The Reason Why People and Tourist Love Ajmer ?

Where two cultures meet, temples and mosques within a small distance of each other, is Ajmer. The harmonious blend of Hinduism and Islam gives this town a unique character. It is surrounded all around by the `Ajay Meru’ ranges of Aravali hills. The Hindi means of Vijay Meru’ is that no one can wine it the city lies at the foot of the Taragarh hill which forms an imposing background. The crest of the hill rises to a height of about (243 m. 800 ft.) from its base and is encircled by Taragarh fortress. This stronghold of the early Chauhans has witnessed many historic battles in the past. It was founded by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. and derives its name from Ajayameru (The invincible-hill). The chauhans reined here till 1193 A.D. Prithviraj Chauhan the last Hindu ruler lost it to Muhammed Ghori. Its peace was again disturbed during Timur’s hurricane invasion of India. Subsequently it was seized by Rana Kumbha of Mewar and retained by him for a brief period. From 1470 to 1531, it came under the domination of the Muslim rulers of Malwa. After the Muslim rulers it was ruled by Maldeo Rathore ruler of Marwar. Later, Akbar the great annexed it to the Mughal Empire in 1556 and realizing its strategic importance made it the headquarters of his military operations for a time. Ajmer still whispers the romantic legend surrounding its last Hindu ruler. Prithviraj Chauhan was a sworn enemy of Jai Chand of Kanauj, but was in love with his enemy’s daughter Princess Sanyogita. Jai Chand had placed a statue of Prithviraj Chauhau at the door of his palace as an insult to his enemy. Princess Sanyogita in her desire to wed Prithviraj Chauhan garlanded the statue during the Swayamvar ceremony. And as quick as lightning Prithviraj Chauhan waiting for this opportunity whisked away his beloved. Today this place is a holy integration of two religions with the holy Pushkar temples on one hand and the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti on the other.

What to see: In the heart of the city is the Dargah popularly known as Dargah Sharif the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, popularly known as Khwaja Sahib, or Carib Nawaz, who came to India with Sultan Shahbuddin Ghori in 1192 A.D. and later on settled in Ajmer. His fame spread for and wide and the rich and the poor alike were imbued with reverence for his saintliness. It is a great centre of pilgrimage for Muslims and attracts the thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the world. Dugah comprises tuemauosleum of Khwaja Sahib, two mosques. One is Akbari mosque built by Akbar and another is a small mosque built by Jahangir in which builder of Taj added to the large dome and the Jama Majid in white maiblc an assembly hail (Mehfil Khan;) and an imposing gateway k Jiuland Darwaja) Saint died in 1236 at the age of 97. The widely honored Sufi saint had secluded himself for six days before his death and the annual use fair commemorates these days. It attracts a large number of Muslim devotees of the Indian sub continent, and the Middle East to this pilgrimage spot. Rice pudding is distributed to the devotes. Even the great emperor Akbar came here to seek the solace of the holy one’s shrine.

Adbai-Din-Ka-Jhopra: At the foot of the Taragarh hill stands the Adha.i-din-Ka-Jhonpra, an exquisite specimen of architecture. Originally a Sanskrit college built in 1 1 th cen Lry in the form of a square, 259 ft. each side with clusters r, II all the four sides enclosing a spacious courtyard, it was later destroyed and converted into a mosque by Mohammed Gauri in 12th century. The mosque was built in just two and a half days. It is Indo-Islamic architecture on the rains of the temples. Thus the mosque stands on the pillars of the ruined Hindu temples, and none of them are similar. General Cunningham, the British director general archaeology said, = ‘There is no building in India which either for its historical interest or archaeological importance is more worthy of preservation.”

Nasiyan (Red temple): It is a beautiful modern Jain buil-ding of the late 19th century comprising of a `Digamber’ tem-ple and imposing double storied hall. The hall contains beautifull gilt wooden representation of Jain mythology. It was built by Mool Chand Soni in 1865. Constructed with red stone in an attractive pattern. It is named after its builder.

Anasagar : One of the loveliest artificial lakes of India and most picturesque site in Ajmer is Anasagar, constructed by king Anaji grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan and fromed by raisin a huge embankment between two hills, Its embankment was further beautified by Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Julian by constructing palaces, ‘The Baradari’ or the pavilions were constructed by Saha Jahan (now standing in masonry) and incomparable marble pavilions and a beautiful garden now known as Subhash Bagh.

Taragarh Fort This ‘Star Fort’ was built by Ajapai Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. It has witnessed many historic battles and providing a fine view of the city. A winding bridle path takes you to the fort crowning a hill rock. It is 2855 ft high from the MIS. Level and 800 ft from the ground level. Inside the fortress are five water tanks and a mosque of Mir Saiyad Hussain Khangwan.
The Museum or Magazine: Akbar’s palace and his royal quarters are now houses an excellent collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury and some five sculptures. Sir Thomas Roe presented his credentials in the court of Jahangir at this venue.
Savrami Dayanand Saraswati Smarak: The founder of Arya Samaj, Sawami Dayanand Saraswati selected this place to be t he centres of his activities as a religious reformer of Hindu-ism.
Excursions:
Pushkar: Nestling in the rolling hills 11 Km. to the North West of Ajmer lies this picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar. The Nag Pahar separates it by Ajmer. This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. Its mythological origin gives it a religious importance. According to Padam Puran, Brahma the creator of the universe was in search of a suitable place to per-form a yagya. As he moved a lotus fell from his hand and struck at three places from where water sprouted forth. These three places were called Jayastha, Madhya, and Kanistha Pushkar. Brahma chose to perform the sacrifice at Jayastha Pcshkar. As a holy city, Pushkar abounds in temples and also ha3 the temple to Lord Brahma, the creator, presumably the only one of its kind in India.
A lively and gigantic fair is held here every year on Kartika Poornima, thousands of pilgrims and ascetics from far and near gather here to take a dip in the holy lake. The fair is also the biggest Camel market, besides Camels, Horses and Bullocks are also sold and bought here.
Kishangarh: A princely state had been founded by Maha-raja Kishan Singh in the 17th century A.D. is only 27 Kms away from Ajmer. This typically medieval town is famous for its Gundelao lake, Phool Mahal Palace, Fort, the temple of Shri Kalyan Raiji, Majhela Palace and Mohkarm vila. The world renowned Kishangarh School of painting flourished here under the patronage of Maharaja Sanwant Singh, and his master artists Nihal Chand and Sitaram who have left their marks in the world of art.
For more Information on Things to do in Ajmer Rajasthan and Rajasthan Travel Packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.