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