Pilgrims typically make offerings at the shrine, as a way to show their sincerity to the saint.  The two things most commonly offered are rose petals (which one throws over the tomb) and decorative "blankets" embroidered with various verses, which are laid over the shrine.  Both of these can be bought from stalls such as this one that are located within the shrine premises.  There is a large range of possible offerings that can fit almost any budget; the large basket of rose petals in the foreground cost 100 rupees (about $2.00 U.S., although this amount has much greater buying power in the local economy--for example, it could easily buy a meal in a budget restaurant for 3-4 people). 

 

 

 

 This is a longer shot of some of the flower stalls (the empty baskets are visible on top of the roof), as well as the general activity visible at most times of the day: family groups sitting and resting, and a young boy delivering some food.  Note that all men are wearing hats; head covering is required within the tomb itself, but is often worn at all times as a sign of piety. 

This was taken in Jan. 2003.

 

 The shrine has always been a place at which people's material needs could be fulfilled, as well as their spiritual ones.  As at most religious institutions, the Ajmer shrine gives out food every day to anyone (the usual amount is 200 kilograms of barley meal cooked into a porridge).  Historical records show that the shrine has been an important resource for the local population in times of dire need (such as drought and famine), and in this way people continue to reap the benefits of the saint's grace.  The gateway in the center between these shops is the place where the daily distribution takes place. 

This was taken in Jan. 2003.

 

 Patronage to the shrine extended not only to Muslim kings, but to other rulers of India.  This covered pool, at which the faithful may perform their ritual ablutions before entering the shrine or before the required worship, was donated by Britain's Queen Mary, during a royal visit in 1911.  To show her impartiality among India's religious communities, during the same visit she also gave a donation to build a bathing ghat at Pushkar, a Hindu pilgrimage site which is about 10 miles away.

The men in the foreground are carrying water bags made out of goatskins; they sprinkle water on the ground as one way to keep the dust down.

This was taken in Jan. 2003.

 

 This is the "small" cauldron, presented by Emperor Jahangir.  It can cook sixty maunds (2,400 kg.) of "sweet" rice (mixed with spices, nuts, and dried fruits) at one time.  Wood is piled under the cauldron and ignited, and the masonry absorbs the heat, continuing the cooking when the fires have burned down.  People use large wooden paddles to stir the rice, and wear wooden shoes to protect their feet from the heat. 

The food is paid for by donations (thrown into the cauldron itself), and from sponsorship by individuals in fulfillment of their vows (people come with prayers for something, and take a vow to sponsor this in return).  The rice is distributed to everyone without partiality. 

This was taken in Jan. 2003.

 

  

The "big" cauldron, presented by the emperor Akbar, can cook 120 maunds (4,800 kg) of rice at one time.  The procedure here is the same as for the small cauldron.

The man in the foreground is Syed Mohammad Zahoor Baba, who is the treasurer of the Anjuman Syedzadgan, the trust which administers the shrine.  He was kind enough to host us during our visits to the shrine, and he also served as our guide.

This was taken in Jan. 2003.

 

  

This photo shows offices of the keepers of the shrine, in this case Peer Saheb Syed Nafeesmila Chishty and others.

Note the trinket shop in the center, doubtless a way to raise a little extra income.

This was taken in Jan. 2005.

 

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