Ajmer derived its name from Ajay Meru! Surprised? Yes, it’s true that Ajmer has been named after the invincible hill called as Ajay Meru. The city stands at the foot of this hill today.
Surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage, blessed to have Pushkar, the abode of Lord Brahma, Dargah Sharif, where the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is revered by the Muslims, Pushkar Lake which is a sacred spot for the Hindus. During Kartika month, devotees throng to Pushkar in large numbers to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Pushkar: A picturesque township and the sacred lake of Pushkar is situated 13 km from Ajmer. As per a legend, a lotus fell from Lord Brahma’s hand and dropped into this valley. A lake came up on the spot and was dedicated to him. The temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir), dedicated to Lord Brahma on the lake side, is an important pilgrimage place.
Ajmer-e-sharif: Ajmer-e-Sharif or the Dargah, the final resting place of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, is visited by people from all faiths. The Sufi Saint Khawaja left for his heavenly abode in 1256 AD after engaging in a six-day prayer in isolation. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, being attended by thousands of pilgrims. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfilment for the devout. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at this Dargah.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda: Originally built to function as a Sanskrit college, this place was later converted into a mosque. Being an impressive blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, it was ruled by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD who took charge of this place and further beautified it. Legend has it that the mosque is known as Adhai din ka Jhonpda (literally meaning, The Hut of Two and a Half Days) because of a two and half day fair held here during Urs in the 18th century.