India is a country that exhibits sheer regality and exquisite culture. Ruled by numerous kings and emperors, India projects ultimate grandeur and royalty in different parts of the country. India is an incredible country that houses people of diverse regions.
With the spirit of diversity, India has been home to some of the widely respected and adored religions of the world. The country presents some of the finest dargahs where the followers of Islam and even people of other religions can go to experience the majestic aura of the places. If you have a knack for religious studies, visit some of the spectacular dargahs in the country. Also, while planning the itinerary, make sure you find suitable hotels to stay near the holy places and reserve a room via hotel booking online. Now, let’s explore the top 5 dargahs in India.
Haji Ali Dargah
Dedicated to a wealthy merchant who gave up all his belongings after a trip to Mecca and returned to India as a Muslim Sufi, Haji Ali Dargah is located in an islet located off the southern coast of Mumbai. People from different religions and all walks of life come to this sacred place to seek blessings. Standing peacefully at a distance with the sea all around, the Dargah exhibits a divine view at night with beautiful lights. Curated with glass, the tomb at the Dargah is a wonderful example of Indo-Islam architecture. While entering the premises, you can see the marble courtyard having marble pillars engraved with intricate mirror work. Nine names of Allah are carved out strategically by placing different glass chips in Arabic patterns. Inside the mosque, you can see the tomb is roofed by a brocaded green and red cloth, supported by a silver frame and marble pillars. Haji Ali Dargah has separate praying rooms for men and women.
Jama Masjid
Also known as the ‘Friday Mosque’, Jama Masjid at Agra is a 7th-century structure and is one of the largest mosques by the Mughals in the country. The shrine was constructed in 1648 under the rule of Shah Jahan. Dedicated to his favourite daughter Jahanara Begum, the mosque is clearly visible from the Agra Fort. Presenting the beautiful Mughal architectural style, the mosque is typically built of red stone and white marble. Jama Masjid identifies itself as one of the most popular religious institutes of India, featuring a fountain and four kiosks in the courtyard. When you set foot at this holy place, you can see the interior walls decorated with Persian-style scriptures along with the Tomb of Salim Chisti. Also, special praying sessions are conducted within the premises of the mosque every Friday which are attended by thousands of devotees.
Nizamuddin Dargah
Located in the heart of Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a mausoleum and shrine, dedicated to the world-famous Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Chisti. Built in the year 1526, the complex of the temple is a perfect blend of red stone and white marble that stands as a testimony of the beautiful Mughal architecture. Based on the spiritual belief that every religion is equal, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah seeks to propagate the Sufi tradition and is indeed visited by countless devotees of different religions. The dargah houses many other tombs like the tomb of Amir Khusro and Jahanara Begum. Langar or free community kitchens offer free meals every Thursday and Sunday. You can witness qawwali and Sufi singing sessions every Thursday and Saturday. The place exudes tranquil vibes and sheer divinity.
Chhoti Dargah
A three-storied mausoleum located in Maner, Chhoti Dargah located outside of Patna, is an architectural marvel. Also known as Maner Sharif, the dargah gathers thousands of devotees from all around the city and country to seek blessings at the divine place. After entering the premises of the dargah, you will find the tomb of Makhdum Shah, who was a well-known Muslim poet. Situated away from the bustling crowds of the city of Patna, this place of worship offers a perfect place to offer prayers in a serene and spiritual environment. With the magnificent Islamic style of architecture, Chhoti Dargah offers one of the most beautiful Muslim shrines for the followers of Islam to understand the richness of the religion.
Ajmer Dargah
Built by Mughal emperor Humayun, the Ajmer Dargah is located in the heart of the state of Rajasthan. Marked as one of the most visited places in Ajmer, the Dargah exhibits the crypt of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who was a Persian Sufi poet. Highlighting his secular preachings on spirituality, the Dargah invites people of all religions to come to the sacred place and offer prayers. It is said that if you pray wholeheartedly at Ajmer Dargah, your wishes will surely be fulfilled. Offering ultimate solace and divinity, Ajmer Dargah projects beautiful Mughal-style of architecture with huge doors, gold plated top, supported with pure silver railings. This one-of-a-kind sacred place is a must-visit religious spot while you plan a trip to India.
These are some of the best dargahs that are worth including while you work out a holistic travel plan to India. Do remember to reserve a stay with hotel booking online at some of the best accommodations nearby the dargahs.
