Ajmer
City Information
Ajmer is an important city in the
map of the Mughal India. Just over 130 kms
south-west of Jaipur is Ajmer, a burgeoning
town on the shore of the Ana Sagar, flanked
by barren hills. Historically, Ajmer had considerable
strategic importance and was sacked by Mohammed
of Ghori on one of his periodic forays from
Afghanistan. Later it became a favourite residence
of the mighty Mughals.
Ajmer is a major centre for Muslim pilgrims
during the fast of Ramazan, and has some impressive
Muslim architecture. The most famous place
to be visited here is the Dargah (mausoleum)
of Khwaja Muin-ud-Din Chishti, a saint of
12-13th century. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra - a
Sanskrit college, which was converted into
a mosque in 12th century and Taragarh, or
Star Fort are the other attractions. The town
is near Pushkar and gets very crowded in November
due to cattle fair there.
.
Main
Sightseeing of Ajmer
Dargah of Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti
: The Dargah is the tomb of a
sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-uddin Chisti, who
came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. Construction
of the shrine was completed by Humayun.
Constructed of white marble, it has 11 arches
and a Persian inscription running the full
length of the building. It has a marble
dome and the actual tomb inside is surrounded
by a silver platform. The tomb attracts
hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every
year on the anniversary of the saint's death.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpara : One
of the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture,
this mosque was a Sanskrit college in the
12th century. In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori
destroyed the college and a mosque was built
in its place. The mosque was built on pillars
and surprisingly no two pillars are alike.
The Museum : The Royal
Palace of Akbar was converted into a Museum
and today it houses a rich collection of
Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine
and delicate sculptures of the region have
been displayed here. The building itself
has been constructed of red sandstone which
have been laid down in a square pattern,
giving it a fabulous look.
Ana Sagar Lake : This lake
was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD.
Later the mughal emperors made additional
constructions to beautify the lake. The
'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built
by Shah Jahan and the ' Daulat Bagh ' gardens
were laid by Jahangir. This lake is located
towards the north of Ajmer city.
Taragarh Fort : Built
in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the
fort gives birds eye view of the city. Taragarh
fort or the ' Star fort ' is situated on
a hill and to reach there one has to take
winding bridle path.
Nasiyan (Jain Temple) : The
Red temple on Prithviraj Marg is a Jain
temple built last century and is definitely
worth checking out. Its double storey hall
contains a fascinating series of large,
gilt wooden figures from Jain mythology
which depict the Jain concept of the ancient
world. This red coloured Jain temple was
built in the late 19th century. The wooden
gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts
scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty
of this temple is widely acclaimed.
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Excursions
from Agra
Pushkar : The sister city
of Ajmer, Pushkar is just 11 Km away from
the city. The road to Pushkar passes through
the Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain. Pushkar
is an ancient city. The city is considered
by Hindus to be one of the most sacred places
in India and has, perhaps, the only existing
temple in Asia, dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Life in the city is very much related to the
Pushkar Lake. Mythology says that this ancient
lake was formed when a lotus flower fell in
the valley from the hands Brahma.
The famous Pushkar fair is held every year
on the Kartik purnima day. This fair is famous
as a Bazaar for the animals particularly the
Camels. But the folk dancers and the folk
musicians add traditional colour in the fair,
which gives a new leash of life to the town.
Kishangarh : On the road
to Jaipur, 27 Km from Ajmer is located this
medieval treasure house of art. This place
had one of the finest schools for miniature
paintings during 18th century. It is also
famous for Gundelao Lake, Phool Mahal Palace
and Temple of Sri Kalyan Raiji
Mangliyawas : This town is
famous for two 800 years old trees of a rare
species- Adansonia Digitata Linn- popularly
known as 'Kalpa-Vrikhsha'. People visit this
place through out the year but on dark moon
day of 'sravana' thousands of people come
to worship the trees. The town is 26 Kms from
Ajmer.
Beawar : This town is located
54 Kms from Ajmer and is famous for the Badshahi
procession festival held on the next day of
Holi. On this occasion people participate
in large number and throw gulal on each other.
Shopping
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