Weeklong Pushkar fair begins

The weeklong fair in Pushkar began with a colourful display of Rajasthan’s rural heritage.The Rajasthan tourism department, which is organising the fair, has launched various schemes to attract a large number of domestic and international tourists to this annual event that has gained a worldwide recognition for being one of the largest cattle fairs of the country.

The state government has recognised over a dozen villages in the region where tourists will be taken to and allowed to stay there, as part of exclusive rural tour packages.Many modern events and games like para-sailing, rock climbing are also being organised in this rural fair for tourists, many of who come here to spend their vacation.However, Pushkar primarily remains a pilgrim spot for devout Hindus, who flock in large numbers here to take a dip in the town’s holy lake, especially during the Kartik purnima week.Pushkar is the only place in the world where a temple is dedicated to the Hindu mythological God Brahma.

According to the Hindu mythology (Padma Purana) Brahma was trying to find a place in earth where he could a special sacrifice when the lotus fell from his hand.When the lotus touched the soil of Pushkar, water gushed out thereby forming a lake.The faithful turns out in large number here every year to take a holy dip in Pushkar’s famous lake.

This time security has been tightened in the wake of recent blast in nearby Ajmer and a three-tier security arrangement is in place. Many security check posts have been erected and a large contingent of police and security personnel are keeping a close-eye there.Luggage scanners have been placed at various points leading to the fair and visitors are being frisked thoroughly.

The highlight of the fair is the mass camel trading followed by their race. During evening the State tourism department organises cultural shows that include songs, dance, performances of acrobatic skills and puppetry.Visitors can savour large varieties of ethnic Rajasthani cuisines here as food courts have been erected at various places.

This year around 3.5 lakh visitors are expected to throng the fair.

Ajmer blasts: Police release sketches

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Police in Ajmer have released sketches of two people whom they suspect of being involved in the recent blasts at the Dargah of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti.Three persons were killed and seventeen others injured in the blasts that took place at the shrine on October 11.

The sketches were based on detailed questioning of those living and working around the blast area.Investigators say there is a striking similarity in the Mecca Masjid blasts in Hyderabad, the Samjhauta Express explosions and the blasts at the Ajmer Dargah.

Death Toll rises to 3, Few suspected detained for interrogation

AJMER: Rajasthan police is interrogating some suspects, including pilgrims of Bangladeshi origin, in connection with the blast at the revered Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti here where Friday prayers will go ahead as scheduled.
Some suspects are being interrogated since last night but no arrests have been made in yesterday's blast which claimed three lives and left 17 injured, a senior official said. "Police and intelligence agencies are interrogating suspected people, even pilgrims of Bangladesh origin besides investigation by forensic and state CID-Crime branch experts", Additional Director-General of Police (Law & Order) Kanihya Lal told the media here.
Though the blast site was cordoned off, the Jumma Namaz would be conducted inside the Dargah of Khawaja Moinudeen Chisti, he said, adding preparations were afoot with deployment of armed forces.
The ADG said BSF and RAC (Rajasthan Armed Constabulary) personnel were deployed last night as a precautionary measure. A high alert was sounded across Rajasthan and security at all religious places enhanced in the wake of terror attack. An official investigating the case said "seventeen close circuit TVs were installed but they are not working due to differences among khadims and the Dargah diwan.

Blast in Ajmer shrine

Thursday, October 11, 2007 (Ajmer)
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, one of the holiest places in India, was rocked by a terrorist attack on Thursday evening.Reports state that two people have been killed, while 17 people have been injured in the attack.

The blast, which took place a little after 6 pm (IST) on Thursday, happened at Ahata-e-Noor, close to where prayers are offered in the Dargah, at about the time of Iftar.Preliminary reports indicate that the blast material had been placed under a tree inside the dargah.The attack on the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti comes just days before the festival of Id, and the dargah had a larger crowd than usual due to Ramzan.

Soon after the blast, the police have surrounded the shrine while shops in the neighbourhood are being shut.However, the police have urged for people to maintained calm and assured that the situation is under control. Also a team of forensic science experts has reached blast site.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the victims.Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has termed the blast a ''terror strike'' and an attempt to create communal discord.''The only reason behind such blasts in our country is to disturb the communal harmony, weaken the unity of our people and create confusion. This may be a reason behind this blast too.''''However, we are alert and we have issued a countrywide alert because the festival season is near. Id is to be celerated soon and so is Dussera and Durga Pooja. So, we are alert,'' said Shri Prakash Jaiswal, Union Minister of State for Home.

The dargah figures in the government's list of high-value terror targets, as it is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but also for the people of other faiths.In fact, on Wednesday, the Home Ministry had warned of terrorist strikes that are aimed at disrupting the communal harmony in the country.Meanwhile, the centre has asked all states to intensify vigil in view of the forthcoming festive season.All the states have been asked to maintain a tight vigil ahead of coming festivals, Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta said.

High alert sounded across Rajasthan

An alert was sounded across Rajasthan tonight in the wake of the terror strike on the shrine of sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer that left two persons dead and 18 others dead. The inspector-generals of all eight police zones and the district police chiefs have been given instructions to deploy armed personnel in strength around religious places, railway stations, airports and bus stops, the Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Kanihaya Lal said here. He said additional forces were also being posted at the civil secretariat in the state capital and district collectors had been asked to assist the police. The police have also appealed to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony. Minister for state for Education Prof. Vasudev Devnani visited the injured at the hospital. The Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje is likely to visit Ajmer tomorrow.

Mobile phone found at blast site in Ajmer dargah

A damaged mobile phone was found at the site of the explosion in the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer today, triggering suspicion among security agencies that the device could have been used to set off the blast. The damaged mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination to ascertain its international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number which could help investigators identify its user, union home ministry sources said. What has made the security agencies suspicious about the possibility of using a cell phone to trigger the explosion was that a similar method was deployed to set off the blast in Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad in may this year. Two persons were killed and 17 others injured when a low-intensity blast took place at the shrine of the 13th century sufi shrine in Ajmer this evening.

AJMER-अजमेर

TEMPLES

Ajmer-e-Sharief Dargah - At the foot of a barren hill, is situated India s most important pilgrimage center for people from all faiths. It is the splendid tomb of the Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti more popularly known as Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif. The shrine is next only to Mecca or Median for the Muslims of South Asia. Emperor Akbar used to make a pilgrimage to this Dargah from Agra once a year.

Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara - One of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, this mosque was a Sanskrit college in the 12th century. In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college and a mosque was built in its place. The mosque is built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are alike. The

archways are finely engraved with Kufi and Jughra inscriptions from the Holy Quran (also spelt as Koran).

Nasiyan (Jain Temple) - This red coloured Jain temple was built in the late 19th century. The wooden gilt in the double storeyed hall depicts scenes from the Jain mythology. The beauty of this temple is widely acclaimed. MUSEUMSGovt. Museum - The Royal palace of Akbar was converted into a museum and today it houses a rich collection of Mughal and Rajput armoury. Some of the fine and delicate sculptures of the region have been displayed here. The building itself has been constructed of red sandstone, which have been laid down in a square pattern giving it a fabulous look.

LAKES

Ana Sagar Lake - This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal Emperors made additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built by Shah Jahan and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were laid by Jehangir. This lake is located towards the north of Ajmer city.

Foy Sagar - This artificial lake was built during a famine relief programme. Named after the engineer responsible for its construction, the picturesque lake is 5-km from Ajmer

FORTS

Taragarh Fort - Built in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the fort gives a bird's eye view of the city. Taragarh Fort, seat of the Chauhan rulers, is claimed to be the first hill fort of Asia, built at a time when the Aravalli mountain ranges were above the snowlines. This gives it the reputation of being one of the oldest hill forts of the world, and it is definitely the oldest among the hill forts in India.

Magazine - the city's Museum, was once the residence of Prince Salim, son of Emperor Akbar, and presently houses a collection of the Mughal and Rajput armour and sculpture.This residence of Salim is significant from a historical point of view, because Salim as Emperor Jahangir read out the firman for trade to India to the British East India company from here, thus starting the chain of events that lead to India's colonisation by the British

OTHERS

Mayo College - a boarding school founded by the British Raj in 1870 to educate the children of Rajputana's nobles on the lines of an English public school. Also home to the prestigious Sophia Girls' School (now College), and the historic Ajmer Music College, founded in 1942, the first accredited institution in Rajputana for teaching classical Hindustani music. One of the four NCERT Demonstration Schools of India is also located in Ajmer.

PUSHKAR......pilgrimage in paradise

Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas,that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

The legend about the Creator God, Bramha describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.

Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were destroyed by Aurangzeb, a Mogul ruler and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

SAVITRI TEMPLE: The one-hour trek up to the hilltop Savitri Temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning; the view is magical.

VARAH TEMPLE:Originally built in the 12th century, Varah Temple was, like many others, destroyed by the bigoted Emperor Aurangzeb (who, it is said , was particularly upset by the huge idol here of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of the boar.) Reconstructed BY Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1727, the temple has an interesting and richly ornamented image house.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE:A Beautiful temple built in the 19th century, it was described by a British traveler of the time as "by far the most remarkable, for the elegance of its structure and the nature of its ornaments, of all the temples Pushkar boasts of." It is also noteworthy for its white marble Mahadeva image, with its five faces (and its traditional tufts of hair).

RAMAVAIKUNTH TEMPLE:One of Pushkar's largest and most intricate temples, the Ramavaikunth Temple was built in the 1920's and has beautifully sculpted images of no less than 361 different deities. The ornate outer gopuram over the entrance is said to have been built by a team of masons specially brought here from south India.

Lake and its many Ghats:Many Ghats run down to the Holy Lake where pilgrims are constantly bathing in the holy waters. Joining people at the ghats has to be with some respect for their culture and privacy. And for this reason, removing shoes before approaching the ghats, no smoking and restraining from photographing bathing people is well avoided. The Pilgrims here are sensitive about comments by non-Hindus. The famed waters of the Pushkar lake wash away the sins of a lifetime.

The mystical water is also believed to cure skin diseases, making Pushkar the Lourdes of the East.

GAREEB NAWAZ

Ajmer the city where the Dargah of the Great Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. Hallowed by the memories of the great seer, Ajmer has earned the epithet of “ Madinatul Hind or the Madina of India”. Each year, the followers of the master congregate here from all parts of the world on the occasion of the annual festival of Urs to pay their obeisance to seek the Saint’s blessings for fulfillment of wishes. Devotees of all sects and faiths come here as the saint’s blessings are infallible for all. Thus, the festival presents a unique picture of harmony and universal brotherhood.

Scholars agree that the probable date of Khwaja saheb’s birth is around April 1143 A.D.( Hijri 537).He was born in village Sanjar of the Sistan province of present Iran.Is father’s name was Ghyas-ud-din Hassan and his mother’s name was Bibi Mah-e-noor.At the tender age of 14,he lost his mother and then his father in quick succession.Khwaja saheb is also known as “Sanjari” as his ancestors belonged to Sanjar.Khwaja Ishaq Shami,one of his predecessors settled in a hamlet called Chishti near Hirat.Hence the sect is also called Chishti.He had two wives-Bibi Umutullah and Bibi Asmat.He was blessed with two sons- Fakhruddin and Hisamuddin. According to some historians however,he had only one daughter-Bibi Hafiza Jamal.

It is believed that Khwaja Saheb had a vision of Ajmer in a dream while in Madina, and he also received the spiritual inspiration to come here.Khwaja saheb lived the life of a saint and a renuncient.He renounced all worldly desires refraining from even a full meal.After spending a number of days without a morsel,the master would then have a few dry rotis, dipped in water. It is said that the saint spent his entire life wearing just one garment. When his apparel would give way,he would simply hem a patch over the torn place.So many patches were sewn in to the cloth that when it was weighed after his demise, it turned out to be 12.5 sers( 11.265 Kgs.)
Khwaja saheb could read the entire Quran Sharif twice in twenty four hours.After namaz at night,he would enter his Hujra and would remain immersed in the cosmic bliss the whole night.At day break,he would emerge again from his humble abode.The saint left his mortal frame in 1233 A.D.( Hijri 633) after attaining the age of 97 years.Centuries after his demise, his teachings are still a source of guidance and inspiration for mankind.

AJMER - THE LAND OF COMPOSITE CULTURES

Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co. The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar. Climate Pretty hot in summers and becomes green with first rain as all its small mountains become green, in winters temperature is chilled.