Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah stands as a testament to spiritual harmony, cultural richness, and historical significance. The shrine of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, fondly known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), attracts millions of devotees from across the world, transcending religious boundaries.
It traces its origins to the late 12th century. According to historical records from the ‘Siyar-ul-Auliya’ (a comprehensive biography of Sufi saints), Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrived in Ajmer from Persia around 1192 CE, establishing the foundations of the Chishti Sufi order in India. His teachings emphasised universal love, peace, and spiritual equality.
According to the Rajasthan government’s tourism website, “In keeping with his secular teachings, its doors are open to people of all faiths and religions. Some say that Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti believed he was a direct descendant of Muhammad and preached his beliefs to the masses. While on his world travels, he was urged by Muhammad, in a dream, to visit India. He reached Ajmer, via Lahore, and made it his home from 1192 till his death in 1236 AD. The shrine was built by Mughal King Humayun in honour of this saint.”
The Dargah complex is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The white marble shrine, adorned with intricate silver and gold decorations, reflects the architectural sophistication of the medieval period. The main gate, known as the Nizam Gate, was donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century, symbolising the widespread reverence for the saint.
