814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Begins in Ajmer Sharif with Traditional Rituals

Ajmer – The 814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA), revered as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, Sultan-ul-Hind, and Naib-un-Nabi, has begun with immense devotion at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. This sacred festival commemorates the Sufi saint’s union with the Divine and attracts millions of pilgrims from across India and the world, transcending religious boundaries in a display of universal love and harmony. Heartfelt congratulations and Mubarakbad to all devotees of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz on this blessed occasion.

The 814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti officially commenced with the sighting of the Rajab moon, marking the start of spiritual rituals. Today, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju offered a chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the national significance of this event. The pleasant winter weather in Ajmer – with clear skies and temperatures around 70°F currently, rising to highs of 82°F during the day – provides ideal conditions for the large gatherings of devotees.

Key Rituals and Schedule of the 814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

The Urs rituals follow centuries-old traditions of the Chishti order:
– Flag Hoisting: Performed earlier to signal the beginning of preparations.
– Sandal Removal (28th Jamadi al-Thani): The annual sandalwood paste on the holy mausoleum is removed and distributed as tabarruk (blessed offering) to pilgrims.
– Faqirs’ Procession (29th Jamadi al-Thani): A traditional foot procession of faqirs, malangs, and dervishes arrives from shrines like Kaliyar Sharif and Mehrauli, symbolizing unity in devotion.
– Daily Ghusal Ceremonies: Special bathing rituals of the mausoleum using rose water, kewra, and ittar begin. The evening ghusal after Maghrib is performed by Khadims and Gaddi Nasheen, followed by a midnight joint ghusal. The blessed water is shared as tabarruk.
– Chhati Sharif (6th Rajab): The highlight, where Khadims gather to recite the sacred Shajra Mubarak (genealogy of the Chishti silsila), offer salams like “Ya Nabi Salam Alaika,” and pray for global peace, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity.
– Final Ghusal (9th Rajab): Marks the conclusion of the Urs.

These rituals continue with the shrine opening early at 4 AM for ziyarat and special closures only for ghusal.

Significance of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz and His Legacy

Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA), born in 1143 CE, was a prominent Sufi saint of the Chishti order who settled in Ajmer in the 12th century. Known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), he dedicated his life to serving humanity, promoting peace, tolerance, and love irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. His teachings emphasize compassion, charity, and devotion to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As the spiritual successor in India, he spread Islam through example rather than force, earning titles like Sultan-ul-Hind.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah remains one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in South Asia, where devotees seek blessings for fulfillment of wishes (mannat). During the 814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the atmosphere is filled with qawwalis, mehfil-e-sama, langar (free community meals), and heartfelt prayers.

On behalf of Jamiat Khuddam Khwaja, represented by Anjuman Syed Zahid Khan, heartfelt prayers are extended to all global devotees of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. May Allah accept our supplications and fulfill legitimate desires through the wasila (intercession) of Panjtan Pak, Shahide Karbala, Khulafa-e-Rashideen, and the Khwajagan-e-Chisht.

This 814th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti not only revives spiritual fervor but also reinforces messages of unity and brotherhood in today’s world. Pilgrims are advised to plan visits considering the large crowds and follow dargah guidelines for a blessed experience.