History of the Dargah
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a Persian-born Sufi saint who settled in Ajmer in the late 12th century and spread a message of love, tolerance and service to humanity. After his death in 1236, his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Mughal emperors, including Akbar and Shah Jahan, visited and endowed the shrine.
What to see inside
Highlights of the Dargah complex include:
- Nizam Gate and Buland Darwaza: the grand entrance gateways
- The degs: two enormous cauldrons in which food is cooked and distributed
- Akbari Masjid and Shahjahani Masjid: Mughal-era mosques within the complex
- Mehfil Khana: the hall associated with qawwali gatherings
- The tomb of the saint: the sanctum beneath the domed mausoleum
The Urs festival
The Urs, marking the saint’s death anniversary, is held over the first days of the Islamic month of Rajab and draws enormous crowds. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Urs dates move earlier each year; check the announcement from the Dargah committee before planning a visit.
Etiquette and dress code
To visit respectfully:
- Cover your head (scarves and caps are sold near the entrance)
- Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and legs
- Remove your shoes before entering; footwear stands are available
- Carry minimal belongings, as bags may be restricted
- Be prepared for crowds and keep valuables safe
- Thursday evenings and Fridays are especially busy
Combine with Pushkar
The Dargah is about a half-hour drive from Pushkar. Visit in the morning and spend the evening at our desert camp with a jeep safari, dinner and a cultural evening. See our guide to top attractions in Ajmer for more ideas.
