Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra – Ajmer, Rajasthan

 

Masjid About

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is one of the oldest mosques in India and the most ancient surviving monument in the city. Originally built as a Sanskrit college during the reign of King Vigraharaja IV of the Chauhan dynasty, it was later converted into a mosque by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1192 CE after his victory over Prithviraj Chauhan. Completed in 1199 CE and later expanded by Iltutmish in 1213 CE, the mosque showcases a unique blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles, making it a fascinating historical and cultural landmark.

Name Significance

The name "Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra" translates to "shed of two-and-a-half days."

A local legend suggests that part of the mosque was constructed in just 2.5 days.

Some Sufis interpret the name as a symbol of the transient nature of human life.

Historical evidence indicates that the construction process took longer.

Architectural Highlights

Blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architecture.

Yellow limestone arches, adorned with Kufic and Tughra inscriptions.

Carved pillars and detailed motifs, reflecting its original Hindu-Jain roots.

The ornate screen with high arches is a striking feature of early Indo-Islamic design. Location & Address

Address: Ander Kote Road, Lakhan Kothri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.

Coordinates: 26.4573° N, 74.6269° E. Visiting Details

Timings: Open from dawn to dusk.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Services: No religious services, as it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Guided Tours: Available for those interested in history and architecture.

Photography: Allowed (Professional shoots may need permission). How to Reach Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra?

Nearest Transportation Hubs

Railway Station: Ajmer Junction (1.5 km away) – Well-connected to major cities.

Airport:

Kishangarh Airport (30 km away) – Limited domestic flights.

Jaipur International Airport (130 km away) – Major domestic and international connectivity.

Bus Station: Ajmer Central Bus Stand (2 km away) – Buses to Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi. Travel Routes

By Road (Bus Routes):

Jaipur (135 km) – RSRTC & private buses available.

Delhi (390 km) – Overnight sleeper buses operate daily.

Jodhpur (205 km) – State and private buses available. By Train Routes:

Delhi – Shatabdi Express, Ajmer Express, Chetak Express.

Mumbai – Aravali Express, Ajmer Duronto Express.

Jaipur – Ajmer Shatabdi, Jaipur-Ajmer Express. By Air Routes:

Direct flights to Kishangarh Airport from Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad.

International travelers can use Jaipur Airport. Nearby Cities

Jaipur (135 km)

Pushkar (15 km)

Udaipur (265 km)

Jodhpur (205 km)

Delhi (390 km) Nearby Attractions

Ajmer Sharif Dargah (0.5 km) – Famous Sufi shrine.

Taragarh Fort (3 km) – Historic fort with panoramic views.

Ana Sagar Lake (2 km) – Picturesque artificial lake.

Pushkar Brahma Temple (15 km) – A rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Nasiyan Jain Temple (2 km) – Stunning Jain temple with golden interiors. Best Time to Visit

October to March (Winter) – Ideal for sightseeing.

Avoid May-June – Extreme summer heat.

Monsoon (July-September) – Pleasant weather but occasional rain showers. Shopping in Ajmer

Ajmer is famous for:

Traditional Rajasthani textiles

Lacquered jewelry and bangles

Marble and wood carvings

Hand-embroidered juttis (footwear)

Attar (natural perfumes) from local perfume shops. Popular shopping areas:

Dargah Bazaar

Naya Bazaar

Mahila Mandi

Churi Bazaar (for bangles and jewelry) Food & Accommodation

Food Facilities

Ajmer offers a variety of Rajasthani, Mughlai, and North Indian cuisine.

Must-try dishes:

Dal Baati Churma

Kachori with Kadhi

Sohan Halwa

Mutton Korma & Seekh Kebabs (near Dargah Bazar) Popular eateries:

Mahadev Dhaba (for vegetarian food)

Honeydew Restaurant (for Mughlai cuisine)

Shankar Chaat Bhandar (for street food) Stay Facilities

Luxury Hotels:

Mansingh Palace

The Royal Melange Beacon Mid-range Hotels:

Hotel Ajmer Inn

Hotel Embassy Budget Stays:

Zostel Ajmer (Backpacker Hostel)

Shri Krishna Guest House

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra stands as a testament to India’s rich architectural heritage, blending diverse cultural influences from Hindu, Jain, and Islamic traditions. Surrounded by notable attractions such as the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ana Sagar Lake, it remains a significant site for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. With its rich history, intricate carvings, and strategic location in Ajmer, a visit to this ancient monument offers an insightful glimpse into India's medieval past.