Which of the following statements is correct about Urs at Ajmer Sharif?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: It follows the lunar calendar and marks the saint's death. Explanation
The Urs festival is an annual event held at Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. It commemorates the death anniversary of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (also known as Gharib Nawaz).
Meaning of 'Urs': In Sufi tradition, "Urs" literally means "wedding." It symbolizes the union of the saint's soul with the Divine (God) upon death. Therefore, it is a celebration of the death anniversary, not the birth.
Key Facts for Exams
The Saint: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was the founder of the Chishti Order (Silsila) of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent.
Location: The Dargah is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Patronage: While the shrine was established early on, the main structure was expanded by several rulers, notably the Mughal Emperor Humayun and Akbar. Akbar famously walked on foot from Agra to Ajmer to offer prayers.
Exam-Related Practice Questions:
Q: Which Mughal Emperor is famously known for visiting the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on foot from Agra?
Answer: Akbar.
Q: What is the significance of the term "Urs" in the context of Sufi shrines?
Answer: It marks the "union" of the saint with God, celebrated on the anniversary of the saint's death.