Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer Sharif Dargah, in the middle of Ajmer, is the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the Sufi saint known as Gareeb Nawaz, the benefactor of the poor. He came from Persia, reached Ajmer in 1192 and preached tolerance and compassion there until his death in 1236. The Mughal emperor Humayun is credited with building the shrine, and pilgrims of all religions and castes come in very large numbers, many believing that a sincere wish made here is granted.

The complex is a group of tombs, mosques, halls and courtyards, among them the Nizam Gate, the Jama Masjid, the Aulia Masjid and the Mehfil Khana. The tall Buland Darwaza leads to the second courtyard, and silver doors open on the inner area. The saint's grave lies under a gilded marble tomb draped in chadars, enclosed by a marble screen with a silver railing, beneath white marble domes. Mehfil-e-Sama singing and other rituals are held in the evenings, with rose petals and incense offered throughout the day.