Islamic pilgrimages in india are located in different parts in the country the major pilgrimages in india are Ajmer sharif, Fatehpur Sikhri, Haji ali, Jama Masjid
The Arab traders brought Islam to India in the early 8th century, but it was not until the 12th century that it became a force to reckon with in the Indian sub-continent. Unlike Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism which emerged as offshoots of Hinduism, the concept, customs and religious practices of Islam were unique to this faith which professed universal brotherhood and submission to Allah – the God Almighty.
The Muslim invaders in the 12th century and the Mughal rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries helped in the spread of Islam in India. In its first phase, Islam was aggressive. But the mystics of Islam, or the Sufi saints, helped in spreading the message of peace and universal love.
The spirit of brotherhood propounded by Sufi saints and preachers like Kabir and Nanak helped in loosening the rigidity of the caste system. The interaction of the two faiths led to a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic elements in almost every sphere of life and culture. After an initial period of conflict and confrontation, today the two religions have accommodated and enriched each other.
Major Islamic pilgrimages in India
Ajmer sharif
Ajmer is famous for the tomb of Hazrat Mu’inuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti Sufi order, one of the most important Sufi organizations in India and Pakistan. Sufi teachers were important missionaries of Islam, through their piety, charisma, blessings, and service. Muinuddin lived in Ajmer from 1190 until his death.
People of all religions visit the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their faith.
Ajmer Sharif
The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.
The entry to the Dargah is through the Dargah Bazar that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg. On special occasions, ‘Kheer’ cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims. The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The daughter of Shah Jahan had built a prayer room in the Dargah for the women devotees. The premises of the Dargah also has the tomb of Bhishti, tomb of Saint’s daughter-Bibi Hafiz Jama, tomb of Shah Jahan’s daughter Chimni Begum.
How to reach
by Air:
The nearest airport is Jaipur, which is 135 kms away.
by Rail:Ajmer is located on the main Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai line. Most of the trains on this route stop at Ajmer. There is a daily Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Ajmer.
by road:
Ajmer can be easily reached by road from both Jaipur and Delhi. It is a nine-hour road-trip from Delhi to Ajmer.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the fine architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor. This monument was built between 1644 AD and 1658 AD by five thousand artisans. Originally called the “Masjid-i-Jahanuma”, or “Mosque commanding view of the world”, this magnificent structure suggests an awesome
monument to history and religion.
Just like other structures of Shahjahanabad, Jama Masjid was also built with red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black. If you approach the mosque you discover a whole way of life, a microcosm of quintessential India in its shadow, on its steps, in the narrow streets criss-crossing, Meena Bazaar and its famous Urdu Bazzar. On the east, this monument faces
Jama Masjid
the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. Constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, the Jama Masjid is the largest and perhaps the most magnificent mosque in India. The sprawling esplanade, which separates it from the arterial road, is a fascinating leisure ground.
The plan and design of the mosque were done by the great sculptor of the time, Ostad Khalil. Shahjahan built Jama Masjid at the cost of Rs 10 crore and it can be called as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra. The premises of the south minaret are 1076-sq-ft wide where 25,000 devotees at a time may sit together for namaz (prayer). Jama Masjid also comprise of a great treasure that has been kept in the northeast corner of the white shrine- a hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad, his used chappal (slippers), a chapter of Koran taken from its original holy book, the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of Muhammad on the stone.
The chief priest or the chief Imam of Jama Masjid is the direct descendent of the original and first Imam appointed by Shahjahan and till now there is no break in its lineage.
How to reach
If you are new to mumbai better take Taxi/Cab from ‘Charni Road Station (West)’, you can also reach there from Other locations like ‘Churchgate Station’, ‘Marine Lines (marine drive) station’.
Kalbadevi, Crawford Market, Mumbadevi temple, Zaveri bazar (Jewelery market), Pydhonie, mohamad ali road.
Haji Ali
Honoring the Muslim saint Haji Ali this mosque was built in the middle of the sea with only a narrow path leading to it giving it an ethereal look.This is Haji Ali Dargah, the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant, who renounced all his worldly belongings before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The tomb itself is over eight hundred years old and linked to the mainland by a path that is annually submerged in the high monsoon tide. Inside the central shrine, throngs of worshippers stoop to press their heads against the richly brocaded red and green chaddor covering the tomb, which lies in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine names of Allah.As per the Muslim traditions separate praying rooms for ladies and gents are provided here to pay their respects.It is set 500 yards into the sea and can be reached only in low tide. The Haji Ali mausoleum has an offshore location, opposite the Mahalakshmi racecourse. During high tide, the connecting causeway is submerged in water giving the impression that the mosque and tomb are floating out at sea in splendid isolation.
How to reach
By Air : There is an extensive network of flights from Mumbai’s Sahar (international) and Santa Cruz (domestic) airports.
By Rail :Mumbai has trains connecting it to all important cities in India.
By Road :Mumbai is well connected to all the cities in Maharashtra and nearby states.
Fatehpur Sikhri
Fatehpur Sikri is located 37 kms from Agra, a city predominantly in Red Sandstone.This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted
to Lahore.
Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained many of the old structures, because of the efforts of the Archaeological department .
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height.
Fatehpur Sikri
Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish.
Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
To the North of the Mosque is the Dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. This Dargah was built in 1570. Here, childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with three sons, when he came here. The lattice work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found any where in India.
Jami Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, Jami Masjid was built in 1571 AD. Inside, there is a vast congregational coutyard. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next ot this is the tomb of the royal ladies. To the left of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters’ mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri. It is entered through the eastern entrance known as the Buland Darwaza.
How to reach
By Air : Kheria airport in Agra is the nearest airport from Fatehpur Sikri. Domestic flights are available to Agra from important places of India. From the airport, you have to reach Fatehpur Sikri via road route.
By Train : Nearest major railway station is located in Agra. Agra railway is served by large number of express trains from important places of the country. Taj Express, Shatabadi express and several other trains are available from Delhi to Agra. Trains are available at regular intervals between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.
By Bus : UPSTDC, ITDC and other private operators arrange conducted tours to Fatehpur Sikri, but the tour buses stop only for an hour. If you want to spend longer time at Fatehpur Sikri it is better you take a regular bus from the Idgah Bus Stand.
