Ajmer is located in the bowl of a beautiful valley sorrounded by hills.It was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the citys history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Today, Ajmer is a great center of piligrimage 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.
PRIME SITES
The Dargah : The tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is located at the heart of the city. Khwaja sahib came to india with Sultan Sabbuddin Ghori in 1192 A.D. and settled in Ajmer.Khwaja Sahib was said to have miraculous powers.The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for the Muslims of south Asia. Emperor Akbar who had a high esteem and reverence to Khwaja Sahib used to make a pilgrimage to the Dargah from Agra once a year. The mausoleum has a gigantic gate,which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad.The two massive cauldrons in the courtyard are of particular interest and on the right side of the courtyard ins the Akbari Masjid built in white marble. There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shahjhan.
Pushkar : This picturesque township lying 11 km off Ajmer is
separated by Nag Pahar. This town has religious importance as its mythological origin goes, Brahma, the creator of the Universe was in search of a suitable place to perform a yagna. While he was moving, a lotus fell from his hand and struck three places from where water sprouted forth. These three places were called.Jyeshta, Madhya and Kanishta Pushkar. Brama chose to perform the sacrifice at Jyeshta Pushkar.
On the full moon day in month of Kartik ( October/November ), every year a fair is held here. Myriads of people congregate here on this occassion to take a dip in the holy lake. At this fair a large market is held to sell and buy cattle. The Pushkar fair is a big attraction for the tourist as it is a splendid sight of oriental beauty. It is the town of many temples is also known for the Brahma temple which is presumably the only one of its kind in the whole country.
Adai Din ka Jhonpra : It is a massive square structure buit in the 11th century to house a sanskrit College. Each sides measure upto 78 metres roughly, with clusters on all four sides enclosing a spacious courtyard, this large construction was destroyed in 12th century by Mohamad Ghori, who built a mosque here. The main santuary on the west comprises five row of finely carved columns which support an elaborately ornamented ceiling. The ten domes in the roof are borne by 124 pillars. The facade comprising screen of seven arches is exquisite and most elegant.
Ana Sagar : Loveliest artificial lake in India. constructed by the grand father of Prithvi Raj Chauhan,King Anaji ( 1135-1150 A.D. ), Jehangir, and Shah Jahan further enhanced its beauty by constructing palaces on its embankment, which are now standing in masonary ruins. The marble pavilions and a beautiful garden now known as Subhash Bagh are worth visiting.
Other Places to visit : Akbar’s Fort,Red Temple,Foy Sagar, Taragarh Fort, etc.
