Sameer
Anvi Staff answered 4 months ago
Yes, you can offer a chadar (a large piece of cloth) or other offerings at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Here are the details for first-time visitors:
Offering a Chadar
Purchase and Presentation:
Where to Buy: Chadar can be purchased from various shops around the dargah or in the city of Ajmer.
Size and Type: The chadar should be large, typically made of cloth and often decorated with embroidery. Traditional offerings are usually around 3-4 meters in length.
How to Offer: You can offer the chadar by handing it over to the dargah’s management or placing it in the designated area within the dargah.
Cost:
The cost of a chadar varies depending on its quality and craftsmanship. Prices generally range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.
Other Offerings
Flowers and Perfumes:
Flowers: Fresh flowers are a common offering. You can purchase flower garlands or bouquets from vendors around the dargah.
Perfumes (Itr): Fragrant oils or perfumes are also commonly offered at the dargah.
Food Offerings:
Langar (Community Kitchen): Many visitors contribute to the community kitchen (langar) that serves free meals to devotees. You can offer money or food items to support this initiative.
Cash Donations:
How to Donate: Cash donations can be given at the dargah’s donation counters or boxes. These funds are used for the upkeep of the dargah and to support charitable activities.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Dress Code:
Modest Clothing: Dress modestly when visiting the dargah. Both men and women should wear traditional and respectful attire. Women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf.
Timing:
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit to avoid large crowds and to participate in special prayers or ceremonies.
Respect and Conduct:
Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor. Silence or speaking in a low voice is preferred within the dargah premises.
Photography: Photography is usually prohibited inside the dargah. Respect this rule to maintain the sanctity of the place.
Accessibility:
Location: Ajmer Sharif Dargah is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is well-connected by train, bus, and road.
Facilities: There are facilities for the convenience of visitors, including restrooms and food stalls around the dargah.
Local Customs:
Respect Local Practices: Be mindful of local customs and practices when making offerings and participating in rituals.
By following these guidelines, you can make your visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah meaningful and respectful.
Subhash Staff answered 7 days ago
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most significant and revered Sufi shrines in India, dedicated to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a renowned Sufi saint. Located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, it attracts millions of devotees from all over the world, regardless of their religion or background. The shrine is an important spiritual site, especially for Muslims, but its universal appeal has made it a place of peace, harmony, and divine blessings for people from all walks of life.
History and Significance
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, known as Khwaja Saheb, was born in Sistan (now part of Iran) and came to India in the 12th century. After traveling and spreading his teachings, he settled in Ajmer in 1192, where he spent the last years of his life. He was known for his philosophy of love, compassion, and selfless service. His teachings emphasized devotion to God, tolerance, and service to humanity.
After his passing in 1236, his tomb became a place of pilgrimage, and over the centuries, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah has become one of the most revered Sufi shrines in India. The dargah is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of unity and peace.
Main Attractions at the Dargah
The Tomb (Maqbara): The tomb of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the main attraction of the dargah. It is located inside a beautifully designed marble structure, surrounded by gardens. Devotees visit the tomb to offer prayers and seek blessings for spiritual, personal, or material well-being.
The Silver and Gold Palki: The tomb is covered with a magnificent silver canopy (palki), and devotees often offer silver, gold, or other precious items in reverence.
The Jannati (Heavenly) Door: The main entrance to the dargah, called the Jannati Darwaza, is an exquisite structure and considered a gateway to heaven. It is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
The Langar: The dargah offers free meals to all visitors, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. This tradition of serving “langar” (free food) is a significant part of Sufi culture and the teachings of Khwaja Saheb.
What to Offer at Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Devotees visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah with offerings as a gesture of respect, devotion, and gratitude. While offerings are not obligatory, they are believed to bring blessings. Here are some common offerings made at the shrine:
Flowers: Flowers are one of the most common offerings at the dargah. Rose petals, jasmine, and other fragrant flowers are offered at the tomb. Some devotees also scatter flower petals around the tomb or on the steps leading to it.
Chadar (Cloth): A Chadar, usually made of silk or fine cloth, is offered to the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as a symbol of respect and devotion. The Chadar is draped over the tomb, and this offering is considered a highly revered act.
Attar (Fragrance): Devotees often offer attar (natural perfume) as an offering. It is usually applied to the tomb or offered in a bottle to the shrine. Attar is considered a symbol of purity and spiritual fragrance.
Silver and Gold: Many visitors offer silver or gold in the form of ornaments, coins, or plates as a mark of respect and in the hope of receiving divine blessings. These offerings are placed on or around the tomb.
Money (Nazar): Money is often offered by devotees in the form of nazar (offering), which is a voluntary donation for the upkeep of the shrine and its activities. This money is used to fund the langar (free meal) service, maintain the shrine, and carry out charity work.
Candlelight or Oil Lamps: Some visitors light candles or oil lamps as part of their offering. The soft glow of the lamps is believed to symbolize divine light and blessings.
Food: While the shrine offers free food (langar) to all devotees, some visitors bring offerings of fruits, nuts, and sweets. These items are usually distributed among the poor or shared with other visitors.
Coconut and Sweets: Offering coconuts and sweets is also a common tradition. Coconuts are considered a symbol of purity and sacrifice, while sweets represent sharing blessings and happiness.
How to Offer at Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Place of Offering: Offerings can be made at various locations within the shrine, such as the tomb itself or at the nearby prayer areas.
Performing Prayers: Devotees typically recite prayers or duas at the tomb while offering their offerings. They may also request blessings or make vows.
Langar: If you wish to contribute to the langar, you can either donate money or food items to the shrine administration.
Seek Blessings: After making offerings, many people sit in silent prayer or meditation, seeking Khwaja Saheb’s blessings for health, prosperity, and peace.
When to Visit
The dargah is open throughout the year, and it attracts large crowds, especially during the Urs (the annual festival commemorating the death anniversary of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti), which usually takes place in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Other significant times include Fridays and Ramadan, when the shrine sees a huge influx of devotees seeking spiritual solace.
Key Tips for Visitors
Dress Modestly: As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, and women should cover their heads.
Respect the Traditions: While visiting, be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, such as maintaining silence while inside the shrine and avoiding taking photographs in certain areas.
Offerings are Voluntary: While offerings are a common practice, they are entirely voluntary, and there is no set amount. The key is sincerity and devotion in your offering.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a place that symbolizes peace, faith, and devotion. It brings people together in a spirit of harmony and spiritual connection, irrespective of their religious background. The offerings made here are considered acts of respect, love, and trust in divine grace. Whether you are seeking blessings for health, prosperity, or peace of mind, a visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a deeply enriching experience for any traveler.