In the midst of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Shiva temple issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to continue his annual tradition by sending a ceremonial ‘chadar’ to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Thursday.
The ceremonial cloth will be handed over to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui at 6 p.m., who will then carry out the offering at the shrine during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
This year’s offering marks the 11th time Modi has sent a chadar to the revered Sufi shrine since assuming office. His ongoing involvement in this ritual is a testament to the longstanding tradition. Last year, during the 812th Urs, the ‘chadar’ was presented on his behalf by former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who, alongside Jamal Siddiqui, represented the Muslim community in this sacred act.
The timing of this gesture coincides with a legal dispute that has recently come to the forefront. A month ago, a Rajasthan court took up a petition from the Hindu Sena, claiming that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is in fact a Shiva temple. This controversy gained momentum in November 2024, when a local court issued notices in response to a civil suit asserting the presence of a Shiva temple beneath the dargah. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee swiftly moved to file a petition to dismiss the case, with the next hearing scheduled for January 24.
The offering of the chadar during the Urs festival is not only a deeply spiritual act, but is also believed to bring blessings and fulfill vows for those who present it. The ceremony embodies a sense of reverence, creating a spiritual bond between the devotee and the saint.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of India’s most iconic and widely visited Sufi shrines, attracts millions of pilgrims each year during the Urs festival. The event commemorates the death anniversary of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty, whose teachings on love, compassion, and harmony continue to resonate with followers of all faiths.
The 813th Urs, which began on December 28, 2024, has seen devotees from across the country and beyond, gathering to seek divine blessings. Despite the ongoing legal debate, the Dargah remains a symbol of unity, attracting people from all walks of life, reflecting the inclusive message promoted by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti during his lifetime.
