Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty arrived in Ajmer at the age of 52 years sround 587 A.H./1190 A.D.on his divine mission, unique in the annals of Islam.His only armour for the success of his great mission was the greatest “invisible power” that pervades and sustains the whole universe. At that time Ajmer was ruled by Prithhvi Raj Chauhan the famous Rajput king. In his court, he had a large number of powerful magicians with Ajai Pal as their leader. Khwaja Saheb stayed at a hill close to Ana Sagar lake. It is now know as the Chilla Khwaja Saheb. When news spread, that a very pious Dervesh had come to Ajmer, people began to flock to him in increasing number. Whosoever came to him, received the kindest treatment and blessings. People were so much inspired by his divine teaching and simplicity that they began to embrace Islam. Many became his disciples. Even Ajai Pal submitted himself to the divine powers of Khwaja Saheb gave up all his magic and became his disciple.
While this was going on at Ajmer, Shahabuddin Ghori again attacked India, in 1192 A.D. , and in the famous battle of Tarain defeated Prithvi Raj.When Shahabuddin Ghori came to know of the presence of Khwaja Saheb at Ajmer, he personally came to see him at his place, and enjoyed the grace of his meeting.
Khwaja Saheb continued his noble and magnificent mission, showing the path of truth to the people. He sent his disciples and successors to different parts of country who too served the people and preached the tenets of Islam. Some of his prominent successors are
- Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar (R.A.)
- Hazrat Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj Shakkar (R.A.)
- Hazrat Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (R.A.)
- Hazrat Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh Delhi (R.A.)
- Hazrat Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz (R.A.)
After achieving the objectives of his mission and complying with the command given to him by the Holy prophet, his noble soul left the corporeal body on the 6th of Rajab 633 A.H./16th March 1236 at the age of 97. He was buried in the same cell (Hujra) which was the centre of his divine activities, thoroughout his stay at Ajmer.Today his Shrine is popularly known as “Dargah Sharif of Gharib Nawaz (R.A.)Ajmer.”People of all walks of life and faith from all over the world irrespective of their caste, creed and beliefs visit this great shrine to offer flowers of their esteem and devotion. The rich and the poor stand side by side to pay their homage and respect to the divine soul.