Cuddled
in the foots of the Ajayu Meru hills, Ajmer city was founded by Ajay Pal
Chauhan in the 7th century AD. The city was ruled by the Chauhan's till the
end of the 12th century. Ajmer is a renowned Pilgrimage center of both the
Hindus and the Muslims as well and the celestial home to the most holy
Dargah Sharif. The Sharif houses the tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, who is worshipped by both the religions.
Location
Ajmer is situated in the northern part of India about 135 kms South-west of
Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan.
Climate
The climate of Ajmer is hot. In summer the maximum temperature goes up to
45 °C while winters are cool with temperature dipping below 8°C.
The best period to visit the place is between September to April.
Major Attractions
Dargah Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti - The Dargah is in the
honour of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who came to India from
Persia with the invasion of Mohammad Ghori in the year 1192. The shrine is
second in importance after the Holy Mecca to the Muslims. Its creation was
started by the then Sultan of Delhi Iltutmish. The Mughal Emperor Humayun
completed the construction of the Dargah left unfinished by the earlier
sultan. It was a venue of an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Akbar the
great.
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra - Believed to be built in two and a
half days, it was earlier a Sanskrit college converted into a mosque by
Muhammad Ghori in about 12th century. The mosque is inscribed with verses
from the Koran and built around a seven arched wall. Designed by Abu Bakr,
it is an example of Indo -Islamic architecture. The entire facade of the
entrance is covered with inscriptions in Arabic language.
Ana Sagar Lake - The lake surrounded by the hills,
created in the 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni is named
after its ruler Anaji Chauhana. On the banks of the lake is the Daulat Bagh,
which has a series of marble pavilions built by Shah Jahan in the year 1637.
The temple of Khobra Behroon on the south bank of Ana Sagar offers a
panoramic view of the lake and Daulat Bagh. The temple is considered
pristine for the newly wedded couples for a harmonious relationship between
the husband and wife.
Nasiyan Temple - The magnificent red Jain temple lies to
the center of the town and is better known as Diganbar or Nasiyan temple. It
was built in the year 1875 and the interiors are decorated with gold and
silver decorations.
Inside the two storey hall there is a splendid display of wooden carvings,
glass engravings and paintings describing the Jain faith about the creation
of the world.
Mayo College - A school created to make British
gentlemen out of Indian princes. Its first student was Maharaja Mangal Singh
of Alwar who rode into the campus on an elephant back in 1875. Mayo College
still retains the quality to attract the crème de la crème of
India. Today the school seeks to impart excellence in academics as well as
sports to gentlemen with energetic body and mind .
Akbar Palace - The Palace is a small delightfully ornate
fort that was constructed especially for Emperor Akbar for his stay during
his Ajmer tours and pilgrimages. A part of Akbar's Palace was converted into
a museum after independence with an amazing display of military armor and
weaponry .
Nearby Attractions
Pushkar Lake - Eleven kilometers from Ajmer, the Pushkar
lake is situated on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills on three
sides. The Nag Pahar separates the lake from Ajmer city. It is believed that
this lake was created by Brahma who is one among the three Trinities
according to the Hindu religion.
