Ajmer Sharif Dargah: A Testament to Hindu-Muslim Unity Across Centuries

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 5 October 2024 Ajmer Sharif, Home To The Revered Shrine Of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Symbolizes Compassion And Humanitarianism. Millions Visit Annually, Reflecting His Profound Impact On Spirituality And Unity Main Points: 1. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrived in Ajmer, establishing a legacy of compassion and generosity. 2. His shrine became a pilgrimage site, attracting millions annually, especially during the Urs celebrations. 3. Significant renovations were made by various dynasties, notably Emperor Akbar, enhancing the shrine’s grandeur. 4. The shrine complex features multiple courtyards, cauldrons for food distribution, and historical structures. 5. Ajmer Sharif is recognized as the largest Chishti shrine in the subcontinent, symbolizing spiritual unity and blessings. ----- Ajmer Dargah ------ History holds countless events that defy the grasp of reason and logic. Throughout time, there have been incidents so profound that they resonated throughout the heavens, yet history's chroniclers deemed them unworthy of preservation. Among these seemingly mundane acts of individual significance is the arrival of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan. This journey, which began in Sistan and traversed the Islamic world, culminated in a peaceful residence in this ancient historical city, marking an event whose ramifications would echo for centuries. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrived in Ajmer long before it became a part of the Delhi Sultanate. With nothing but faith and a strong belief in Allah, he brought with him the values of Islamic ethics, humanitarianism, compassion, and generosity, winning the hearts of the common people. His influence established a reign over the hearts of individuals, a dominion that time and fate could never touch. Hazrat Khwaja Ajmeri, revered by the masses as “Gharib Nawaz” and “Sultan-ul-Hind,” chose Ajmer as his final abode and passed away in 634 Hijri (June 1227 CE). He was buried in the same room where he resided, which has since become a sacred site for millions of devotees. Year after year, millions of pilgrims visit this shrine, particularly during the annual Urs celebrations. The shrine, located in the southern-western part of Ajmer, is surrounded by various landmarks, including the Indar Kot neighbourhood to the west and the Langar Khana to the east, along with the water source known as Jhalra in the south, which historically supplied water to the shrine. The shrine complex features 21 doors and is divided into three sections. Initially, it was modest and simple. The first significant renovations were carried out by the Khilji dynasty, who constructed the courtyard and dome. Emperor Akbar held deep reverence for this shrine, making the pilgrimage from Agra to Ajmer on multiple occasions. During one visit, he donated a large cauldron capable of cooking a hefty amount of food, symbolizing his dedication to the hospitality of the shrine. This cauldron, measuring approximately twelve yards, remains a unique attraction in the shrine’s courtyard, where food is prepared and distributed to the needy. Emperor Akbar also constructed the “Chhatri” (canopy) over the courtyard, which is still standing today. The northern entrance to the shrine is known as the Nizam Gate, built by Nizam Hyderabad in 1915 CE. The smaller ancient entrance is referred to as the Shah Jahan Gate, constructed during Shah Jahan’s era, adjacent to the Akbari Mosque, which was built shortly after the birth of Jahangir. In the second courtyard, in addition to the cauldrons and lamp posts, a spacious gathering hall was built in 1891 CE by Nawab Sar Asman Jah of Hyderabad. In front of it lies a pool known as the Dhamaal Khana, where Qalandars and devotees would dance and celebrate. A canopy was erected above it, which was commissioned by Queen Mary of Britain in 1911 CE. On the eastern side lies the Langar Khana, where a large cauldron donated by Akbar serves daily porridge to the needy. Previously, a small canopy existed here, believed to be the site where Akbar shared a meal with the Sufis, but it fell into disrepair. Following its collapse, a room was established in its place. The third section houses the sacred shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. To the north, a small but beautiful mosque known as the Sandali Mosque is located, where the sandalwood offered at the shrine is ground. Adjacent to it is the blessed shrine itself. To the west, the Shah Jahan Mosque was constructed in 1637 CE. The eastern door of the shrine, adorned with sandalwood, was commissioned by Akbar. Adjacent to the blessed shrine lies the tomb of Bibi Jamal, and to the west is the grave of Shah Jahan’s daughter, Hoorun Nisa. To the west of the gathering hall is the Khanqah, where Hazrat Gharib Nawaz's family resided. This place was established by Akbar. Within the shrine complex, towards the eastern side, there are several graves, one of which belongs to Nizam Saqqah, who saved Humayun from drowning and was granted a day of kingship as a reward. Ajmer Sharif stands as the largest Chishti shrine in the entire subcontinent, where spiritual blessings have been transmitted far and wide. Thus, Ajmer holds the highest spiritual status in the history of India. ----- Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specialising in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. 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