800th ‘Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti’ in Ajmer !

More than 4,00,000 Indian and foreign devotees have been and will converge in Ajmer in Rajasthan this week in order to commemorate the death anniversary of the great Sufi  Saint - Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in a commemorative event called the ‘Urs’ which is held at the tomb of the Saint where his mortal remains lie buried. Khwaja Moinuddin is popularly known as ‘Gharib Nawaz’ – the Benefactor of the Poor.

Urs – Ajmer is reckoned with as the largest Muslim gathering in India held during the Islamic calendar month of Rajab – on seeing the moon of Rajab. Upon sighting the moon of Rajab, an official drum-roll would announce the commencement of the Urs and a traditional Urs Flag which is brought by the Gori family from Bhiwara is hoisted amidst flower and confetti shower on the main gate of the Shrine.

The commemoration lasts for 6 days – the 6^th day regarded as the most important day when the ‘Shijra’ is read by the Khadims which is followed by ‘Fariyaad’ (prayers). The Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti has been commemorated since 1212 AD which makes it the 800^th Urs this year in 2012.

Religious Mehfils, Qawwalis, Poetry Recitation in praise of the Almighty and special Prayers (Fariyaad) would be held 24/7 during all Urs days when devotees offer votive offerings or ‘Nazranas’ such as the chadar, ghilaph and neema at the Shrine. During the Urs, Khwaja’s tomb would be ritually anointed with rosewater and sandalwood paste while Qawwalis are being sung in praise of God.

‘Tabarukh’or sanctified food which is sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments is cooked and served just outside the Shrine premises.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was born in 1141 AD and passed away in 1230 AD and is the most famous Sufi Saint of the Chisti Order in India. Khwaja Moinuddin was a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and was originally from Chisti in Afghanistan. When Khwaja got enlightened, he renounced all worldly things including his entire wealth and property which he gave away to the poor. ‘Anīs al-Arwāḥ’ and ‘Dalīl al-'Ārifīn’ are two of the several books on Islamic Code of Living that Khwaja Moinuddin has authored.

The Lakeside town of Ajmer would be bustling with activity, events, devotees and tourists this whole week and beyond as the city gears up for the Urs of Khwaja. The Ajmer Bazaar close to the Dargah would display and sell large numbers of flowers, embroidered prayer rugs, decorated chadars, rosaries, prayer caps and silver ware. This bazar would be open till the wee-hours of the morning during the Urs.

The Indian Railways Administration has revved up plying 6 special trains for the Urs and Ajmer Police has stepped up security measures for the safety of the 4, 00,000+ visitors of the Urs. Additional arrangements of drinking water, parking facilities and sanitation are being provided.

Ajmer is 130 kms southwest of Rajasthan State Capital – Jaipur and 200 kms east of Jodhpur and is well connected to both by roads. A 6-lane highway connects Ajmer to Jaipur. Ajmer is also a major railway junction which links Jaipur, Marwar, Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

Pix courtesy: PTI News. Ursajmersharif, Hellotravel, Ziaratekhwaja, Travel-packages.