Custom Search

SEO Friendly Link Directory

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Urs Fair

Night View Of Dargah During Urs Fair









Crowd During Urs Fair


Devotees Make Offerings Of Rose Flowers


Devotees Also Offer Chadars








Qawwali Held During Urs Fair

The city of Ajmer is located in central Rajasthan, and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities who call it 'Ajmer Sharif' (Holy Ajmer). It is here that the mortal remains of the highly respected Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried.
The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His Spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saint's mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary), during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.)
The pilgrims who come to seek the blessings of the Khwaja make rich offerings called nazrana at the holy spot where the saint has been entombed. The offerings of rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense contribute to the fragrance that floats in the air inside the shrine. Also offered by devotees are the chadar, ghilaph and neema, which are votive offerings for the tomb. These are brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims inside the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the sanctum sanctorum of the dargah, professional singers called qawwals in groups and sing the praises of the saint in a characteristic high pitched voice. People gather around them and listen attentively, sometimes clapping to the rhythm of their instruments.
The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning. People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called ghusal. The tomb is then covered with an embroidered silk cloth by the Sajjada Nashin.
An interesting ritual is the looting of kheer (milk-pudding) which is cooked in two large cauldrons called degs and distributed to the devotees as tabarruk (blessed food). On the 6th of Rajab, after the usual mehfil and the sound of cracker-bursts accompanied by music, the Sajjada Nashin performs the ghusal of the tomb. Fatiha and Salamti are read. A poetic recitation called mushaira is arranged in which poets of all communities arrive to recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja. The Qul (end-all) on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.
At night, religious assemblies called mehfils are held in the mehfil-khana, a large hall meant for this purpose. These are presided over by the Sajjada Nashin of the dargah. Qawwalis are sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved for women who attend the mehfil. The mehfil terminates late in the night with a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Pushkar Fair

Dips In The Holy Sarovar Lake Is Known To Bestow Salvation





Traditional Kalbelia Dancer During Pushkar Fair


Giant Wheel At Pushkar Fair


Rural People With Camels


Camel Race During Pushkar Fair


Some More Pictures Of Rural People With Camels







The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with Camel and Cattle for several days of live stock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.
This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers,traders, comedians, sadhus and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ashtmi 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (Poornima). The Camel and Cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation. This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for Cattle, Camel and women, everything is sold together.Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenir. The Camel and Horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are Quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds.
Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazine. According to lonely planet -"Its truly a feast for the eyes. If you are any where within striking distance at the time, Its an event not to be missed." Foot print India handbook 200 I writes- "The huge mela is Pushkar's biggest draw an unforgettable experience."

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Hotel Amar Bagh

Amar Bagh in Ajmer is a heritage property in Ajmer situated in Junia village around 90 kms from Ajmer. The heritage property exemplify the rich tradition of hospitality set by the thakurs. One of the prominent Heritage Hotels in Ajmer, the Amar Bagh, offers an ideal ambience to enjoy a life filled with luxury and royal living. Making the most of the serene ambience of the lakeside, Amar Bagh is situated 90 kilometers away from Ajmer in the peaceful village of Junia. The hotel has been revamped from an ancient Thakur palace.
Accommodation:
Amar Bagh in Ajmer offers carefully designed rooms which portray luxury living laced with the best of room facilities and amenities. The Amar Bagh Palace offers spacious rooms where the interiors are a classy blend of Rajasthani frescos and colonial period designs. The hotel offers 29 deluxe rooms along with 9 luxury suites for the ultimate comfort of the guests. The rooms are all perfectly adorned with traditional designs and antique furniture that enhances the beauty of the rooms.
Dining:
Onsite Restaurant:Serves delicious food from Indian, Chinese, Continental, Rajasthani and Marwari cuisine. The authentic Indian cuisines are its specialty along with Chinese and Continental delicacies. The food is best relished amongst the imperial ambience of the hotel.
Recreation:
Ajmer Amar Bagh ensures the best of entertainment and recreation for its guests. It arranges tours to the forts situated nearby. Well, this is not all, you can even indulge in some more exciting activities like bullock cart safaris, jeep safaris and evening entertainment during season periods.
Other facilities:
Various other facilities are offered to the guests for their convenience and comfort. Facilities comprises of 24 hour free room service, laundry, parking, doctor-on-call, spacious lawns and travel assistance on request.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Hotel Bijayniwas Palace Resort

Built in 1910 by Rao Bijay Singhji, Masuda to serve as the summer retreat to the royal family, the Bijay Niwas Palace Resort in Ajmer has now become a pleasure retreat for both the business and leisure travelers. It enjoys a very pristine location in the city and is best known for offering a relaxing walk over 50 acres of orchard land. It is truly different from all the other hotels in Ajmer. Carrying an aura of regal legacy, this hotel-resort entertains the need and requirement of every guest with its unmatched facilities and services.
Accommodation:
Ajmer Bijay Niwas Palace Resort features artistically and aesthetically appointed deluxe rooms and suites which are furnished with every royal luxury. These suites and rooms are designed with utmost care to fulfill the daily needs of the guests and at the same time acquaint them with the lifestyle of the former Maharajas. The antique furniture and the traditional style Rajasthani wall murals add an extra charm in the suites. The suites are provided with host of modern amenities too to exemplify the blend of past and present. The modern amenities include attached bathrooms, telephone, safety deposit box and so on
Dining:
Bijay Niwas Palace Resort in Ajmer is the best destination for experiencing royal style of dining. The place is:
1. Dining Room and a Dining Hall with the capacity for over 30 guests serves truly Indian or Continental cuisines.
2. Coffee Shop offers refreshing beverages and mouth-watering snacks
Recreation/Health and fitness center:
Bijay Niwas Palace Resort in Ajmer offers an appreciable range of recreational facilities that are truly apt to acquaint guests with pleasurable stay in Ajmer. These facilities include Whirlpool, Health Club, Sauna, Tennis Court, Bird Watching, Folk Music, Ballad Performances, Horse Riding, Jeep Safari, and Tours to Masuda Fort, Minal falls and Sonakhlia.
Other Facilities:
Like all the other hotels in Ajmer, Ajmer Bijay Niwas Palace Resort features a wide range of additional facilities that comprise of room service, laundry, doctor on call, car park and others.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Hotel Tikam Niwas

If you plan to accommodate yourself in one of the heritage hotels in Ajmer, then you can’t escape the lavishness and the grandeur that they represent. Featuring among the best heritage hotels in Ajmer, Tikam Niwas in Ajmer stands for lavish and indulgent stay amidst the stately ambience.
Accommodation:
The guestrooms at Tikam Niwas in Ajmer are thoughtfully classified into Deluxe Suites, Luxury Suites and Royal Rooms. The rooms are spruced up with antique furnishings that impart a period feel to them. The painted ceilings, Italian marble floors and the Belgian glasswork exude opulence. It is needless to state that the rooms are also well-appointed with the contemporary in-room amenities that take care of the convenience of the guests.
Dining:
Dining at Tikam Niwas in Ajmer is a delightful culinary experience. Thanks to its On site Multi-cuisine Restaurant – that serves excellently cooked Indian, Chinese and Continental dishfuls. The food served here are finger-licking good and your pleasure of dining is doubled by the graceful and elegant ambience of the restaurant.
Business:
Ajmer’s Tikam Niwas does not overlook the business needs of the corporate guests. The hotel features a well-configured conference hall that plays the perfect host for any corporate event.
Recreation:
There is no paucity of recreational facilities at Ajmer’s Tikam Niwas. The hotel features an on-site swimming pool where the guests can enjoy an invigorating swim. The hotel also boasts of a travel desk that can arrange for sightseeing tours in case you wish to explore the nearby tourist attractions.
Other Facilities:
Round the clock room service, laundry, parking, doctor on call, travel desk, currency exchange and acceptance of credit cards are some of the other additional facilities that the guests get to enjoy at Tikam Niwas.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Roopangarh Fort


The construction of the Roopangarh Fort, Ajmer can be traced back to 1648. The magnificent fort, at present, functions as a hotel is categorized among the other hotels in Ajmer. A wonderful amalgam of tradition and gracious hospitality, the Roopangarh Fort in Ajmer is imbued with the elements of regal grace and grandeur.
Accommodation:
The 20 guestrooms at Roopangarh Fort in Ajmer are classified into the double rooms and single rooms. The optimum satisfaction of the guests is of ultimate priority and this provides them the impetus to design the rooms in a way that the guests do not feel deprived of any comfort. The Queen’s Suite is the ultimate example of comfort and is graced with antique items and portraits. The in-room amenities comprise of televisions, direct dialing telephones, and attached baths with hot/cold water.
Dining:
On site Multi-cuisine Restaurant – Even the most fastidious of food lovers will shower generous encomiums once they get to taste the mouth-watering Indian, Chinese and Continental and Thai dishes that are rustled up by the cook. The chefs give their own personalized and innovative touch to these dishes which results in their being more toothsome.
Business:
Ajmer’s Roopangarh Fort also enjoys a certain degree of popularity among the discerning business travelers. The hotel has a history of conducting successful business meets, seminars and conferences. The conference hall of the hotel is a well-configured one and boasts of all the needful business facilities.
Recreation:
The guests won’t complain of boredom at Ajmer’s Roopangarh Fort, considering the fact of shortage of recreational facilities at this hotel. Cultural shows and traditional dance and music performances will keep the culturally inclined ones pleasantly busy. For those who want something more than indoor entertainment, the sightseeing trips, jeep safari and camel safari will do the trick.
Other Facilities:
Travel desk, car rentals, doctor on call, express laundry, beauty salon and currency exchange comprise the other additional facilities offered by the hotel.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Hotel Mansingh Palace

Restaurant Of The Hotel


Well Accomodated Rooms Of The Hotel


Pool Side Of The Hotel

Hotel Mansingh Palace in Ajmer is in the design of a fortress of the 18th century. The royal and opulent setting of the hotel offers great delight and is surely an architectural marvel.
The hotel is the finest one among the Other hotels in Ajmer and features trained staff that offers personalized services to the discerning guests. The hotel is known for serving the business and leisure travelers alike.
Accommodation:
All the 60 rooms are designed in a way to offer the highest sense of warmth and comfort to its guests. The interiors are well decorated and everything inside the room is a feast for the eyes. The room amenities offered by the hotel include: central air-conditioning, attached baths with hair dryers, running hot and cold water, minibars and tea-coffee making machine.
Dining:
Sheesh Mahal- is an excellent multicuisine restaurant that offers an amiable ambience with a host of scrumptious delicacies. The guests can take pleasure in the Rajasthani, Indian and continental cuisines keeping a focus on the folk and local flavor of the food.
Sipah Salar- offers a host of exotic liquors and wine.
Business:
Mansingh Palace Hotel of Ajmer in India is equally popular for serving the corporate guests. It offers a board room that can be used for conducting meetings. The state-of-the-art conference rooms are also available that can accommodate a fair crowd of guests in U-shape or theater style. The business facilities include: Over head projector, Slide projector, TV. & V.C.R., Video Scope, Secretarial services and Screen.
Recreation/Health and fitness center:
If there is any special event, then the hotel makes arrangement for folk dance and fireworks. Theme dinners are also organized for the esteemed clientele. A beauty parlor and shopping arcade are also available at the hotel. The Travel desk arranges for exciting sightseeing tours of the city.
Other Facilities:
The other facilities offered by Mansingh Palace Hotel of Ajmer in India are: Doctor on call, Room service, Laundry, Money changer, Fax, Banking and Safe deposit.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Hotel Regency

View Of The Hotel From Outside


Well Accomodated Rooms Of The Hotel

Hotel Regency in Ajmer is one of the highly praiseworthy premium hotels in Ajmer. Its strategic location and proximity to the popular 13th century Dargah Shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, makes it one of the most sought after getaways in Ajmer among both the business and pleasure travelers. This has already made its mark in the hospitality industry for featuring an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. It is highly acclaimed for projecting a sense of space. On arriving at this hotel, you will truly enjoy your stay in Ajmer.
Accommodation:
The 24 well-appointed lavish rooms of Ajmer Hotel Regency extend a cordial welcome to guests and enable them to enjoy the world of unique comfort. The rooms are very tastefully decorated keeping a balance between past and present. These rooms are packed with scores of modern amenities too which include two direct dial telephones, a modem point, satellite TV, en suite baths, hot and cold water.
Dining:
Hotel Regency in Ajmer is a paradise for gastronomes. It pampers their taste buds at:
Daavat, the multi-cuisine restaurant which serves rich Indian, Mughlai, Continental, and Chinese Cuisines Madhosh Bar serves a fine range of cocktails
Business:
Ajmer Hotel Regency meets the business needs of the guests excellently. It puts on offer a very exquisitely appointed spacious conference hall where any kind of business events like meetings and seminars can be organized. It also offers an extensive array of business facilities like white boards, public address systems, projectors and other equipments that help in holding presentations.
Recreation:
For the pleasure travelers, Hotel Regency in Ajmer is one of the finest choices among all the hotels in Ajmer. From here most of the places of tourist interest and pilgrimage sites are just stone’s throw away. They do not need to devote much of their time in traveling.
Other facilities:
Ajmer Hotel Regency offers a laudable range of additional facilities that comprises of room service, doctor on call,laundry, safe deposit box, car park and others.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Hotel Ambassador

View Of The Hotel From Outside


Reception And Lobby Of The Hotel


Prince Suite Of The Hotel


Deluxe Room Of The Hotel

Of all the budget hotels in Ajmer, Hotel Ambassador in Ajmer is pretty renowned among those business and pleasure travelers who seek to enjoy maximum comfort at pocket friendly rates. Standing tall in the center of the city with red sandstone structure, this hotel has a special aura and flaunts a charm of its own. It tempts travelers by the virtue of its attractive rooms, well furnished restaurant and bundle of other facilities and services.
Accommodation:
Ajmer Hotel Ambassador very proudly presents an array of 27 Maharaja Suite, Prince Suite & A.C. Rooms. The rooms do not only excel each other in appearance but also provide the highest level of comfort. Every room has something different to offer and ideally break the monotony of the hackneyed look. Several modern amenities are also added in these rooms to enhance their worth as the cocoon of comfort. Some of the invariably found modern amenities include 24-hour room service, cable movies, shoe shine, full-length mirror, internet connectivity, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, remote-controlled cable television, safety deposit box, satellite television, European style bathroom and others.
Dining:
Like other hotels in Ajmer, the Hotel Ambassador in Ajmer features exclusive dining facilities at; Multi Cuisine Restaurant that serves truly sumptuous delights and refreshing drinks
Business:Ajmer Hotel Ambassador offers a well equipped banquet hall that serves multiple purposes. It is an ideal venue to conduct meetings, conference and seminars. It is also apt for organizing parties. In this venue around 150 delegates can easily be accommodated.
Recreation:
Hotel Ambassador in Ajmer offers an admirable range of recreational facilities that include travel desk, village safari, swimming pool, library, indoor games, horse safari, jeep safari, boat-ride and cultural shows.
Other Facilities:
A host of additional facilities that can also be found in Ajmer Hotel Ambassador includes 24 hour room service, forex, laundry, car park, medical assistance and many others.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Hotel Embassy



Hotel Room


Silver Leaf Restaurant Of The Hotel

Hotel Embassy in Ajmer is one of the finest budget hotels in Ajmer. It is a newly opened hotel. It enjoys a very advantageous location in the city and helps both the business and pleasure guests access their destination with convenience. Being in this hotel, travelers can expect to experience pleasurable stay in Ajmer. With attractive rooms, excellent food outlets and business and recreational facilities along with other services, this hotel is all set to provide optimum comfort to the guests.
Accommodation:
Ajmer Hotel Embassy offers an array of beautifully designed and decorated 31 guestrooms. The rooms are very spacious and at the same time intimate and snug in ambience. All the rooms are packed with a number of modern facilities too that comprise of ventilation, air-conditioning, direct STD – ISD dialing facility, 24 hours running hot & cold water, 24 hour live satellite transmission and many more.
Dining:
Hotel Embassy in Ajmer offers one of the best restaurants in the city of Ajmer called:
Silver Leaf – it serves deliciously prepared Chinese, Punjabi, continental and Italian Food. Business at Hotel Embassy, Ajmer
To cater specifically to the business needs of the guests, Ajmer Hotel Embassy has opened a multi-purpose Embassy Banquet Hall where any kind of business and formal events can conveniently be organized. This venue is equipped with most desirable audio-visual aids and Internet/ Email Facility as well.
Recreation:
The proximity of the Hotel Embassy in Ajmer to most of the attractive tourist spots makes traveling for the pleasure guests not only easy but enjoyable too.
Other Facilities:Ajmer Hotel Embassy ranks high among other hotels in Ajmer for featuring excellent additional facilities. Some of these facilities include room service, travel desk, doctor on call, reception, car park, safe deposit box and others.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Hotel Pravasi Palace

The budget hotels in Ajmer are one of the best accommodation options for the tourists visiting Ajmer and Hotel Pravasi Palace in Ajmer falls in the league of the finest hotels of the city. The hotel also enjoys the added advantage of easy accessibility as the hotel is not far away from the Ajmer railway station.
Accommodation:
The guestrooms at Hotel Pravasi Palace in Ajmer impeccably maintained and come in both air-conditioned and non-air conditioned variety. The rooms designed in the way so that the guests can derive maximum comfort. The rooms are facilitated with a host of in-room amenities that include attached bath with running hot and cold water, telephone and television.
Dining:
The dining needs of the guests at Hotel Pravasi Palace in Ajmer are taken care of by the multi-cuisine restaurant. On site Multi-cuisine Restaurant – Here the guests can sample excellent Rajasthani dishfuls. The chefs are equally skillful is whipping up mouth-watering array of Chinese, Indian and Continental dishes. You would be bowled over by the prompt services of the hotel staffs.
Recreation:
Ajmer’s Hotel Pravasi Palace has arrangements for both indoor and outdoor games so that the guests don’t feel bored during their spare time. You can make the most of your leisure by embarking on local sightseeing tours as well.
Other facilities:
Ajmer’s Hotel Pravasi Palace also features a comprehensive range of other additional facilities that would translate your sojourn into an unforgettable experience. These hotel facilities include laundry services, fax, courier, STD/ISD facility, hi-speed internet connectivity, medical assistance and currency exchange.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Phool Mahal Palace




Also Known As Palace Of Flowers


Inside Of Phool Mahal Palace

Built in 1870 AD, Phool Mahal Palace in Ajmer is one of the finest hotels in Ajmer. Previously it had served as the residence for Maharajas of Kishangarh and was popularly called the Palace of Flowers. It was later converted into a hotel property to welcome all the discerning travelers and enable them to enjoy their stay in Ajmer. On staying put in this hotel, travelers can catch the spectacular glimpses of herons, peacocks, flamingoes, pelicans, wild duck, sarus crane and many more sitting near the bank of the century old Gundalao Lake.
Accommodation:
All the 16 deluxe twin and double bedded air conditioned rooms of Ajmer Phool Mahal Palace are best known for offering wonderful comfort to the guests. Facing the sparkling lake or the attractive Kishangarh Fort, these rooms feature splendid scenes and sceneries to feast your eyes on. Replete with period furniture and adorned with wall paintings, all the rooms are haven of comforts. To fulfill the contemporary needs of the guests, these rooms are also provided with a host of modern amenities as well, which comprise of en suite bathrooms, spacious verandahs, private terraces, television, internet, ISD/STD phone and others.
Dining:
Among all the hotels in Ajmer, Phool Mahal Palace in Ajmer is the perfect destination where you can indulge in finest dining experience. The venues to enjoy perfect dining and wining include:
.Chandani Mahal, the multi cuisine restaurant serves freshly cooked vegetarian and non- vegetarian food.
.Lakeside Patio, offers copious menu that features truly Indian - Rajasthani, Mughlai and other
delights.
.'Raas Mahal' the stylish bar and lounge serves Indian and foreign liquor,robust cocktails and
mocktails.
Business:
The discerning business travelers always find it easy to accomplish their business tasks at Ajmer Phool Mahal Palace because of its excellent range of requisite business facilities. Some of the facilities that are always there at the guests’ disposal include internet connectivity, STD/ ISD call facility and others.
Recreation:
Phool Mahal Palace in Ajmer is a pleasure hub for every kind of travelers. It enables them to enjoy their vacations in Ajmer to the fullest extent by making available fantastic recreational facilities like library, Internet services, croquet, jogging track, cycling, yoga, herbal massages, indoor & outdoor games, Rajasthani music & dance programs (on request) and a tour to the private forest reserve of the Maharaja.
Other Facilities:
Guests are also entitled to enjoy some additional facilities of the Ajmer Phool Mahal Palace. These facilities include 24 hr room service, doctor on call, laundry, car park, safe deposit lockers and others.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Pushkar Lake








Pushkar is a small town located at a distance of 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. It is famous all over the country as the most important pilgrimage visited by people all round the year. The Pushkar lake and the Brahma temple are the major attractions here.
The sacred Pushkar Lake is said to have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is believed to be as old as the creation. The lake is one of the most holy spots in the town, and it is said that a single dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is same as performing yagnas for several hundred years.
This enigmatic lake has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around it. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is considered to give fertility, Roop Tirth bestows beauty and charm, the water of Kapil Vyapi Kund is said to have powers to cure leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund gives the blessing of wisdom.
The Pushkar lake is encompassed by hills on three sides and desert on the other side. It is saaid that the cave of Saint Agasthya was located on the snake mountain here. Itis also believed that Kalidasa, the great poet of the ancient times, chose this place as his locale for his Sanskrit drama, Shakuntalam.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Ana Sagar Lake

View Of Ana Sagar From Taragarh


Built By Shah Jahan


Lake Side Marble Pavallion


Ghat On The Lake


Lake Side Settlement

The beauty of Ajmer is known to the travelers very well. The city is visited by thousands every year chiefly for the holy shrine of Dargah Sharif, Ajmer which has been the major crowd puller. But the other attractive proposition of the city that too has played an important role in the beautification of Ajmer is the famous Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer. The lake has been an outstanding landmark of the city from the 11th century and has served to the cause of the city as well.
The Ana Sagar Lake was built by King Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. King Anaji was the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan and he built the landscape for the better cause of the society. Presently the lake acts as a major reason for increase in the popularity of Tours to Ajmer. The Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer in India is probably the largest and most popular Lakes and Gardens in Ajmer.
The lake was built in the 12th century by putting up a dam across the Luni River and the lake was named after the then ruler of Ajmer Anaji Chauhana. The lake is surrounded by some of the marvelous piece of attractions of the city like the Daulat Bagh that was built by Shah Jahan and is built completely by marble stones. Surprisingly the lake dries up completely during the summers.
The Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by many other attractions like the temple of Khobra Behroon which lies on the southern bank of the lake. The temple’s name is derived from the word khobra, which means `mischievous’, and according to tradition a newly wed couple must pay their respects to the temple. The lake is an artificial creation that has been a lifeline for the people of Ajmer in the past. The lake still serves as a lifeline of beauty to the city to the locals and the visitors as well.
The best time to visit the Ana Sagar Lake, Ajmer is between the months of October to March when the climate remains cool and the water level up to the mark.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Subash Bagh And Daulat Bagh

The splendor of the city of Ajmer attracts thousands from all over the world. The city has earned fame in the tourism map of the country for the famous Dargah Sharif, Ajmer and many other religious shrines. The city plays host to more than a million pilgrims every year and is a major pilgrimage for Islam. Another facet of the city that has been drawing lot of travelers to the city as well is the Lakes and Gardens in Ajmer. The city is adorned by many lakes and gardens that have accentuated the beauty of the place for centuries and the Subash Bagh and Daulat Bagh, Ajmer is one of them. The garden was built by Shah Jahan on the Eastern banks of the Anna Sagar Lake.
Amidst the buildings and the various constructions of the city the Subash Bagh and Daulat Bagh provides the sheer relief to the locals and the visitors with its greenery. The garden is adorned by a beautiful "Baradari" and the numerous trees. The garden was named as Daulat Bagh by Shah Jahan which has recently been changed to Subhas Bagh by the authority.
The beautiful garden built by Shah Jahan is punctuated by the beautiful white marbles lying on the eastern banks of the Anna Sagar Lake.
The garden shines like a jewel in the throne of Ajmer which attracts many tourists. The Subash Bagh and Daulat Bagh in Ajmer in India is a must visit for the tourists while on a Tour to Ajmer.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Dargah-Mecca Of South Asia








"The dust of your doorstep is just the right thing to apply,If Surmah does not show its beauty in the eye!" - Amir Khusrau
This is the faith at Ajmer Sharif. Amir Khusrau, the great Persian poet beautifully portrays his devotion while playing an enthralling crossword with his words. He quotes that surmah or kohl powder cannot embellish one's eyes, but my Lord, the dust of your doorstep has the efficacy to garnish, even a nescient soul.
Ajmer's closest association is with the Dargah Sharif, the catacomb of the eminent Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, whose disciples included the Mughal emperors and who would claim cliques of all creed from every corner of the country. The favoured Sufi capital is in the shadow of the Aravallis in central Rajasthan, around 3 hours drive from Jaipur, the capital city. The unbiased ambiance of the Dargah, which calls devotees from every caste, creed and sect, actually rejuvenates one's spirit and fills one's heart with eternal bliss. Since the 13th century, this shrine, richly adorned with silver and gold ornamentation, has enjoyed a huge following and the Urs, or death anniversary, of the saint is observed with huge fanfare.Apart from the devout Muslims, people of other religions throng the holy dargah and pray for the fulfillment of their desires. The devotees also offer flowers, velvet cloth, perfume (non-alcoholic) and sandalwood at the shrine.
LEGEND
Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti was the founder of Islam in India. He was one of the greatest preachers in the world. The revered prophet undertook to propagate Islam in India by the most peaceful means and with great forbearance. When Khwaja arrived, the Muslim community in India was not as large as it is now. The Khwaja, by his noble teaching, touched the hearts of everyone who came his way.The dargah is the tomb of the sublime Sufi saint who came to Ajmer from Persia and died in 1236. It was built by emperor Humayun. Later, rulers like Shahjahan, Jahangir and Akbar also constructed mosques here.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Daily Ceremonies At Dargah

Fresh Flower Offerings


Sama Qawwali




Every day a number of activities are performed by the Khuddam of Hazrat Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaj at the Dargah. These include Khidmat, Langer, Sama Qawwali and Quran recital.
Khidmat
This ceremony is performed twice, once early in the morning about at 4.00 a.m. and other at 3.00 p.m. with a slight difference. In the morning it is performed for about an hour before the Fajar prayer. At this time, the main entrance of the Tomb is opened, by calling Azan. At this point only Khadims are allowed to enter to perform khidmat. In affect, khidmat means cleaning the Holy Mazar and offering fresh flowers.The second khidmat takes place at 3.00 p.m. At this time, all pilgrims are permitted inside the Tomb except ladies. Now apart from offering flowers, khadims recite Fateha and offer sandalwood which is also distributed among the pilgrims.
Lighting (Roshnee)
Fifteen minutes before evening prayer the ritual of Roshnee (lighting) takes place. It starts with khudam bringing candles inside the Tomb with drums beating in the background. Once inside, khadims place these candles in lamps and recite some Persian verse. Finally the lamps are placed in the four corners of the Holy Tomb and are lighted.
Karka (Closing ceremony)
Karka is the closing ceremony of the Tomb which takes place after an hour of Isha prayer. According to old custom, about 20 minutes before closing the door, when fifth part of the night passes, a person calls to ring five, the clock sounds five times, the devotees present inside the Tomb are requested to go out of the Shrine. Then three khadims clean and sweep the Tomb. After that they come out of the Tomb and the bell rings six times. Immediately after that Qawwals sing a special song called `Karka’. After the song is over, the entrance of the Tomb is closed.
Langer
Dargah’s daily ceremony includes Langer (free distribution of food) where they serve wheat porridge which is cooked in a special grass. This particular porridge is significant because this is the same porridge that Khawaja Baba used to consume. It is said that when Emperor Akbar visited Khawaja Baba’s Mazar, he used to stand in queue and take the Langer like any other ordinary man. The Langer takes place after Isha prayer (namaz).
Sama (Qawwali)
Every day in front of the main shrine (mazar), after fazar namaz, magrib namaz and Isha namaz, there’s amehfil-e-sama where devotional songs on Allah is sung by special Qawwals (devotional singer).
Milad & Quran Recital
It’s a complete recital of the Holy Quran which takes place every day at Jama Masjid and Alamgir Masjid.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Monuments In Dargah

Nizam Gate

Mir Osman Ali Khan, The Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan, erected the main gate of the Dargah Sharif in 1911.