GENERAL INFORMATION

 The strategic position of this city has led to its long and turbulent history. Ajmer is connected to Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Abu, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaipur by main highways and holds strategic ocean to Gujarat and Malwa (M.P.) it was a key centre of Chauhan power along with the twin capital of Delhi, but after Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghori (1193), it had to pass through a chequered and violent history.

Ajmer has remained throughout a great centre of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims a feature that gives the city its character and lends it importance. Ajmer is a true amalgam of rich Hindu and Islamic heritage. The sacred lake of Pushkar believed by Hindus to be old as creation as the temple of Brahma has been a place of pilgrimage from the immemorial. The great Sufi Saint Khawaja Muin-ud-Chishti of Persia was buried here and his Dargah is equally sacred for the followers of Islam as well as Hinduism. The Emperor Akbar made an annual visit to the shrine of the saint, sometimes on foot, as any ordinary pilgrim would.

WHAT TO SEE

THE DARGAH

In the heart of the city is the tomb of Saint Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, popularly known as Dargah Sharif, it has been since long a pilgrimage and spiritual centre where followers of almost every creed and faith, muslims and non-muslims, come throughout the year, especially on the occasion of the annual “Urs’ celebrated from the 1^st to 6^th day of Islamic month of Rajab. The shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti is considered today, a second Mecca/Medina for the Muslims of South Asia. The enormous gate of the mausoleum leading to the open court was built by Sultan Attamash (12^th century). In the court are two gigantic iron cauldrons donated by the Mughal emperors.

On the right is Akbar’s Mosque, a simple structure of dignified proportions, made of white marble.

On top of the inner gate huge drums are kept in the Naubat Ghar or drum house. The inner gate was donated by a Nawab of Hyderabad. Several tombs are located in the inner enclosure.

SHAH JAHAN’S MOSQUE

In a corner of the inner court is an elegant building. A long (30.5 metres) and narrow court with a low arcade in white marble, is delicately carved with trelliswork, it is the most beautiful of all the buildings within the Dargah precinct.

The tomb of the Saint is in a square building of white marble with a large dome, it has two entrances. The front porch is covered with lamps and chandeliers donated by devotees.

ADHAI-DIN-KA-JHANPRA

Beyond the Dargah, among narrow and crowded lanes is a remarkable early Islamic structure. It was originally a Sanskrit college, probably within a temple enclosure. In 1193, Mohammed Ghori took over Ajmer, destroyed the college and from its ruins, half days (Adhai-Din), Pillars from at least thirty temples much have gone into the making of this elegant monument, a superb example of India-Islamic architecture.

TARAGARH FORT (AKBAR’S FORT)

Above the Adhai-din-ka-Hanpra, the road turns into a bridle path, leading to the top of the hill on which the remains of a strongly built fort stand. One is rewarded by a fine view of the city, from the Taraggarh fort.

THE MUSEUM

Akbar’s royal residence is now the museum, which has an excellent collection of Moghal and Rajput amour and some fine sculpture.

EXURSIONS

PUSHKAR LAKE

An interesting drive. 11 km to the west, takes one through a mountain pass to the holy lake of Pushkar. One of the mountains on this pass is called Nag Pahar or Snake Mountain where the panchkund and cave of Saint Agastya Rishi is located. It is said that kalidasa, the 4^th century Sanskrit poet and play right, placed the action of his masterpiece Abhjinama Shakuntalam in this forest hermitage. The lake has legendary origins. A lotus fell from the hand of Lord Brahma and dropped into this valley. A lake sprang up on the spot, and was dedicated to him. A temple of Brahma is a popular place of pilgrimage.

MAN MAHAL

Built by Raja Man Singh of Amer, the Man Mahal standing on the banks of Pushkar.

FOY SAGAR

12 km, Named after the engineer who built, it Foy Sagar is a picturesque artificial lake; it was the result of famine relief project.

SHOPPING

In Ajmer, you find numerous items that are truly Rajasthani and reflect an ancient tradition, Silver and gold ornaments, jewellery, tie-and-dye sarees, are some of this city’s specialties. During annual Urs fair, talk artisans display their wares and offer a tempting range of intriguing a colourful item.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jaipur 132 km, is the nearest airport.

RAIL

Regular train services join Ajmer with important cities. Pink City, Chetak and Superfast Shatabdi express are the best trains for tourist from Delhi and Jaipur.

ROAD

Ajmer is well connected by road from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, Delhi.

PUSHKAR

GENERAL INFORMATION

 The picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar lie 11 km, from Ajmer Pushkar is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a Vedic yojna (sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his yojna here.

A lively and gigantic fair is held every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon in October-November). About 1,00,000 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 sold here. The people in their colourful attires enhances the cheerful mood of the fair. Pushkar abounds in temples and also has the temple of Lord Brahma the God Creation. This is the only temple dedicated to Brahma.

This somewhat somnolent reverberates with hectic activity during the festivities. To cope with the large-scale attendance, extensive arrangements are made: Gaily costumed enthusiasts rubbing shoulders in the human ocean, hunting around for bargain, shopping engaged in parleys for striking deals in the camel market, savouring on endless month-watering delicacies, enjoying the local musical and dance presentations… contribute to enhance the colour of the Rajasthan. A host of cultural programmes are staged to enthrall the audience.

The biggest draws of the events are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet shows are equally attractive and enjoyable.

SAVITRI TEMPLE

Temple of Lord Brahma’s first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple and one has to climb a long series of steps to reach the point. It gives a beautiful panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding and sand dunes villages.

MAN MAHAL

Built by Raja Man Singh I of Amer, stands on the banks of Pushkar.

SHOPPING

During Pushkar fair, shopping is real fun when a bewildering variety of souvenirs are offered for sale in.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jaipur 146 km is the nearest airport.

RAIL

Ajmer 11 km is the nearest railhead.

ROAD

Pushkar is well connected from Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi.