Ajmer is the most sacred of all Muslim places of pilgrimage in India. In 1193, after Prithviraj Chauhan had lost Ajmer to Sultan Mohammed of Ghori, the Persian saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, who had come with Ghori, settled and preached here.

Later in 1556, when Emperor Akbar captured Ajmer, he visited the tomb of Khwaja on foot to pray for a son. The boon was granted and the fame of Ajmer spread far and wide.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who died in Ajmer in 1236, was buried in a small brick tomb that is today surrounded by a large marble complex known as the Dhargah.

The entrance to the complex is the Dhargah Bazaar, through a high gateway that leads into the first courtyard. The tomb surrounded by silver railings is enshrined in a domed marble chamber in the centre of the second courtyard near the magnificent mosque of Shah Jahan. Devotees sprinkle rose petals over the grave when they pray here.

The tomb attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year on the anniversary of the saint’s death, the Urs, in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. Sweetened rice filled in degs are served to devotees on Urs.

Founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the invincible hill, at the foot of which the present city stands.

Major Attractions

• Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra
• Ana Sagar Lake
• Circuit House
• Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
• Soniji ka Nasiyan
• Mayo College
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati Smarak
• Taragarh Fort and the Museum
• Pushkar 11 kms
• Foy Sagar Lake 12 kms
• Kishangarh 27 kms