|
Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah:At
the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most important
pilgrimage center for people from all
faiths. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin
Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Shari.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 Dargah. The entrance to the complex is the Dargah 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.
Taragarh Fort - Built in the
7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the fort gives a bird's eye view of
the city. Taragarh Fort or the 'Star fort' is situated on a hill and
to reach there, one has to take winding bridle path. A steep one and
a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra leads to the ruins
of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill. One can have an excellent
view of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military
activity during the Mughal period, later used as a sanatorium by the
British .
Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara-this is
a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture located on the outskirts,
of the city, just beyond the Dargah.It was originally a Sanskrit
college, built within a temple.In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed
the college and a mosque was built in its place.The mosque is built
on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike.
Shahjhan's Mosque-In
the corner of the inner court of the Dargah is a magnificent
building in white marble with a long (30.5m) and narrow court having
low arcade and delicate carvings with trellis-work. It is the most
marvelous of all the sanctums within the sanctuary of the Dargah.
Ana Sagar Lake -
This lake was built by Anaji during
1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made additional
constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a marble
pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were
laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer
city
Jain Temple-This
red coloured Jain temple was built in the late 19th century.The
beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed.The wooden gilt in the
double storeyed hall depicts scenes from the Jain mythology.
Govt. Museum-Once
the royal residence of Emperor Akbar,which
was converted into a museum and today it houses a rich
collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine and
delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed here. |
