Dargah Sharif of Ajmer


… Jo Bhi tere dar aaya, Jhukne jo sar aaya;
Mastiya piye sabko, Jhoomta nazar aaya,
Pyaas leke aaya tha, Dariya who bhar laya;
Noor ki baarish mein, Bheegta sa tar aaya...

These famous lines of a popular Hindi film reverberate with the trust and conviction of thousands of people thronging the Dargah Sharif of Ajmer to offer their prayers…

    Situated about 11 kms from Pushkar and 145 kms from Jaipur, The Dargah Sharif is the final resting place of the great Sufi saint - Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Muinuddin Chishti.

    Also known as Gharib Nawaz, or 'Benefactor of the Poor', the Khwaja was one of the greatest saintly liberators of human sufferings, a vast oasis of peace and harmony, moral strength and divine enlightenment. He still is, in spirit, through His blessings and love which one can sense when one is here. No wonder then, it is believed that no one returns empty handed from His divine abode.

    Going back in time, the great Mughal Emperor Akbar once came to the Dargah Sharif in the 16th century to offer prayers for an heir and later his prayer was answered. It was his belief that had brought him there. And even today, it’s this belief that brings not only the common man but also popular personalities, of all faiths and from all fields, to this living cenotaph all round the year to pay homage to the great saint. During the Urs, which is held in honor of the death anniversary of the Saint, it is said that, this Muslim mosque is totally a different place swarmed with lakhs of pilgrims from all over the world.

    You will have to leave your cars a good distance away from the main shrine as after this point, entry of vehicles are restricted (I had left my camera too as our driver told us that electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the dargah). Walking on foot, this is the time when you will be able to see the different colors of Ajmer. The narrow lanes are lively, bustling with colorful bazaars selling a variety of stuff from chaddars and scarves to clothes and food. I walk past beggars asking for alms, other pilgrims hurrying past and shopkeepers who urge you to remove footwear in their shops and buy something instead. Soon, the smell of fresh rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense sticks floating in the air indicate that I am just about to reach. In a moment, I spot the huge gates. Remove your footwear, cover your head, two things must be done before entering.

    I entered the main dargah, where the saint lies buried. Every corner inside is done up in gold which furnishes the whole aura in grandeur and divinity. Tried to get near his crypt but it was getting too difficult to stand in the place filled to the brim, with everybody trying to do the same. It is surrounded by a silver railing with a cleric sitting besides it. He takes the offerings, puts them on the tomb and taps your head with a feather fan before directing you towards the exit gate. I wish I could have spent some more time here.

[ The resting place of the saint, Khwaja Syed Muhammad Muinuddin Chishti 

    Outside, in the premises, there is a humble baoli or water reservoir whose waters are said to cure all diseases. There are people roaming around here carrying water-filled sacks who will insist you buy one of this. This essentially means that, you will then get to empty the water from the sack in the pond which, in turn, is said to bring good luck and prosperity.

    Just a little ahead are two enormous cauldrons filled with rice, lentils, dry fruits and condiments donated by the pilgrims. This is daily cooked and distributed free among the poor.

    As I headed towards the exit, I spotted the professional singers called 'qawwals' sitting in groups, singing qawwallis (Sufi hymns) in the praises of the saint in a distinguishing voice penetrating not only through the walls but also your soul. Every time I have heard Sufi songs live, especially in dargahs, be it at the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai or here, the experience has truly been a magical one… the magic of the music merging with the soul… It was a wonderful feeling that stayed on with me as I made my way towards the city!

Post a Comment

33 Comments

  1. Nice to know abt dargah..have never seen one before...and nice write up too arti..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Too bad you could not get any pictures inside, but I suppose it would be disrespectful. Did you buy anything outside? I have heard some Sufi songs, or at least ones inspired by them, and they are truly beautifuil. you described it best with the word magical.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So magical. Those singers have quite the same effect on me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. beautiful post arti ...i heard a lot about this holy place n also saw in movie but don't have detailed idea ...thanks for sharing dear ...u r so lucky as ur getting opportunity to visit such a holy places n we too as we r ur friends

    Satya
    http://www.superyummyrecipes.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. There is only a very few place that gives me the feeling of divine presence..this is definitely one of them..a beautiful write up arti!

    US Masala

    ReplyDelete
  6. Its a really wonderful place. I had the same feelings when i went there... and those huge cauldrons are apparently ancient.. given by some mughal king... someone told me it was akbar,but i am not too sure about that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. i like your post. you captured the feel and look of the place so well..

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Muslims regard this place almost on par with Mecca...sounds great

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice to hear of thousands thronging their way. This looks like a truly magical (there's that word again but I think it is the only one to use) spectacle. Amazing to think that lots of religions have holy water which is said to cure in common. Thanks for another fasinating post.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Another brilliant post. Thanks for this.

    All the best, Boonie

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Arti
    I liked it. You have made this post very informative too. I recall once I spent the whole day sitting at the Dargha observing people who came there. It was a memorable experience. Did you go to dhai din ka jhopDa or so....?
    Have a nice day

    ReplyDelete
  12. Never heard of Khwaja - sounds intersting - was he a sufi?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good post Arti, Loved your narration too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Arti, thanks for visiting! Just read the last bit of your post now - i know what you mean about Sufi-music - really magical, also the dancing. To me, they are most fascinating and mystical.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice spiritual post! I've heard the kawwalli! It just mesmerizes you...


    Pixellicious Photos

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful experience!

    ReplyDelete
  17. A very spiritual post and I love the sufi hymns.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Having heard several times about the Ajmer Dargah from friends and also from movies I often wondered about who this person was. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The writeup is a wonderful sketch of the place and I think it is really be worth while reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well explained information and nice pics !

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good post. I had similar feelings when I was there less than 2 months ago. Was a little disappointed though that photography was not allowed.

    ReplyDelete
  21. fahadur Rehman kHnaAugust 30, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    Khwaja ae khwajatan faqre hindustan khwaja ke shaan oo shukat per lakoon salam.

    ReplyDelete
  22. One of my favourite favourite places! And my absolute favourite song. The whole vibe of the Dargah is electrifying. I love the walk till the Dargah, through the bazaars selling everything one can possibly think of! The huge cauldrons are called 'Degs' where people donate money for langar services for the poor.

    I am sure the qawaali must have been mesmerising! It is a soul enriching experience indeed :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. nice post, Thanks for letting us know.

    ReplyDelete
  24. my experience was miserable, will never revisit

    ReplyDelete
  25. My visit to Dargah Sharif was a lovely cultural experience. It was fun just watching the sights along the way to the place. The faith people have is just amazing. Though we ended up going on a holiday when it was crowded.

    ReplyDelete
  26. beautiful post and lovely writing !! Personally i keep away from such places

    ReplyDelete
  27. The place is worth a visit but quite crowded

    ReplyDelete
  28. The post itself brings in a pious feeling. Thanks Arti for this walk through Ajmer sharif.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Its a wonderful place and this post brought back fond memories of my visit to the Dargah!
    Great post :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love this place for the Sufi ambience ! And that song is my favourite. The vibe of the Dargah is so soothing. I still remember everything about this place. The shops, the chaos, the spirituality ...

    ReplyDelete

Delighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!

If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)