Ajmer Sharif Dargah: A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark of Rajasthan (GS Paper 1, History)
Why in News?
- Recently, an Ajmer court admitted a petition seeking a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the revered shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
- The petition claims that the dargah was built on the site of demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
- This petition refers to Har Bilas Sarda’s 1911 work Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive, which documents the destruction of temples in Ajmer during the Ghurid invasion.
- However, Sarda himself does not directly assert that the shrine was built over a temple.
Historical Background of Ajmer
- Ajmer, originally called Ajaymeru, was established by Ajaydeva in the 12th century and became the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs.
- The city witnessed its first major downfall in 1192 when Muhammad of Ghor defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain.
- This led to the Ghurid invasion, which saw the city looted and temples destroyed.
- Ajmer remained in decline until it was revived during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
Establishment of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- The mausoleum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was built in 1236, shortly after his death.
- Initially, there was no formal mausoleum, and the saint’s burial place was left unadorned for over two centuries.
- During the reign of Sultan Mahmud Khan Khalji in the 1460s, the first permanent mausoleum was constructed.
- Emperor Akbar further expanded the dargah with the construction of the Akbari Masjid and other additions in the 16th century.
- Jahangir added a golden railing around the tomb in 1616, and Shah Jahan also contributed to the further expansion of the shrine.
Architectural Splendor of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is an outstanding example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- The shrine is made of white marble, and its intricate silver and gold decorations reflect both Mughal and local architectural styles.
- Notable features include the Nizam Gate, which was a donation from the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century, and the Buland Darwaza, a grand entrance built by the Khalji sultans.
- Inside the shrine, the saint’s grave is enclosed in a silver railing and surrounded by a marble screen.
- A special prayer room, built by Chimni Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan, is dedicated exclusively for women.
Spiritual Significance of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most important spiritual landmarks in India and is visited by millions of devotees from all faiths.
- It symbolizes religious tolerance and syncretism, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to seek blessings.
- Bollywood celebrities and prominent figures also visit the dargah, reinforcing its spiritual and cultural importance.
- The Urs Festival, held annually to mark the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, is the shrine’s most significant event.
- The six-day festival includes qawwali performances, special prayers, and offerings at the saint's tomb.
- It attracts thousands of visitors from across the world, showcasing the unity of people through spiritual devotion.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and the Chishti Order in India
- Born in 1141 in Sistan (Persia), Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti lost his parents at a young age and embarked on a spiritual journey.
- He traveled extensively, studying various religious disciplines and interacting with scholars of different faiths.
- His spiritual journey brought him to India, where he eventually settled in Ajmer in 1191.
- Moinuddin Chishti was initiated into the Chishti Sufi Order by his mentor, Khwaja Usman Harooni, and he became a key figure in spreading Sufism in India.
- The Chishti order emphasized values such as tolerance, compassion, and devotion, appealing to both Muslims and Hindus.
- He was known for his generosity, particularly toward the poor, earning him the title of Gharib Nawaz (Friend of the Poor).
- The Chishti Sufi order became one of the most influential mystical orders in India, with other great saints like Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya continuing the message of spirituality and inclusivity.
- The Chishti saints’ teachings and practices blended Islamic mysticism with local traditions, fostering religious unity and peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion
- The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is not just an architectural wonder but also a profound spiritual hub that attracts people from around the world.
- It represents the rich spiritual legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and the Chishti Sufi order, which continues to promote messages of love, tolerance, and devotion.
- The dargah stands as a living testament to India’s historical and spiritual syncretism, drawing millions who seek solace, blessings, and spiritual enlightenment.
