The holy Dargah Sharief in Ajmer is the second most important pilgrimage after Mecca and Medina for the Muslims all over the world and one of the most important Muslim shrines in the country. Visited by both Hindus and Muslims, it is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. This was the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged.
Located in the heart of the city of Ajmer, the Dargah is about 4 kms from the Ajmer Railway station. A silver railing and a marble screen surround the actual tomb of the saint, made of marble with a gold plated dome.
The best time to visit the Dargah is during the annual Urs of Moinuddin Chishti in May.The festival is celebrated for 6 days in May in remembrance of the saint. In the evenings, the hall of the Dargah echoes with the resonance of the Holy name of the Khwaja, sung in euphonic tunes. Outside the holy Dargah, professional singers called 'qawwals' sit in groups and sing hymns in the praises of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. Qawwalis at the shrine and fragrance of the incense sticks together create a divine effect.
