Khwaja Moinuddin Chistis Dargah

Rajasthan is famous for Dargah's and the Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-uddin Chisti, popularly known as “Khwaja Gharib Nawaaz” (the Benefactor of the Poor). He is one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Islamic mysticism and the annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held on a grand scale attracting pilgrims from all over the world irrespective of their caste and religion. At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India’s most important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths - the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Garib Nawazf.

Akbar had sought the blessing of the Dargah to get a son and it is said that he walked bare foot from Agra to win the benevolent Garib Nawaz. Millions team in to Ajmer and it is said that Garib Nawaz answers most of the prayers. This shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for the Muslims of south Asia.

The mausoleum has a gigantic gate, which was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The two massive cauldrons in the right side courtyard in the Akbari Masjid are of particular interest. There is another mosque in the courtyard built by Shah Jahan. Iltutmish began the construction and Humayun completed it. The Nizam of Hyderabad added the gate to the Dargah. On entering the courtyard of the Dargah, to the right is the mosque built by Akbar. The saint’s tomb with a splendid marble dome is in the centre of the second courtyard is surrounded by a silver platform. The main Dargah is situated in a smaller courtyard, further than Shah Jahan's mosque, and has 2 entrances. The mosque is made of white marble and has a domed gold roof. The ceiling of the tomb is embossed with gold velvet. Silver rails enclose the main tomb. There is a large box in which offerings are made.

This Dargah is dedicated to Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti the Sufi saint who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192. The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Urs - commemorating the death anniversary of the Saint, held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A colourful fair springs up which is the major attraction. Nearby is the mazar or tomb of Bibi Hafiz Jamal, daughter of he saint and the tomb of Chimni Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan (who spent her last days in Ajmer).