A well-known Sufi shrine, the Ajmer Dargah, is at the center of a debate regarding its historical origins. The Hindu Sena is advocating for the site to be officially recognized as a Jain pilgrimage location. This call to action is based on recent statements that acknowledge the possibility of pre-Islamic religious structures existing there.
Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, who is the Ajmer Dargah Diwan, has publicly recognized the site’s Jain heritage. This acknowledgment is considered a major step forward by groups like the Hindu Sena. They believe that Jain temples may have been present at the location before the construction of the Dargah.
Vishnu Gupta, a member of the Hindu Sena, supports this claim and emphasizes the belief that a Hindu temple also stood on the Dargah grounds in the past. He stated that the Diwan has acknowledged the site’s Jain past and has accepted the idea that Jain temples were once located there. Gupta sees this as validation of their long-held claims.
These developments have sparked discussions about the historical influences that have shaped the Ajmer Dargah. Claims about Jain and Hindu origins add to the already complex history of this important religious site. Investigating these different religious claims is necessary to fully understand the Dargah’s story.
Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan has also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare Ajmer Dargah as a Jain pilgrimage site. This request, combined with the Hindu Sena’s support, may lead to further investigation. This could potentially change the way people understand the history of this revered site.