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.
DARGAH BULAND DARWAZA This year the 794th Urs of the Master is being celebrated. 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.
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