"Unveiling the Mystique: Discover the Enchanting Dargah Sharif of Ajmer – An Emotional Journey"
A court in Ajmer has accepted a petition for surveying the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a shrine of the esteemed Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The petition alleges the dargah was built after demolishing Hindu and Jain temples. Historically, Ajmer, once Ajaymeru, was the Chauhan capital until it fell to Afghan invader Muhammad of Ghor in 1192, who reportedly destroyed temple foundations. Ajmer remained neglected for centuries until its revival by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
The present shrine, constructed in the latter half of the 15th century and further developed by the Khalji and Mughal rulers, bears some architectural elements suggesting Hindu origins, as cited in the petition. Notably, the white marble dome was added under Emperor Humayun, and extensive expansion was undertaken by Akbar, a patron of the Chishti order.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, born in 1141 in Sistan, traveled across regions studying diverse spiritual traditions and eventually settled in Ajmer in 1191. His teachings of tolerance and inclusivity have made him revered across different faiths. Upon his death in 1236, his grave went unnoticed until the Khalji rulers built a mausoleum over it in the 1460s. Stories and legends mention the Khwaja’s encounters with Hindu deities, symbolizing the syncretic tradition of the Chishti Sufi order, which integrated local customs into its practice.
Ajmer Sharif continues to attract visitors from various faiths, embodying a rich history that traverses religious and cultural boundaries. The shrine, celebrating its 813th Urs in January next year, remains a symbol of spiritual unity and historical legacy in India.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/dargah-sharif-of-ajmer-shiva-temple-claim-9701243/
Category : Explained,Explained History
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Publish Date: 2024-12-02 07:30:00
