Shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz
Dargah-e-Sharief
Founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan, Ajmer finds its name on the international map mainly because of the highly esteemed Dargah of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. Though it is basically a Muslim shrine, yet follower of all religions have tremendous faith in its genuineness. Hence, it is not surprising to find people from all over India as well as abroad flocking to the Dargah to pay their obeisance to the saint.
The history of the Dargah has it that the 12th century Persian saint, Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti settled down in Ajmer after Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammad of Ghori. He preached there and won numerous followers, so much so that even after his death, his glory never faded. Later, great Mughal Emperor Humayun constructed the tomb in his honour in 16th century at the place where his last remains lay buried. His son, Akbar, and grandson, Shah Jahan also added a mosque each to the Dargah complex. The Nizam of Hyderabad at that point of time also contributed his bit in making this Dargah.
It is said that Akbar was a devout follower of the saint. He prayed at the Dargah for a son and his wish was fulfilled. Thereafter, he payed regular visits to the Dargah every year from Agra. From then onwards, the Dargah attained the status of wish fulfillment shrine.
Followers of the saint, specially Muslims, believe that seven visits to the Dargah of Ajmer Sharief is equivalent to one visit to Mecca, which is the most auspicious of Muslim pilgrim destination.
Badi/ Choti Degs
Badi Deg Choti Deg
Badi Deg
On other side of the second gate i.e Buland Darwaza in front of Sahan Chiragh (courtyard lamp),there are two huge Degs (cauldrons for cooking food)fixed into solid masonryin which a palatable mixture of rice sugar, ghee (butter) and dried fruits are cooked for distribution to the public as tabarruk.
Choti Deg
The circumference at the edge of the larger cauldron is 10-1/4 feet.It cooks 70 mounds of rice,while the smaller Deg takes 28 mounds. One of them was presented by Akbar in 1567 A.D. The well-to-do pilgrims Individually make these Degs to be cooked.
Begami Dalaan
Overhanging the principal eastern to the Shrine or Mausoleum, there is a handsome porch known as Begami Daalaan which was built in 1643 AD by Princess Jahan Ara Begam, the favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. The walls and the beautiful marble pillars of the Begami Daalaan were done in colorful gold in 1888 AD. Later on, the ceiling of this Daalaan was also embellished in gold with the money donated by a Muslim merchant of Bombay. This beautiful portico was used by the Begams or ladies of the Moghul harem during their frequent visits to the shrine.There are two simultaneous entrances to the Shrine through the Begami Daalaan. The doors of both of them are mounted with heavy silverplate carved in ornamental details. The tomb is of white marble inlaid with pieces of precious stones and is daily bestrewed with sandal-paste and Itars (perfumes). It is always covered with very costly ‘Ghilaafs’ (coverings made of velvet and silk) embroidered with pleasing gold and silver tracings.
The white iron grill gate encloses the actual tomb of the Saint. People visit the shrine and make a wish by tying the thread to the grill. Once their wish is met, they come back and remove their thread and offer a chaddar (cloth sheet) to the tomb along with incense and flowers.
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
