HISTORICAL SKETCH | ||||||||||||||||||||
BIRTH : EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION :
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty (R.A.) was born in Seistan (East Persia) also known as Sejistan, around 537 Hijri in a respected family. His father Khwaja Ghayasuddin (R.A.) and mother Syeda Bibi Ummalwara alias Bibi Mahe-Noor were the descendants of Hazrat Ali (R.A.) through his sons Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain, Khwaja Saheb lost both his Father and Mother at an early age of sixteen years. He inherited an orchard and a wind mill which serve as his means of livelihood. One day when Khwaja Saheb was working in his orchard, a pious dervish and Majzoob, Ebrahi Qandoozi, came and took his seat under the shade of a tree. When Khwaja Saheb saw him, he brought a bunch of grapes and presented it to his guest. The visitor ate those grapes and was delighted, and took something out of his bag, chewed it, and then offered it to his young host. Khwaja Saheb ate it without any hesitation, and at once the light of wisdom and knowledge dawned upon the young Khwaja. Thereafter he disposed of all his worldly belongings, and distributed the money amongst the poor. Having thus broken all the ties with worldly affairs, he started for Samarqand and Bukhra, then the great centers of learning for acquiring religious education and knowledge.
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE :
When Khwaja Saheb had acquired the best knowledge and wisdom of the time, he traveled widely in search of a pir (Spiritual guide) who could provide him the best spiritual guidance. He came to know of Hazrat Khwaja Usman Haruni (R.A.) who was the greatest scholar and unrivalled spiritual guide of that period. In the very first meeting Khwaja Saheb completely submitted himself to his Murshid and remained in the company of this great divine spiritual leader for twenty years and served him devotedly, passing through the various stages of the spiritual life. Thus the great Murshid trained and elevated Khwaja Saheb to the highest spiritual attainments.
HAJ AND PROPHET'S COMMAND :
As the great Khwaja became accomplished and perfect in every respect, the divine tutor honoured him with his robe and took him to HAJ. Both, then proceeded to Makkah and performed the HAJ, and then went to MADINA and stayed there for some time, to get the blessings of The Prophet of Islam (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam).
One night in a trance, he was ordered by The Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam).
"O Moinuddin you are a prop of our faith. Proceed to India and show the path of truth to the people there". In compliance with the above spiritual command, Khwaja Saheb left Madina for India. He continued his journey, passing through Isphahan, Bukhara, Heart, Lahore and Delhi meeting several prominent Sufis of the period. He arrived at the barren and desolated land of Rajputana which is now known as Rajasthan. On his way to INDIA, he enrolled large number of people in his fold and blessed thousands of others with spiritual power.
KHWAJA SAHEB AT AJMER:
Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty arrived in AJMER at the age of 52years around 587 A.H./1190 A.D., on his divine mission, unique in the annals of Islam. His only Armour for the success of his great mission was the greatest "invisible power" the pervades and sustains the whole universe. At that time Ajmer was ruled by Prithvi Raj Chauhan the famous Rajput king. In his court, he had a large number of powerful magicians with Ajai Pal as their leader. Khwaja Saheb stayed at a hill close to Ana Sagar lake. Now known as the Chilla Khwaja Saheb. When news spread, that a very pious Dervish had come to Ajmer people began to flock to him in increasing number. Whosoever came to him, received the kindest treatment and blessing and simplicity that they began to embrace Islam. Many became his disciples. Even Ajai Pal submitted himself to the divine powers of Khwaja Saheb, gave up all his magic and became his disciple.
While this was going on at Ajmer Shahabuddin Ghori again attacked India, in 1192 A.D. and in the famous battle of Tarain defeated Prithvi Raj. When Shahabuddin Ghori came to know of the presence of Khwaja Saheb at Ajmer, he personally came to see him at his place, and enjoyed the grace of his meeting.
Khwaja Saheb continued his noble and magnificent mission, showing the path of truth to the people. He also sent his disciples and successors to different parts of country who too served the people and preached the tenants of Islam. Some of his prominent successors are:
1.) Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (R.A.) (Delhi ob. 1236).
2.) Hazrat Shaikh Fariduddin Ganjshker (R.A.) (Pak Pattan ob. 1265).
3.) Hazrat Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia (Delhi ob. 1325).
4.) Hazrat Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirage Delhi (Delhi ob. 1356).
MARRIAGES AND CHILDRENAt the age of 50 yrs. when he was almost setttled in Ajmer and the preachings were on the top, he dreamt of Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) who said, "O Moinuddin! You have been very active in obeying ALLAH's orders but why dindn't you follow my Sunnat." Thus, Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) made two marraiges one after another.
In those days a Saint Wajihuddin Mash-hadi (R.A.) was staying in Ajmer. One night he saw Imam Jafer Sadiq (Alehis Salaam) in dream, who quoted Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) as saying to give his daughter in marriage to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as he is one of the loving persons of ALLAH andHis Prophet (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam).
When he woke up, he was very happy. He went to Kheaja Sahib and told about his dream. Khwaja Sahib said, " Though he is on the verge of his life and has no need to marry but obedience of Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) is also necessary, so I accept the offer whole heartedly and ready for the marraige. This made Syed Sahib (R.A.) very happy and he married his daughter Bibi Asmat with him.
Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) also had a second marraige. Some historians write that his second wife Ummatullah was the daughter of a Raja, who accepted Islam willingly.
Three sons and one Daughter were born to the two wives whose names are :
1. Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin (R.A.).
2. Hazrat Khwaja Hisamuddin (R.A.) 3. Hazrat Khwaja Ziauddin Abu Sayeed (R.A.) 4. Bibi Hafiza Jamal Rahmatullah Aleiha.
HAZRAT KHWAJA FAKHRUDDINHe was the eldest son of Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) who earned his livelihood by farming in Mandal town. He was a great saint and a scholar as well . Agter twenty years of Khwaja Sahib. (R.A.) death he died in Sarwar town, some 40 miles away from Ajmer. His Mazar is located near a pond in the town. His Urs is celebrated on the 3rd of Shaban every year with great fervour. He was blessed with five sons. One of his sons, Hazrat Khwaja Hussamuddin was a perfect Sufi. His grave is at Sanbar Sharif. Every year on 13 and 14 Rajab Urs is organised.
HAZRAT KHWAJA HISSAMUDDIN (R.A.)He was the second son and he was a great saint, as well as possessin the quality of revelation. he made very tough exercises for self purification. at the age of 45, he disappeared from the human eyes and joined invisible religious fraternity.
HAZRAT KHWAJA ZIAUDDIN ABU SAYEED (R.A.)He was the youngest son of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz and was a great religious person. He died. He died at the age of 50. His Mazar is on a platform near Jhalara Ghat in Ajmer Sharif. His Urs-e-Mubarak is celebrated on 13th Zil-Hijja every year.
HAZRAT BIBI HAFIZA JAMAL (R.A.)She was the only daughter of Khwaja Sahib. She was a great religious personality. Khwaja Sahib granted her Khilafat. She guided thousands of women to the righteous path. She was married to Hazrat Shaikh Raziuddin (R.A.). He was the son of Qzai Hamiduddin nagori (R.A.) Her Mazar -e-Mubarak is located below the Mazar of Khwaja Sahib.
KHWAJA SAHEB BREATHED HIS LAST
After achieving the objectives of his mission and complying with the command given to him by the Holy Prophet, his noble soul left the corporeal body on the 6th of Raja 633 A.H. / 16th March 1236 at the age of 97. He was buried in the same cell (Hurrah) which was the center of his divine activities, throughout his stay at Ajmer. Today his tomb is popularly known as "Digrah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer". People of all walks of life and faith from all over the world, irrespective of their caste, creed and beliefs visit this great shrine to offer flowers of there esteem and devotion. The rich and the poor stand side by side to pay their homage and respect to the divine soul.
Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza
High entrance that was erected by Sultan Mahmood Khilji . Before the commencement of Urs Sharif a flag is hoisted on top of this gatewith grand ceremony on the 25th Jamadiulsaani for ushering the 'Urs' of Khwaja Saheb, which starts from 1st of Rajab(The 7th month of lunar Calendar).
Nizam Gate
Nizam Gate
Mir Osman Ali Khan, The Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan,erected the main gate of the Dargah Sharif in 1911 A.D.
Nizam, the water-carriers Grave
Nizam the water-carriers Grave (A king of the day)
This man used to supply water, once he was filling water in his water bags suddenly he saw a man is drowning in River Jamuna. He just threw himself and saved that man. That man was Mughal emperor Humayun, the father of Akbar. He was drowning during his war with Sher Shah Suri. After winning the battle he called the water man (Nizam Sikka) and asked what reward he wants for saving a life of king. The Water man asked that he wants the throne of India for one day. He wants to rule India for One day and therefore King allowed him the throne for one day. He ruled on India for One day, his name was Nizam Sikka.
Akbari Masjid
Akbari Masjid
This Mosque was constructed by Emperor Akbar as a token of his Devotion and Gratitude on the occasion of the birth of prince Salim (Jahangir) in the year 1455 A.D. It is a Square of 140x140x2 feet and its central area is 56 (feets) high. In the centre, there had been a hauz (tank) for wazoo (ablution).Owing to certain resons, the hauz was closed and covered. Now the Mosque is known as Akbari Mosque. At present this place also houses a Quranic Educational Institution to provide religious education to the children.
Arcot Dalaan
Arcot Dalaan
This small hall on the southern side of the Shrine was erected by Nawab Muhammad Ali of Arcot around 1800 for the comfort of the devotees. It is also used for the death rituals by Khuddam-e-Khwaja.
Aulia Masjid
Aulia Masjid
The place where Khawaja Sahib stayed for a few days, when he came to Ajmer for the first time,has now been turned into a mosque called Aulia Masjid.It is made of white marble. Devotees use it only for recitation of Holy Quran and thanks giving prayers
Choti Degh (less capacious vessel)
Choti Deg
The circumference at the edge of the larger cauldron is 10-1/4 feet.It cooks 70 mounds of rice,while the smaller Deg takes 28 mounds. One of them was presented by Akbar in 1567 A.D. The well-to-do pilgrims Individually make these Degs to be cooked.
The food in the above cauldrons is also cooked on behalf of Devotees who could afford and finance it.
Badi Degh (capacious Vessel)
Badi Deg
On other side of the second gate i.e Buland Darwaza in front of Sahan Chiragh (courtyard lamp),there are two huge Degs (cauldrons for cooking food)fixed into solid masonryin which a palatable mixture of rice sugar, ghee (butter) and dried fruits are cooked for distribution to the public as tabarruk.
Begami Dalaan
Begami Dalaan
Overhanging the principal eastern to the Shrine or Mausoleum, there is a handsome porch known as Begami Daalaan which was built in 1643 AD by Princess Jahan Ara Begam, the favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. The walls and the beautiful marble pillars of the Begami Daalaan were done in colorful gold in 1888 AD. Later on, the ceiling of this Daalaan was also embellished in gold with the money donated by a Muslim merchant of Bombay. This beautiful portico was used by the Begams or ladies of the Moghul harem during their frequent visits to the shrine.There are two simultaneous entrances to the Shrine through the Begami Daalaan. The doors of both of them are mounted with heavy silverplate carved in ornamental details. The tomb is of white marble inlaid with pieces of precious stones and is daily bestrewed with sandal-paste and Itars (perfumes). It is always covered with very costly ‘Ghilaafs’ (coverings made of velvet and silk) embroidered with pleasing gold and silver tracings.
Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal
Shrine of Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal (R.A)
Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal was the only daughter of Huzoor Gharib Nawaz (R.A) she was of great religious personality. she guided thousand of women to the righteous path her mazar-e-mubarak(holy shrine) is located just near the mazar of Huzoor Gharib Nawaz (R.A.).
Bibi saheba
Bibi saheba
This is the site where the Graves of both the wifes of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty (R.A) are present.
Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza
High entrance that was erected by Sultan Mahmood Khilji . Before the commencement of Urs Sharif a flag is hoisted on top of this gatewith grand ceremony on the 25th Jamadiulsaani for ushering the 'Urs' of Khwaja Saheb, which starts from 1st of Rajab(The 7th month of lunar Calendar).
Chilla of Baba Farid
Chilla of Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganj-e-Shakar, Pak Pattan Sharif, Pakistan.
Situated between Jama Masjid and Sandali Masjid in the premises of Hazrat khwaja Muinuddin's Dargah at Ajmer. Along the left-hand wall, in the background of the Sandali Masjid there is a small gate which leads down to the under-ground cell in which Hazrat Baba Farid remained in a chilla (secluded prayers) for 40 days in spiritual communion with the Holy Saint of Ajmer.This gate is opened for public Ziarat (visit) on the night of the 5th of Moharram (the date of Baba farid's death)every year when thousands of pilgrims visit the place from all over India to seek his spiritual benediction.
Gumbad Mubarik
Gumbad Mubarak (Dome)
Inside the gumbad mubarak, there is a silver 'Chaparkhat' (canopy) inlaid with pieces of mother-of-pearl presented by Emperor Jahangir. Between the four poles supporting this `chaparkhat’, there is silver `katehra’ (railing) with an arch towards the south. There is another outer silver katehra running around the tomb at a distance of about 2 feet. The devotees are led into this space to offer flowers and prayers over the tomb. The ceiling of the dome is covered by a costly velvet chatgiri. A peculiar kind of fascinating aroma prevails in the shrine which inspires the visitors with a spontaneous and irresistible urge for devotion and homage towards the asleep saint. As soon as one enters the interior of the shrine, he feels as if he is in the presence of some exalted soul or mighty spiritual king.
Mehfil Khana
Mehfil Khana
On the west of the Saham Chiragh stands the magnificent building of Samakhana or Mahfilkhana (auditorium with darbar hall) which was built by Nawab Bashir-ud-Dowla Sir Asmaan Jah of Hyderabad Deccan in 1888-91 A.D. This spacious hall is 46 feet square with a gallery of 14 feet running around it.
It is used for 6 days only during the annual Urs for religious ‘Mahfils’ in which Qawwali is the chief item of programme commencing at 11 P.M. and ending with Fatiha in the early hours of morning at 4 A.M.
Sandali Masjid
Sandali Masjid
This Mosque was built by the Empror Aurangzeb the elder son of Shah Jahan who build the Taj Mahal.
Shahjehani Masjid
Shahjehani Masjid
On the south wing of the Mahfil khana stands the Jama Masjid or Shah Jahani Mosque, which is a fine piece of Moghul architecture. All the 99 sacred names of Allah with 33 Quranic verses are beautifully inscribed in the mosque.
Victoria tank
Victoria tank
In memory of Queen Mary's visit to the Shrine, the roof of the tank was constructed by the British Government for the convenience of the people to perform ablution.
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