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Islamic Pilgrimages
In Rajasthan
Islam first came to Indai with the Arab,
Persian and north African sea traders, and
the camel caravans from Turkey and Central
Asia, and eventually with the Arab conquest
of the Sindh in the 8th century. Though it
made little headway at the time, the Koran
was found to provide scholarly reading for
those so inclined. Rajasthan's Hindu rulers
provided permission for the construction of
mosques within their territories, even
offering grants and protection to those who
prayed at thedargahs and masjids.
Interaction between the Muslim and Hindu
faiths also resulted in the birth of new
mystic movement called sufism. The Sufis
called for religious tolerance, and created
a movement that proved that direct vision of
divine thins is possible through the
residing deity's grace, and cosmic
vibrations.
Dargah Sharif, Ajmer: A Sufi saint,
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was a descendent of
Prophet Mohammed, and was offered this land
during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. He
built himself a formidable following, and
not only among Muslims. It is said that when
he was 114 years old, the saint locked
himself into a room to pray. Six days later,
when disciples broke open the door, they
found his mortal remains. It is for this
reason that the annual urs is celebrated
here for a period of six days. At the time
of this feast, consecrated food is cooked in
huge cauldrons, and served by those who
serve at the shrine, while standing within
it. It is believed that the huge cauldrons
were a gift from Emperor Akbar who came to
pray at the shrine and pray for the boon of
heirs, and was blessed with sons. Ever
since, the Mughals have always come to pray
at Ajmer. Qawwalis are sung at the shrine in
a mesmeric tempo, and people offer chaders
at the grave of the venerated saint.
Tarkin ki Dargah, Nagaur: A
discipline of Chishti too gained himself a
following, and his tomb in Nagaur has become
associated with miracle cures among people
of all faiths. |
