Family History, chapter 25 of 27

Ajmer

Another story which he narrated was about his visit to the city of Ajmer in western India. This visit he admitted was one of his life's ambitions. Ajmer is a place where one of the Great Saints by name Hazrath Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti migrated from mideast and started his Tabligh.

Scores of people embraced Islam due to his unique method of preaching and practicing. He was among a few greats who were responsible for spreading Islam in the sub continent.

My father was very much surprised and impressed when he saw not only Muslims offering homage and soliciting his blessings but quite a few Hindus and persons belonging to various religions came to the Dargah. The prayers and offering continued nonstop round the clock.

Pen and ink drawing of the domed shrine at Ajmer with a mixed crowd of pilgrims in caps, turbans and saris standing in the courtyard.

There were also quite a number of stories of miracles which were believed to have been experienced by many people who visited the place from all parts of the sub continent.

It appears each year on specific dates a celebration (Urs) was performed when thousands of people flocked to the Dargah to pay homage and pray. This practice is being continued even to this day.

After listening to this narrative I made up my mind to visit the place at least once in my lifetime. I was very young at that time. My first visit to Ajmer was when I was working in the Railway and all the description given by my father proved to be true. I was so much fascinated after seeing and praying at the Dargah, I vowed to visit the place again after my marriage alongwith my wife. How I fulfilled that promise was nothing short of a miracle which I will write in another episode. You will find it very interesting I am sure.

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