Ajmer
Sharif,
the heart of homage for thousands of all faiths, welcomes a tidal wave of
humanity for the saint known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of
the Poor), whose spiritual order is the most lyrical and inclusive. This book
showcases the absolute necessity of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in
our conflicted times. Today, he is a signpost of unity; a reminder of the
relevance of Sufism as a conduit of harmony and justice. These pages narrate
the story of the founder of the Chishti Sufi Order in South
Asia—who knew that hunger supersedes doctrines—and of his movement, which began
in a mud hut over eight centuries ago. Muinuddin Chishti brought qawwali,
the genre of Sufi devotional recitals, and the ideal of acceptance to the
world. He discouraged religious supremacy and patriarchy by example—his wife
was a central leader and his only daughter became a caliph—an aspect practised
at his seat, but cast off by other shrines of his lineage. An elaborately
researched oeuvre on the history, spiritual journey, mystical power and legacy
of the 12th century Sufi giant—rich with accounts of Mughal devotees,
monuments, rituals and over 200 unique, evocative photographs—Ajmer Sharif traces
the life of the saint and reveals the living force of his shrine.
Reviews
of 'Ajmer Sharif: Awakening of sufism in South Asia'
1.
"The book
features in-depth articles on history of the place and documents the saint's spiritual
journey. More than 200 photographs of monuments, rituals and pilgrims at Ajmer
Sharif are also part of the book, which makes it a visual treat". — HINDUSTAN TIMES
2.
"This book showcases the absolute necessity of Khwaja Muinuddin
Chishti in our conflicted times. Today, he is a signpost of unity; a reminder
of the relevance of Sufism as a conduit of harmony and justice".
—MILLENNIUM POST
3. "An in-depth researched
work on the history and spiritual journey of the Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin
Chisti, the book describes the life and times of the Saint and the continued
relevance of his much-visited shrine at Ajmer Sharif". -—MILLENNIUM POST