes. This ritual known as the Ghusal. The tomb is then covered with silk cloth and Fatiha and Salamti are read. Mushaira, a poetic recitation by poets of all the communities in respect of the Khwaja is organized.

The Dargah premises have two huge cauldrons used to prepare special delicacies like kheer and distributed as tabarukh during the Urs festival.

During the festival the devotees present Nazrana or gifts to the holy saint in the form of flowers, chadars, ghilaph, incense sticks, perfumes. The gifts are received by the Khadims or the caretaker of the sanctified tomb.

Outside the dargah a group of professional singers called qawwals sing sons in the praise of the saint.

The end of the Urs festival is marked by the Oul on the 6th day of the Rajab.


There are many pilgrimage spots for Muslims in India. One of the most vital spot is Khwaja Sharif dargah located at Ajmer in the State of Rajasthan in India. Ajmer has become famous because of this holy dargah of Khwaja Sharif. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims visit Ajmer every year to bow down at this dargah. If you have any problem in your life, it gets solved immediately if you perform holy Namaj and bandagi at this dargah. The dargah is situated at the center of the Ajmer city. Khwaja Momuddin Chisti was a Sufi saint who was staying here from the year 1190. He was buried here at this dargah in the year 1236 after his death. Mogul kings Akbar, Jehangir and Shanjehan have built this dargah during their rules. They were also visiting this dargah regularly in their life time for namaj/bandagi.

Friday, September 12, 2008

How can you visit Ajmer Dargah Sharif, Ajmer Urs, Ajmer Temples?

Mansingh Haveli, Ajmer Holiday TravelsAjmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of Chauhan power. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the cities history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.

South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre 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. It is a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility.

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.

Ana Sagar, Ajmer Tours & TravelsAjaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals.

One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co.

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar.


Places to See :

Dargah Sharif, Ajmer Holiday VacationDurgah in Ajmer ( Khwaja Sahib )
It is the landmark of Ajmer and one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in the country. It has a secular appeal and revered by people of all sect. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint from Persia made this place his abode from 1192 till he died in 1236 AD. Mughal King Humayun completed the construction of the shrine. The Dargah is approached through a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage to Ajmer.


Lakes in Ajmer :

Ana Sagar
It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari' pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer. the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite outing spot.


Dargah Khwaja Sahib, Ajmer Travel PackageDargah Khwaja Sahib :

It is the landmark of Ajmer and one of the holiest of Muslim shrines in the country. It has a secular appeal and revered by people of all sect. Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint from Persia made this place his abode from 1192 till he died in 1236 AD. Mughal King Humayun completed the construction of the shrine. The Dargah is approached through a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Emperor Akbar made an annual pilgrimage to Ajmer.

Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shah Zahan have built mosques in the complex. The saint's tomb is in the centre of the second courtyard and the actual tomb inside is surrounded by a silver railing and partly by a marble screen. The tomb is of marble and dome is gold plated. The atmosphere inside the shrine is charged and supernatural with burning of incense and offerings of flowers mainly rose and sweets.

As you enter the Dargah courtyard, you see two massive 'degs' meaning cauldrons. Mughal Emperors Akbar and Jahangir donated these cauldrons originally but they have been replaced in the nineteenth century. The larger cauldron can contain as much as 4480 kgs of rice while the smaller one contains 2240 kgs of rice.
Foy Sagar, Ajmer Holiday Vacation
The shrine comes alive with activity when millions of devotees throng the shrine during Urs fair. Urs is held on the seventh lunar month according to Islamic calendar and is variable according to the solar calendar. Sufis and believer converge from all over India and abroad, as it is believed that those visiting during Urs receives special blessings of the saint.

It is compulsory that you cover your head while inside the complex so remember to carry a skullcap or a scarf. The skull-cap is on sale in the colourful market just outside the Dargah. It is also customary to make floral offerings mainly of roses, incense sticks and sweets that are locally available.


Fair & Festival in Ajmer :

URS FAIR (Twice a Year)

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer Fair & Festival ToursThe lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried. The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind.

His spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)

The pilgrims who come to seek the blessings of the Khwaja make rich offerings called nazrana at the holy spot where the saint has been entombed. The offerings of rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense contribute to the fragrance that floats in the air inside the shrine. Also offered by devotees are the chadar, ghilaph and neema, which are votive offerings for the tomb.

These are brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims inside the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the sanctum sanctorum of the dargah, professional singers called qawwals in groups and sing the praises of the saint in a characteristic high pitched voice. People gather around them and listen attentively, sometimes clapping to the rhythm of their instruments.

Mayo College, Ajmer Holiday PackageThe Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning. People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called ghusal. The tomb is then covered with an embroidered silk cloth by the Sajjada Nashin.

Bijay Niwas Palace, Ajmer Tours & TravelsURS FAIR (Twice a Year)

An interesting ritual is the looting of kheer (milk-pudding) which is cooked in two large cauldrons called degs and distributed to the devotees as tabarruk (blessed food).

On the 6th of Rajab, after the usual mehfil and the sound of cracker-bursts accompanied by music, the Sajjada Nashin performs the ghusal of the tomb. Fatiha and Salamti are read. A poetic recitation called mushaira is arranged in which poets of all communities arrive to recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja. The Qul (end-all) on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.

At night, religious assemblies called mehfils are held in the mehfil-khana, a large hall meant for this purpose. These are presided over by the Sajjada Nashin of the dargah.

Qawwalis are sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved for women who attend the mehfil. The mehfil terminates late in the night with a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general.

The Dargah is located at the conjunction of three bazaars. There are a number of restaurants around the Dargah where visitors can choose from a variety of dishes most of which are non-vegetarian preparations. Guest houses on the road leading to the Dargah offer accommodation that ranges from economical to luxurious. Many other guest houses are strewn across the city.

Flowers Shop, Ajmer Tours & TravelsThe shops in the market around the Dargah sell flowers, prayer mats, rosaries, textiles, and general merchandise as well. Ajmer is 132 kms. south-west of Jaipur and 198 kms. east of Jodhpur. It is connected by road to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kota. Ajmer is a railway junction on the Delhi-Ahmedabad section of the Western Railway. During the Urs, special buses ply from cities all over India carrying people to Ajmer and back.


Excursions of Ajmer :

Kishangarh

Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded by Kishan Singh a Rathore Prince. In the 18th century it acclaimed fame as one of the finest schools of miniatures paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh an heir to the throne, who later became a hermit. It is said that Savant Singh modeled as Krishna while his mistress nicknamed as Bani Thani modelled for Radha. Paintings of Bani Thani are it most celebrated. The artist of this school favoured evening lights and grey skies with fine colours.

Tilonia

Tilonia is a small town 25 kms from Kishangarh near Ajmer and 7 kms off Jaipur-Ajmer highway. Barefoot college inspires this town, which began in 1972 with the conviction that solutions to rural problems lie within the community. The College, officially known as Social Work and Research Centre, addresses problems of drinking water, girl education, health & sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, as well as social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural communities.

Pushkar

For a devout Hindu Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre, for one visit to this holy place in a lifetime is highly prescribed.
Brahma forms the great Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each symbolising the lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma the creator is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each holding a book of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and his consort is Savitri.


Forts & Monuments in Ajmer :

Taragarh Fort

The giant fort stands guarding the city. It has six gates. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha who was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter. It gives a panoramic view of the city situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges, this fort has immense archaeological and historical importance.

Adahi Din Ka Jhonpra, Ajmer Holiday PackagesAdhai Din Ka Jhonpra
This is a masterpiece of Indo - Islamic architecture. As legend goes its was constructed in two and a-half days (Adhi-Din). It is a relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle with a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. The distinct pillars and arched screen with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.


How to Reach Ajmer :

Air :
The nearest airport is Jaipur which is 135kms away.

Train :
Ajmer is on the Delhi-Jaipur-Marwar-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line and most trains stops at Ajmer.

Road :
It is connected with bus from all places like Jaipur, Agra, Aligarh, Abu road, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Barmer, Haridwar, Chittourgarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Nagaur.
Source: http://www.rajasthantourismindia.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Ajmer Dargah Sharif : Dargah of the great sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

Dargah Sharif Ajmer :

Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of the great sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of "Madinat- ul- Hind or the Madina of India". Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is center of pilgrimage.

The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)

The Dargah is located at the conjunction of three bazaars. There are a number of restaurants around the Dargah where visitors can choose from a variety of dishes most of which are non-vegetarian preparations. Guest houses on the road leading to the Dargah offer accommodation that ranges from economical to luxurious. Many other guest houses are strewn across the city. The shops in the market around the Dargah sell flowers, prayer mats, rosaries, textiles, and general merchandise as well.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Ajmer houses the Dargah, or tomb, of the popular Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti:

Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to attend the anniversary of this great Sufi saint every year. The city also boasts of a number of monuments dating back to the Mughal era. The city is also well known for its traditional handicrafts. Beside the Dargah of Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, Ajmer is also known for the Brahma temple at Pushkar. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims throng Pushkar ever year.

The most important tourist spot in Ajmer is the Dargah or tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh Garden are other important sites in the city. Ajmer also boasts of an imposing fort built by Akbar, which also houses the Government Museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit to. For many tourists, Pushkar is a great place to witness the world famous Camel Fair. Thousands of foreign tourists gather at Pushkar to see the colorful Pushkar Camel fair every year.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Ajmer is significant for the Urs of Ajmer Sharif:

'Dargah Sharif' or 'Holy Dargah' is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, Ajmer Sharif is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The ajmer dargah has a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Revered by the Mughal rulers, it has touches of Humayun to Shah Jahan in its structural architecture. A silver railing and a marble screen surround the actual tomb of the saint, made of marble with a gold plated dome.

Ajmer city is one of famous city of Rajasthan. Ajmer is significant for the Urs of Ajmer Sharif, which is held in the memory of the honored Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an time for thousands of believers to assembled at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organised to mark the Festival.

Ajmer finds its name on the international map mainly because of the highly esteemed Dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. The Ajmer Dargah is situated at the base of a desolate hill in the city of Ajmer and is entered after crossing through the Dargah Bazaar. Though it is basically a Muslim shrine, yet follower of all religions have tremendous faith in its genuineness.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The History of Rajasthan to the Hindu Methology and the Rajput of Rajasthan:

According to the Hindu Mythology, the Rajputs of Rajasthan were the descendants of the Kshatriyas or warriors of Vedic India. The emergence of the Rajput warrior clans was in the 6th and 7th centuries. Rajputs ancestry can be divided into two: the "solar" or suryavanshi-those descended from Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, and the "lunar" or chandravanshi, who claimed descent from Krishana, the hero of the epic Mahabharata. Later a third clan was added, the agnikula or fire-born, said to have emerged from the flames of a sacrificial fire on Mt Abu.
Early History

Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and has remain independent from the great empires. Buddhism failed to make substantial inroad here; the Mauryan empire (321-184 BC), whose most renowned emperor, Ashoka, Converted to Buddhism in 261 BC, had minimal impact in Rajasthan, However, there are Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist Shrines) at Jhalawar, in Southern Rajasthan.

Ancient Hindu scriptural epics make reference to sites in present-day Rajasthan. The Holy Pilgrimage site of Pushkar is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Source: http://www.indianaturetourandtravels.com