THE HOLY CITY- AJMER PUSHKAR

Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Ajmer is a city with a very interesting past. It was found in the 7th century A.D. by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan. When you visit Ajmer, it is difficult to imagine that this small city was at on time the seat of power of the Chauhan dynasty. It was from Ajmer that the last Hindu ruler of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan, controlled a major part of northern India. It is also a great centre of pilgrimage for muslims, this city attracts myriads of pilgrims from every corner of the globe.

Famous In City
The city is famous for qawwalis.

1. Adai Din Ka Jhonpra: It is a massive square structure built in the 11th century to house a Sanskrit college. Each sides measure upto 78 mtrs roughly with clusters on all four sides enclosing a spacious courtyard, this large construction was destroyed in 12th century by Mohamad Ghori, who built a mosque here.

2. Ana Sagar: This is the loveliest artificial lake found in India. King Anaji (1135-1150 AD), the grand father of Prithvi Raj Chauhan constructed this picturesque site in Ajmer. The marble pavillions and a beautiful garden now known as Subhash Bagh are worth visiting.

3. Dargah Khwaja Sahib: The tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti is located at the heart of the city. This is more popularly known as 'Garib Nawaz' or Khwaja Sahib. Khwaja Sahib was said to have miraculous powers. People come from far of places to congregate at this mousoleum to pay their homages to and seek the blessings of this saint, during Urs-his death anniversary.

4. Akbar's Fort: This is also called 'Magazine'or the museum. It houses an excellent collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury and some exquisite sculptures.

5. Red Temple: Also called 'Nasiyan', this modern Jain building comprises a 'Digambar' temple and an imposing two storeyed hall. This temple was built in the late 19th century has a magnificently large hall behind 'Savarna Nagri' hall.This hall contains splendid wood work, gilted ornately representing Jain mythology.

6. Foy Sagar: This is an artificial lake, constructed by Mr.Foy, and hence the name. This lake was constructed to free the people from the clutches of famine.This is a picturesque spot.

7.Taragarh Fort: Located atop a hill, this fort provides a fine view of the city. Also this fort is worth seeing for its architecture.

8. Dayanand Saraswati Memorial: Swami Dayanand Saraswati the founder of Arya Samaj, founded this place as the centre of his activities as a religious reformer of Hinduism. A memorial to commemorate him was erected here.

9. Mayo College: This was founded in 1875 and it is one of the finest public schools of India. It is often called the 'Eton of India'. This was originally built for the boys of various Jagirdars and Umraos, the feudal lords of Ajmer.Today it has an excellent museum.

PUSHKAR: (11 km from Ajmer)

Pushkar lies in a narrow dry valley overshadowed by these impressive rocky hills. There are spectacular views of the desert at sunset from the hills around the village.

Pushkar Lake: One of India's most sacred lakes, is magically beautiful in the early morning or the late evening light. The only Brahma Temple in the country, is at the far end of the lake and is believed to have sprung from a lotus flower dropped by Brahma. It is particularly holy shrine since it is believed to mark the spot where Brahma was incarnated. It is believed that yatra to all Four Dhams is not complete unless and until one visits Pushkar.

Pushkar Cattle Fair: Kartik Poornima (full moon) in Nov is marked by India's greatest cattle and camel mela. The huge cattle and camel fair is Pushkar's biggest draw.

Sales in leather whips, bits, shoes,embroidered animal covers soar, while women bargain over bangles, clothes, pots, necklaces of glass beads from Nagaur and printed cloth from Jodhpur and Ajmer.

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