Adhai Din ka Jhopra: A Traveler’s Guide to Ajmer’s Historic Landmark

Overview

The Adhai Din Ka Jhopra represents excellent architectural design and is considered the oldest mosque in India. You can see Hindu and Islamic styles there; however, people from all religions treat it as a symbol of peace. It features a serene ambience for visitors with showcasing its carvings, ancient pillars, and stunning arches. It became a tourist spot since it was demonstrating peace and worship to visitors.

History

Rulers of early medieval India commissioned Adhai Din Ka Jhopra as an ancient historical monument in Ajmer, Rajasthan. In its earliest history, the area held a school for Sanskrit students and a Hindu temple constructed by King Vigraharaja in the 7th century. Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the general who led Muhammad Ghori to victory over the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 CE, built the mosque that year after becoming the first Sultan of Delhi.

It took only two and a half days to complete the mosque, and that is where its name (Adhai Din) came from. Older Hindu and Jain temples contributed sections to the building, and you can still see them today in the many carved pillars. The design combines traditional Hindu ornament with Islamic arches and Arabic writing. For hundreds of years, it has remained important for religious pilgrims and shows the diversity of Ajmer’s culture.

Plan Your Trip: Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan in 2025

Architectural Marvel

The building has been constructed peculiarly by integrating Hindu and Islamic architecture. The vibrant sculptures on the pillars and arches of Hindu and Jain temples give the monument a distinctive appearance. Unique artworks and Arabic calligraphy adorned the outside of the mosque to help create a pleasant mood. As architects merged various designs, the sculptures inspired people in the 12th century both culturally and intellectually.

Things to Experience at Adhai Din ka Jhopra

This unique blend of architecture features immersive experiences for visitors:

Venerate Architecture

The alluring architecture of the serene mosque combines Hindu, Jain, and Islamic cultural significance, which includes the historical spacious pillars, Iconic Wall design, and interior styles of the mosque.

Look at the Arabic inscriptions

Ancient Muslim craftsmen created the beautiful Arabic writing on the arches and mihrab, filling the place with a peaceful atmosphere.

Continue the Adventure: Top Places to Visit in Ajmer in 2025

Stroll inside the old Prayer Hall

Distinctive site of Structure considered as an Old praying hall, which includes old architecture, stonework, and a peaceful ambience.

Photography

History enthusiasts and explorers consider it an ideal spot to capture the pivotal story of the mosque with their cameras, preserving history through every shot. 

Feel Peace

It was designed in a way to feel serenity with a peaceful atmosphere. You can revitalize your soul from its Cultural and spiritual surroundings and art.

Facts about Adhai Din ka Jhopra

These are some exciting facts on Adhai Din ka Jhopra:

1. Builders constructed one of India’s oldest museums in Rajasthan in 1192 CE, over 800 years ago.
2. In the 7th century, the site operated as a Sanskrit college and a place of Hindu temple to worship for Hindus.
3. The name ‘Adhai Din ka Jhopra’ reflects a historical fact—builders constructed it in just two and a half days.
4. This monument consists of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic styles of architecture.
5. The walls and arches in the mosque have detailed and beautiful Arabic inscriptions.
6. Apart from its historical significance, it features spirituality and serenity to visitors.

Also Explore: Top Offbeat Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2025

Visiting the Monument

In this section, you will learn valuable facts regarding Location, Timing, fees, and several other topics.

Location of Adhai Din ka Jhopra

• Adhai Din Ka Jhopra, located just beside the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is along Ander Kote Road and only a short 1.5-km drive from Ajmer Junction.

Best time to visit

• Visiting Adhai Din Ka Jhopra is most pleasant between October and March, since the weather is cool during this time. Early morning and late evening visits are said to be perfect for experiencing its surroundings. 

Entry Fees and timing

• This historical site is free to explore for tourists, You don’t have to pay any fees to admire its architecture. It is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 6:PM.

Tips for tourists

• Try to visit early mornings so you can appreciate the serenity and perfect light for photos.

• Dress with wearing casual shoes, as the land changes from level to uneven and requires a lot of walking.

• Plan to bring your camera to snap shots of the beautiful carvings and long history present at the monument.

• Leave the site without harming ancient ruins and their inscriptions.

• During hot times, remember to bring a bottle of water because the refreshment areas are scarce.

• Include the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in your trip, so you can experience the local heritage during your visit.

See full info here: Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

How to Reach Adhai Din ka Jhopra

It is easy to reach Adhai Din Ka Jhopra by air, train, or road from large cities:

• By Air:  Kishangarh Airport is the nearest to Ajmer, which provides frequent flights from Delhi and Mumbai. If you prefer, you can travel to Jaipur Airport (135 km), which provides more frequent flights. There are many taxis and cabs ready at both airports.

• By Train: The station connects many cities and offers direct links to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. Many express and superfast trains are available every day. Once you arrive at the station, you can find either an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach the monument within mere minutes.

• By Bus: Many buses travel to Ajmer from Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and the nearby areas. The central bus stand is on Jaipur Road. After that, tourists can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi, which can take them to Adhai Din Ka Jhopra in only a short time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the author of ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhopra’?

Ans: According to Harbilas Sarda, Jain tradition says Adhai Din Ka Jhopra was built as a Jain temple by Seth Viramdeva Kala in 660 AD for the Panch Kalyanak festival.

2. Who built the two and a half day hut?

Ans: The mosque was started by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and finished by his successor, Iltutmish, back in the 12th century.

3. What’s the religious significance of the ‘two and a half day hut’?

Ans: It’s a mosque, one of the oldest Islamic monuments in India, built for Muslim worship.

4. Why is it called the ‘two and a half day hut’?

Ans: “Dhai Din Ka Jhopra” literally means “the hut of two and a half days,” referring to the legend that the mosque was constructed in just two and a half days.

5. How many pillars are there in the two and a half day hut?

Ans: There are 62 beautifully carved pillars with a blend of Hindu and Islamic designs.