Ajmer about 130km west of Jaipur, is an important pilgrim center for Muslims from all over the world. The great Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, was laid to rest at Ajmer. The sick, the troubled and the childless visit the Dargah Sharif seeking a boon or just peace of mind. There is an endless flow of visitors to the Dargah. The street leadin up to it is lined with shops, and at the Dargah where the saint lies buried, thousands of colored threads have been tied seeking a blessing. When the wish is granted, those blessed will come back to fulfill their vow - may be spread a "chaddar" or sheet on the Dargah or serve a meal to the poor and destitute who hang around there. During the annual Urs, observed the day the saint dies,lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine (lakh=100,000) forming lengthy queues of several kilometers to pay homage. The Dargah has two massive cauldrons which are filled with rice, dry fruits and condiments. This rice is cooked and served to the visitors as sanctified food. The other notable monument of Ajmer s the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara, the mosque which is said to have been constucted in two and a half days. It is embellished with ornate calligraphic inscriptions.
