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Learn About Places Rajasthan > Ajmer Rajasthan


Ajmer Rajasthan

Ajmer Rajasthan :: Historically, Ajmer always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the great Moghula. One of the first contacts between the Moghula and the British occurred in Ajmer when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by British rather than being part of a princely state.

History of Ajmer :: Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D., when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the " Invincible Hill ". The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co. RTDC hotel Khadim is located near the bus stand in Ajmer. The Railway Station is situated in the heart of the city and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Most of the cities market is located in front of the Station and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar. Climate is pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all its small mountains become green. In winters, temperature is chilled.

Ajmer Tourism :: Tourism in Ajmer

Fairs and Festivals in Ajmer ::

Urs Ajmer Sharif::
Held in the holy town of Ajmer in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, special prayers are offered at the mosque, and huge amounts of consecrated food offered from the large, steaming cauldrons that were a gift from Akbar. While quwwallis are sung at night, the celebrations unite people of all faiths, and the complete town is decorated with buntings, and wears the spirit of festivity.

Activities in Urs Ajmer Sharif
It is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programmes are organized to mark the festivals.

History of Urs Ajmer Sharif :: The final resting place for 'Gharib-Nawaz', Moinuddin Chishti is located in Ajmer. People of all religions visit the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their faith. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.

Pushkar Fair ::
Pushkar, an important religious place for Hindus, is located only 11 kms from Ajmer in Rajasthan . This little town is hugely known for the "Pushkar Fair' (where the mass trading of camels takes place), "the Lord Brahma Temple", a "picturesque lake' and "camel fair". The Cattle Fair of Pushkar is the spotlight of an Indian holiday. It's during this period that the population of 14,000 swells to over 200,000 while the festival hosts over 50,000 camles which are sold, raced and decorated. You can observe devotees taking a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake and seeking blessings at the only Brahma Temple.

Introduction
Also known as Pushkar ka Mela, Pushkar Fair, is the world's largest camel fair held in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. Pushkar Fair is undoubtedly the world's largest camel fair and it also makes it world's largest cattle fair in general. Competitions such as the "Matka Phod", "moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main attractions of this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. A spotlight of one's holiday in India, the festival hosts around 50,000 camels which are sold, decorated, shaved and raced. From a mere 14,000 to a massive 200,000! This is how the population of Pushkar swells during the Pushkar Fair.

History and Legends
Puskar has has the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country. Myth says that Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place. One of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed "Yagna". Worship of Brahma was considered highly important at the end of the first millennium BC. The holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight. Although a serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous celebration held on Kartik Purnima. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. Huge and colourful cattle fair "The Pushkar Fair", is also held during this time. Pushkar fair is well-known for it's camel trading and other attractive activities.

Cultural Significance
Umpteen number of traders gather here and and set up shops. These traders sell a lot of products like woolen blankets of Merta, bead necklaces of Nagaur, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Saddles, ropes, and assorted household items are also on sale. Cultural shows and exhibitions are also organized in this fair to enliven the event. Movies are shown, competitions are arranged, bards and poets recite and sing tales of valour and heroism of bygone days. Animal races and other competitions also add the attraction.

Why visit the Pushkar Fair?

It is the world's largest Camel Fair.
You’ll visit the only Brahma Temple in the world.
You’ll see the Holy Pushkar Lake with 52 ghats surrounding it.
Pushkar offers around 400 temples to see.
You can participate in numerous cultural activities
Ethnic shopping items from all over the state are on sale.
It’s a rare combination of religious fervour and cultural vibrancy in Rajasthan.
You can interact with tribal folks and understand their culture.

Facts and Figures of Pushkar Fair

Population of Pushkar : 14,000
Population of Pushkar (During the fair): 200,000
No. of Camels in the fair: Around 50,000
Best time to visit : October to March
Highlights: Camel trading, folk performances, body tattooing, ethnic shopping, puppet shows, acrobatics, best breed contest, moustache competition, bridal competition etc.

Sightseeing Places in Ajmer

PUSHKAR
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer.Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.
       
DARGAH
Ajmer the city where the Dargah of the Great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of “ Madinatul Hind or the Madina of India”. Devotees of all sects and faiths come here as the saint’s blessings are infallible for all.Each year, the followers of the master congregate here from all parts of the world on the occasion of the annual festival of Urs to pay their obeisance to seek the Saint’s blessings for fulfillment of wishes.
       
NASIYAN (RED) TEMPLE
The red temple is a Digambar Jain temple which has a double- storey hall adjacent to the main temple. The hall displays a series of large gold plated wooden figures depicting legends from Jain mythology. The entire hall is richly adorned by glass mosaic, precious stones, gold and silver work. The place is also popularly called Soni Ji Ki Nasiyan.
 
SALEMABAD (NIMBARK PEETH)
Bhati chief of Khejarli Shri Sheoji and Gopal Singh Ji Bhati founded this Peeth in 1520 (1463 A.D.) following instructions of his holiness Shri Nimbarkacharya Peethadhishwara Shri Parashu Ram-Devacharya Ji. The temple has been so designed that the Deity is visible for Darshan the moment one enters the main gate.the Sanctum Sanctorum has been built in a way that the moonlight of the moon of Sharad Poornima touches the lotus feet of the idol of the Lord at 12.00 pm.In to Jagmohan of the main temple the pillars of marble are exquisitely ornamental and their middle part is transparent. This wide spreading castle like temple is built on 42 thousand square feet land.
       
TARAGARH FORT
The giant fort stands guarding the city. It has six gates. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargha who was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter. It gives a panoramic view of the city situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges, this fort has immense archaeological and historical importance.
 
ADHAI - DIN KA- JHONPRA
This is a masterpiece of Indo - Islamic architecture. As legend goes its was constructed in two and a-half days (Adhi-Din). It is a relic of an old mosque consisting of a quadrangle with a front screen wall of seven pointed arches. The distinct pillars and arched screen with its ruined minarets make it a splendid architectural masterpiece.
       
ANA SAGAR
It is an artificial lake named after Anaji Chauhan. The catchments were built with the help of local populace. The 'Baradari' pavilions was built by Shah Jahan, to facilitate his long stays in Ajmer. the Baradari and the adjoining parks are the lungs of city and favourite outing spot.

Government Museum, Ajmer
This Government Museum is situated inside the Akbar’s fort in Ajmer, also known as Magazine. It was established in Oct. 1908 under the initiative of Lord Curzon and Sir John Marshall, the then Director General of Archaeology in India. Later on developed by its first Superintendent, Pandit Gaurishankar Heerachand Ojha. The aim of which is to focus the cultural heritage of the region through its exhibits. The museum primarily consist of Sculptures, inscriptions, pre-historic section, miniature paintings, arms and armor and objects of art and crafts.

Sculptures
Sculptures constitute the most interesting section in the museum. It has some of the ancient, rare and unique piece which have been acquired from Pushkar, Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra, Baghera, Pisangan, Harsnath (Sikar) Bharatpur, Sirohi, Arthuna and Osian. These Sculptures range in date from Gupta period down to the 19th century A.D., represents Shaiv, Vaishnava and jain faiths respectively. Among these art specimens some of the superb master pieces like Lingodbhav Maheswar (No. 374), Charturmukh Shivlinga’s (No. 15 & 16), marriage of Shiv and Parvati (No. 13), Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh (No.206), Ganesh (No. 1054), Vishnu (No.50), Surya (No.370), Nakshatras (No.451), Vahah (No.448), Laxmi Narain (No.352), Kuber(No.54, 349, 356), and Indra (No.55) etc. Besides, some interesting Jain figures are also displayed in a separate gallery. Rajasthan being an important center of Jain culture is responsible for giving a good collection of Jain sculptures to this museum. Which include images of Rishabnath (No.44), Parsvanath (No.56 & 17), Kunthunath (No.1143), Mahaveer (No.279) Shantinath (No.344-345), Yaksha Gaumukh (No.370), and Saraswati (No.57-58) deserve special attention and prove the Jain influence in the region. The majority of sculptural collection is assignable to the 10th century A.D. to 12th century A.D. and it was the period during which the Chauhan Kings of Ajmer like Simhraj, Vigrahraj IInd, Vigrahraj IIIrd, Ajaydeo, Vigrahraj IVth (nicknamed Visaldeo), Someswar and the Great Prathviraj IIIrd. This period witnessed the growth in every field of life. Art architectures and literary art activities reached it zenith. Ajmer, Baghera, Sarwar, Naraina, Bisalpur, Ranthambhor and Nadol were main cultural centers in Rajasthan in this period. The materials used are light sand stone, white marble schist, basalt, granite and in 11-12th century images (from Bhaghera) a fine grieved black soft stone, which makes possible high polished minute carving, clear cut and finest featuring of the figures.

Inscriptions –
Next to scriptural exhibits in the museum are the unique epigraphs, which engage attention of scholar’s and have been collected mostly from different parts of Rajasthan. Of special interest among these are –
1. rahomi inscription of Berli (Ajmer) assignable to 2nd century B.C. It is one of the earliest epigraph discovered in Rajasthan. 2. Baghri inscription of Vikram Samvat 481. 3. Jodhpur inscription of Bauka dated V.S. 894 (it says the Pratihar's of Mandor are the descendants of the Brahamin Harishchandra and records the named and dates of his descendants up to Bauka). 4. Pushkar inscription of 10th century A.D. (it contains the name of king Vakapatiraj). 5. Slab inscribed with Harkeli Natak 1153 A.D. (Composed by Chauhan King Vigrahraj IVth). 6. Slab containing Lalit Vigrahraj Natak 1153 A.D. (composed by court poet Somdeo during the period of Chauhan ruler Vigraraj IVth.) 7. Inscription of the time of Chamundraj V.S 1137 8. Inscription of the time Great Prathviraj IIIrd V.S. 1234 (records the construction of a vapi) a number of important copper plates also add to the value of his collection.

Arms and Armour –
In the weapons section we find all kinds of weapons used in battles of mediaeval period. These includes swords, dragger’s, guns, dhal’s, kataar, farsa and jagnol. Swords are of different kinds having various types of hilts and fine work on hilts according to the choice of user. Other note worthy sword are which can be kept under pillow and used in emergency. The guns are of several types such as Toderdar, Patharidar, Topidar, Kartusi, Eknali, Donali and Ramchangi. Helmet complete with nose guard, spik etc. of a rajput warrior is also noteworthy. A cannon having historical importance is also displayed in the museum.

Excavated material :-
Pre-historic relics and cast of seals with pictograph, which were discovered a Mohanjodro in the Indus valley are displayed. Notable among them are flint blade or knives, images of Mother goddess, Venus, wheel of toy cart, pieces of conch, small portion of carbonized wheat, copper arrow head, Bangles of clay, needle, bricks of various types, stone for sharping tools, human and animal figures, copper bangles, blade of an axe etc. are 3000 year’s early to Christian era.

Art and Crafts-
In days gone by the artists of this area did caving on wood and ivory as well, as few specimens of their craftsmanship are antimony boxes having ivory and appliqué work, vases and goblets, incised and embossed work on brass, ivory comb, necklace and knife etc. wooden dharau and pen holder, marble plates, stone grinder and some specimens of blue pottery have been put on display in the gallery.

Reserve collection –
Object preserved in the Reserve collections can be shown and photographed to the Research scholars on prior permission of the Director, Archaeology and Museums, Rajasthan, Jaipur.

Reference Library –
This museum has a rich collection of reference books on history, art and archaeology, Research scholars are allowed to go through them.

Time schedule-
The museum remains open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 4.30P.M. Museum remain closed on public holidays like Holi, Deepawali, Dussehra, Republic day, Id-ul-juha, Mahanavami, Janmastami, Navratra Sthapana and Goverdhan.

Entry fee -
Indian Rs. 5/ foreigners Rs. 10
Student concession Rs. 2.00 each (Concession tickets are issued to the student group only after the submission of an application on letter head or duly signed by the head of the institutions with the permission of the curator, students holding Identity cards are also allowed on Concessional tickets.)

Organizational Set-up –
The museum of Ajmer is a Government institution and is under the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Department, Govt. of Rajasthan Jaipur. It is under the administrative control of the Superintendent Archeology and Museums, Jaipur Circle, Hawa Mah  al, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The staff of the museum consists of the Curator (Officer In-charge) Office Assists. Beside Gallery attendants and watch and ward staff.

Protected Monument Akbar’s Fort –
This Fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1570 A.D. (Hijri 976). It is a massive square building with lofty octagonal bastions at each corner. In the middle of the fort there is a beautiful audience chamber and a magnificent gateway towards the west facing the town, the fort was used as the residence of the emperor’s during their visit to Ajmer.The King (Jahangir) use to come every morning to the Jharokha (Window) and shows himself to the common never refusing the poorest man’s complaints be hear’s with patience both parties. In this fort Sir Thomas Roe, the accredited ambassador of King James I of England presented himself at Jahangir’s court and delivered his first official credentials on Jan., 10th 1615 A.D. This fort is protected by the State Govt. under the provisions of the Rajasthan Monuments, Archaeological sites and Antiquity act.1561.

Famous Temple in Ajmer ::

Bramha Temple
This is the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma and was constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors name engraved on them.
   
Old Rangji Temple
Lord Rangji is an carnation in of lord Vishnu. This temple was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.This temple is unique due to confluence of South Indian style (Dravid) Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.
   
New Rangji Temple
The gracious temple is very conspicuous, due to its south Indian style of architecture. It has a high rising Gopuram typical of southern India
   
Savitri Temple
The temple of Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple and one has to climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine. It commands a panoramic view of the beautiful lake and the picturesque surrounding of the villages.
   
Saraswati Temple
Saraswati is the wife of Brahma. Literally her name means 'the flowing one' .In the Rig Veda she represents a river deity and is connected with fertility and purification. She is considered the personification of all knowledge - arts, sciences, crafts and skills. She is the goddess of the creative impulse, the source of music, beauty and eloquence. Artists, writers and other individuals involved in creative endeavors have for millennia come on pilgrimage to Pushkar to request the inspiration of Brahma and Saraswati. According to a theory,the shrine myths are often metaphorical expressions of the particular power of a pilgrimage place, the lake, hill and area of Pushkar have a spirit or presence that awakens and stimulates the human capacity of creativity.

Mayo College Ajmer ::

One of the India's best known public schools, and a center developed to provide western education to Indian Princes. The College is model Enton and Harrow and is a fine Institution Click for bigger imageThe origin of Mayo College, one of the oldest Public Schools in the country, dates back to 1869, when Lt. Col. F.K.M. Walter, the Political Agent of the Bharatpur. Agency recommended a school in India "for a large number of pupils, with a staff thoroughly educated- not mere bookworms, but men fond of field sports and outdoor exercise.In 1870, Lord Mayo, the then Viceroy and Governor General, came to Ajmer, where in a Darbar, before the Chiefs of the ruling Princes of Rajputana, he expressed his desire to set up a 'Raj Kumar College' in Ajmer, "devoted exclusively to the education of the sons of Chiefs, Princes and leading Thakurs It is interesting to point out that several generations of the descendents of many present at that darbar have since continued to study at Mayo College The College was opened in October 1875, with Sir Oliver St. John as the first Principal and one boy, Maharaja Mangal Singh of Alwar. The Main Building was completed in 1885 and was designed by Major Mant. Mr. Stow who was the Principal from 1931-1943 brought some of the greatest changes in the school about. In the same year, the Viceroy ceased to be the President of the General Council. This body was in future presided over by a ruling Prince elected by the council. Today, students from all walks of life, study in this prestigious school and make complete use of the many facilities offered.

Places Near by Ajmer ::
Kishangarh
Bani ThaniKishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded by Kishan Singh a Rathore Prince. In the 18th century it acclaimed fame as one of the finest schools of miniatures paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh an heir to the throne, who later became a hermit. It is said that Savant Singh modeled as Krishna while his mistress nicknamed as Bani Thani modelled for Radha. Paintings of Bani Thani are it most celebrated. The artist of this school favoured evening lights and grey skies with fine colours. This outstanding school lasted only a few decades. Today the artists still create duplicates of the work. The town is now an industrial town for marble and textiles. Kishangarh is connected by train and bus.

Tilonia
Tilonia is a small town 25 kms from Kishangarh near Ajmer and 7 kms off Jaipur-Ajmer highway. Barefoot college inspires this town, which began in 1972 with the conviction that solutions to rural problems lie within the community. The College, officially known as Social Work and Research Centre, addresses problems of drinking water, girl education, health & sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, as well as social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural communities.

Shopping in Ajmer
Shopping in RajasthanJust like any other city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is also a shopper's paradise. There are numerous items in Ajmer that you will find worth buying. The most famous shopping items of Ajmer include:

Antiques
Ornaments
Gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs
Bandhini (colorful tie-and-dye Saris)
Embroidered Jodhpuri Jutis (footwear)
Ittar (a special form of local perfume)

Out of the many Ajmer shopping destination, the most famous one is the annual Urs Fair. This fair will provide you with some traditional and colorful designs of Ajmer folk artisans like clothes and other items from Tilonia village. You will also find Kishangarh miniature paintings, along with an array of wood crafted products. Read on this Ajmer Shopping Guide to know more about Shopping in Ajmer:

There are a number of other shopping places in Ajmer, Rajasthan. One of them is the Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela. Here you will find typical Rajasthani items of home decor items, silver souvenirs, bangles, hand embroidered cloth bags, leather belts, woodcrafts, etc. Then, there is the Pushkar Fair, near Ajmer, where you can buy many handicraft items at reasonable prices.

How to reach Ajmer::

By Air 
The nearest airport from Ajmer is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai has also started from Ajmer by Indian Airlines.

By Road
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good, and it takes around 2 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi.

By Train
Ajmer is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning (Shatabdhi Exp) and evening (Intercity Exp).

General Information of Ajmer

Must Visit
Ajmer Sharief Dargah, Adhai-din-ka Jhonpra, Ana Sagar, Brahma Temple Pushkar

Climate
The average temperature in summers is quite high (from April to June), the maximum is around 45 deg C. The winters in Ajmer
stretch from November to February and are quite chilly.

Ideal Time
October to March is the ideal time to visit Ajmer

Languages
Hindi, Rajasthani, Urdu and Sindhi

Festival
Id, Muharram, Urs Festival, Pushkar Camel Fair

Ajmer STD Code    
00-91-145

Weather in Ajmer
In Summer: 45 C (Max) - 25 C (Min)
In winter: 18 C (Max) - 4C (Min)
Rainy Season : July to Mid Sept, and very humid (up to 90%)
Our suggestion: Best time to come: Oct to March