Switching From One Account to Yet Another

Banking is a service that we should all feel thankful for. We can save our money there. We can deposit our valuables with our reliable bankers. We can start our businesses with loans from banks. We are mostly loyal to the banks that have been serving us faithfully for a long number of years. Nowadays we are all being able to witness the immense expansion in the banking services. Each new day is the start of yet another great offer for people who avail of banking services. Are you looking at banks to take care of your specific personal needs or are you interested in their business services?

If you are merely looking for a good and safe way to store your income, a savings account should be your ideal choice. When I was six years old, I was given a savings account in a bank that was just down the road. I felt rather powerful as I went over to the bank to deposit and withdraw money. Of course, all that was much before ATMs were all the rage. Even today, I prefer to have a savings account for my personal needs. However, when it comes to the needs of my business, I want the best current account ever.

Do note that if you want a good bank account for your business, a good current account should be ideal for you. Do remember that savings accounts are very different from current accounts. A current account allows greater flexibility with regards to using the amount that has been deposited. One of the reasons for this is that current accounts involve much greater money amounts. Every bank and financial institution tries to earn the admiration of well-off entrepreneurs. In order to do that, they create all sorts of great deals for people with current accounts. Thus, they tempt businessmen to shift from their current bank accounts to newer ones. How would they do that? Well, they might offer you the assistance of financial experts. They may come up with incentives for bigger and smaller businesses.
Why should you shift from one current account to another? It is the same reason as why you should consider deleting your boring old savings account for a newer one which offers you better savings facilities and a higher rate of interest. Higher rates of interest are topmost among the list of reasons for making that shift from one current account to another. Most financial institutions understand the organization's need to pull out large-ish sums of deposited money. So, these institutions provide easier withdrawal procedures. And all this in order to keep the business folk happy.

Get the best saving accounts and business bank accounts. And switch current accounts.

Benefits of Online Banking

More people are signing up for new financial and banking services online. If your bank provides real-time online banking services, you may be able to access up-to-the-minute information about your accounts. Additionally, online banking services feature passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) that you select. In the UK, banks are investigating the use of smart cards for accessing online banking services. Many online banking services therefore impose a second layer of security. And, with the popularity of personal online banking apparently soaring by the day, banks are now looking to expand their services to businesses online. Indeed, one-quarter of Internet users report using online banking services at one time or another.



More than 59% of respondents who use online banking services state that they have more confidence in online banking than branch banking. You can view all these new services by accessing your online banking account. YOU determine the level of online banking services needed for your company. 85% of customers use online services, but only 59% are willing to use online banking.



By late 2004, fully one-quarter of all adults, and nearly half of all Internet users, reported being online banking customers. Of all the major internet activities tracked by the Project since its inaugural survey in March 2000, online banking has grown the fastest. Despite the growing popularity of Internet banking many people still aren't aware of all the financial tasks they can do online. There are three aspects to what is broadly called 'online banking,' otherwise known as PC banking, Internet banking, home banking, or electronic banking.



Broadband users are more likely to sample a variety of online activities than dial-up Internet users, including online banking. However many online banking systems employ the direct-modem connection, so those transactions are not even transmitted over the Internet. Online banking can be carried out on any medium which can access the Internet including computers, iTV and mobile phones.



The RBI has drafted certain Internet banking guidelines that have to be followed by banks about to venture into online banking. Internet banking gives you access to your personal and business accounts online anytime, anywhere. If the banks attempted to move all liability for online banking losses to customers, 77 percent say they would abandon internet banking completely. Still, the proliferation of the Internet has given online banking a fresh transfusion of growth in the last two years.



As more banks succeed online and more customers use their sites, fully functional online banking likely will become as commonplace as automated teller machines. With real time, electronic online banking 24 hours a day, both the bank and the client have more control. To retain online customers and win new ones, banks will need to change many consumers' belief that online banking isn't safe.



However, online banking security fears are noticeably lower in countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, where banks have introduced two-factor authentication policies. Banks need to protect their online banking systems and their online banking customers from transaction fraud, Phishing attacks, and identity theft. Banks also need to educate their online banking customers about security precautions.



Make sure that you're banking over a server with enhanced-security technologies and that you use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption. Encryption translates your financial data into something like a secret code to transmit it over the Web.


If a Web site is using secure technology, its Web address begins with https and a tiny locked padlock appears at the bottom right of the screen.



The FDIC warned against relying solely on "single factor" authentication in its call to banks to improve their security measures for online banking. To give your a bit more insight into online banking, MSN has a great overview with a list of the top 10 online banks.



One of the main issues that holds back small businesses from adopting online banking is also security. Though it could be that bank customers are less concerned about security issues surrounding online banking than they are about potential problems with e-commerce sites. In fact, the banking industry has some of the most sophisticated electronic protective measures when it comes to online security. As an additional layer of security, Online Banking requires you to answer a security question each time you logon. If you bank online, remember to always sign off when you are finished banking.



There are many reasons why if you are a business owner and a consumer, should be doing your banking online. Using Internet banking will also increase the efficiency of paying money (bills, debts, wages, etc) as it can reduce the need for writing and sending cheques (which can take up to 5 days to clear). BACS payments can be created via internet banking to pay such money, which is also an efficient way of paying staff wages.



Online banking enables an individual or business to manage their finances any time, anywhere basis. Still, a comprehensive business case in transaction banking and brokerage with cost covering revenues is currently not in sight.



And with Online Banking you can check account balances, transfer money between accounts, and reorder checks any time, day or night. Banking applications are straining to keep up with growing customer bases anxious to view account details and transfer funds online. However, you only need to enter the account information once; your online banking site will keep those accounts available until you remove them.



Another development that bodes well for online banking is the expected development and introduction of bill presentment within the next several years.

Online banking and bill paying continue to gain in popularity, according to two recent surveys. However, most experts have been wondering what has taken online bill paying (and online banking) even this long to catch on. From online banking to free bill pay as well as online check ordering, credit reports and calculators.



Ease, convenience, and speed the key differentiators between traditional brick and mortar banking and today's new twist, online banking. Convenience the number of customers who choose online banking as their preferred method of dealing with their finances is growing rapidly. More than 71% of respondents said their top reason for banking online is convenience. Because of this convenience online banking looks set to increase in usage and it is predicted that over 40% of transactions will occur on-line by 2008.

Stop being landed with debt burden; use debt consolidation loans

If you're a small business owner, you probably don't have a lot to spend on marketing. That's okay, many small businesses aren't taking full advantage of the many opportunities they have for marketing their business in basic ways that cost little or nothing to implement.

There are a number of things you can do to leverage your existing contact points with prospects and customers that require some initial effort to produce but go a long way in promoting your business, products, or services. Some of these methods include:

1. Business Cards. For less than $20, you can have a virtual billboard that promotes your business. Surprisingly many businesses forget about this great way to promote your business, your products, or special offers. When ordering your business cards, think about how you can use the space effectively. Some of the best business cards that I've seen include specific URL's on the back for accessing free information, tools, resources, or product demo's. I've even seen some with coupons on the back that turn business cards into a customer staple – giving them an incentive to have your business card handy at all times.

2. Invoices. Do you send your customers an invoice in print or electronically? If you do, use the invoice to promote your brand, product or service. This is also a valuable touch point to thank your customers and prompt them to learn about other things you offer. Some of the more effective messaging for your next invoice might be, "Thank you for your business. To learn more about our frequent shopper program call 1-800-555-1234". This simple message can increase awareness and get your customers to take notice.

3. Emails. Nothing in marketing performs as well as your very own list of customer emails. Customers who offer their email address want to hear from you. Do what you can to encourage customers to provide you with their email address. You can always provide a small incentive like a pen with your business's name on it, free information, or a white paper addressing an area of growing importance. Once you have this email list, communicate to your customers on a regular basis and encourage them to do more business with you. Satisfied customers are likely to forward your emails to others, growing the size of your customer base.

4. Thank You Notes. A number of small businesses are very effective at communicating with their customers. These businesses use every shipment as a vehicle to promote their products or thank their customers. You should do the same. When you make a sale and are shipping a product, insert a short thank you note that offers your gratitude and willingness to hear from the customer or perhaps your latest catalog or flyer. This goes a long way in showing your appreciation for you customer and interest in building a long term relationship with them.
5. Online Coupons or Offers. When you have a particular product to sell, you should offer information about it on your website. Additionally, offer an incentive for prospective customers (new customers). When individuals are on your website and take interest in your product or service, providing an incentive to buy can drive considerable response rates. You might be concerned about discounting your product or service to existing customers so be clear that your offer is only for new customers. Your existing customers understand that you're trying to grow your business and won't be disappointed to learn that you're giving an incentive to new customers only.

6. Free Samples. Giving away free samples is one of the most effective marketing tactics available today. Even if you have a service business, offering up a method for prospective buyers to try a derivative of your service without paying for it can lead to increased trials and conversions. Large consumer product companies like Proctor and Gamble know that once a consumer decides that he or she likes the product, they will become a customer for an extended period of time which more than pays for the cost of their promotion.

7. Encourage Referrals. Small businesses that leverage the power of referrals experience strong growth. When you have others suggesting your product or service it's like having your very own sales team. These referrals are even more powerful because, like word-of-mouth, the prospect is being encouraged to buy from an existing customer, associate, expert, or influencer. Think about how you can encourage referrals from your customers or other service providers. One way is to ask other vendors to distribute information about your business to their customer base in exchange for you doing the same.

Marketing doesn't have to cost a lot. Use your own business to communicate your marketing messages and increase lead generation. These simple methods are effective for any small business owner regardless of industry, product, or service offering. Implement some or all of them to see the power of effective small business marketing.

Credit card terminals

There are plenty of compelling reasons to consider buying health coverage for your business, like employee retention and tax benefits. Besides offering access to affordable health services, a small business health insurance plan helps spread the financial risk between all the members, which usually translates into lower premiums and more coverage for all your employees. And group health insurance has tax advantages too. Employer contributions to a small business health insurance plan are generally 100% tax deductible, and employees will also save on their payroll taxes.

However, as a small business owner, finding the right health insurance plan for you and your employees can be challenging.

Research well. Before you make the decision, look around and gather information on what kinds of insurance is available. The internet is, of course, a great source of information. But don't buy an insurance plan just because the company has a great website. Remember to check the coverage, co-payments and deductibles carefully and get quotes from different companies to compare them for the value provided.

Seek advice. Another good starting place for finding small business health insurance is your local Chamber of Commerce. They will be able to point you towards reputable health insurance plans used by other small businesses in your community. You can also talk to your family and friends and get references for insurance agencies.

Be prudent. Also be aware that scams that target small businesses trying to save money on health insurance abound. That is the reason why you should carefully investigate any insurance company claims that go by the name of "health plans" or "health discount plans". Remember the old adage – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use common sense to avoid the scams and make sure your employees have the coverage they need when they need it.
Shop around. Before you make the final decision, shop around for the best rates. Health insurance plans do change periodically. The best deal of today might not be so one year down the line. Do an annual review of your company's health insurance plan but make changes only if it benefits both your employees and your business.

Having a reliable health insurance plan will enable you to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. Keep your employees informed about changes in your business’ health insurance plan before they occur, because that may have serious implications for the well-being of your employees and his or her family. You could also involve your employees in the process of choosing the company's health insurance plan. Finally, let them know the financial costs and conditions associated with it.

Financial Capital

Financial Capital, also known as economic capital, is money used by businesses in order to buy what they need to produce goods and services. It differs from real capital as it refers to funds provided by investors used to purchase the necessary items used to run a business. Real capital refers to those items used to run the business. Financial capital always comes at a price, usually interest which is determined by the time value of money. Capital contributed by the owner of the business is known as own capital and that which is borrowed from another institution is known as borrowed capital.

Financial capital is a liquid medium or mechanism that generates wealth or other capital. These liquidity requirements vary and there are various markets created to trade them on. There are four functions combined to create capital assets, these are: medium of exchange, standard of deferred payment, unit of account, and store of value. When the four functions are satisfied it is known as money and does not need to be traded on financial markets as there is no risk involved.

Sometimes financial capital investments are backed by the government from a closely regulated reserve. These investments are traded on the money market and reveals differences in probability of debt collection and store of value of that currency. Financial capital may be traded on bond markets or reinsurance markets with different degrees of trust in the social capital of the bond-owners and other entities that trade financial investments.

When these instruments have deferred payments there is usually a higher rate of interest than the standard rate paid by banks, those that contain fixed payment schedules and a uniform rate of interest are known as fixed income investments. A variable rate loan, such as a home mortgage, reflects the standard rates of deferred payment set by the prime rate and increased by some percentage.
The trades that take place in Financial markets consist of underlying assets that do not consist completely of financial capital investment, but move up and down in value in accordance with the trading of financial derivatives. Many things can affect the price of the financial capital investments that are sold in commodity markets such as boycotts, embargoes, and weather that effects production. Stock markets, on the other hand, are more affected by trust in corporate leaders such as capital from consumers, social capital, and internal organizational efficiency such as instructional capital and infrastructural capital.

The relationship between Financial capital and all other forms of capital is assumed in central bank policy and are characterized by a political economy. Therefore, the supply of money and regulations on financial capital are representative of a country and determine the allocation of labor. Legislature determining the increase or decrease of the money supply based on inflation or other means reflects the value of financial capital compared to the other types. All forms of capital are connected as the affects that inflation has on financial capital reflects all other forms of capital as well.

How Fixed Annuities Are Safe

An Explanation of the Operation of a Legal Reserve Life Insurance Company, underwriters of Fixed Annuities.

Through devastating world wars, financial recessions and depressions, sweeping epidemics, earthquakes and fires, inflation and deflation, the life insurance industry has protected people to a degree unmatched by any type of financial institution in the history of the world.

Today the annuity and life insurance industry provides more than a trillion dollars of death and income protection to American consumers.

The State Insurance Department is a most vital department in each of our fifty states. Acting on its own state's insurance laws and regulations, it supervises all aspects of an insurance company's operation within that state.

Required Reserves Ensure Payment of Policyholder Benefits. A large percentage of each premium dollar calculated by actuaries for each company goes into the policy owner's reserve fund. This policy reserve (Legal Reserve) fund is a liability to the life insurance company.

The reserve liabilities are established as financial safeguards to ensure the company will have sufficient assets to pay its claims and other commitments when they fall due. Life companies that comply with the legal reserve requirements established by the state insurance laws are known as legal reserve life insurance companies.

Every year all legal reserve life insurance companies submit annual statements to the insurance departments of each state in which they are licensed to do business.
Additional Security Safeguards

1. Reinsurance: Nearly every legal reserve life insurance company further protects its policyholders by reinsuring part of the coverage with a life reinsurance company.

2. Surplus: The surplus is the amount by which a company's assets exceed its liabilities. The surplus protects the policyholders and third parties against any deficiency in the insurer's provisions for meeting its obligations.

A legal reserve life insurance company simply does not close its doors and go out of business declaring that all policies are null and void. Legal reserve life policyholders enjoy personal security safeguards unknown by other types of business.

Policyholders Protection Comes First

Today, as has been the case for many years, it is unlikely for the policyowner of legal reserve life insurance companies to lose their policy benefits. Through strict state insurance department regulations, the establishment of many state insurance guaranty associations and because of the insurance industry's history of financial stability and public responsibility to operate in a manner not detrimental to the welfare of the community, your policy is secured by industry safeguards.

The Value of Life Insurance

When someone dies, there will typically be an identifiable financial loss. It might be the primary income for a family. Or, it might be the intrinsic value of the person who was responsible for the care of children or a feeble adult.

It could even be a company business associate who spearheaded the sales division or someone who took charge of its operation when senior management needed to be absent.

Life insurance is an important financial asset. In fact, it should be the primary asset for families that might experience severe lifestyle disruptions in the event of someones death.

Unfortunately, life insurance is frequently misunderstood by the very people it can help the most. One reason is because life insurance doesnt benefit the insured party, who is typically the person paying for the life insurance. After all, the insured party will be dead and unable to witness the undeniable family value of the death proceeds.

When it comes to life insurance we have two primary types of policy to choose from – term life insurance or whole of life insurance. Many people find it hard to come to a decision about which type of policy to take out but the decision you have to make really isn't that complex and both will offer good levels of cover for the majority of people. Let's take a closer look at your options.
Term is always cheapest in the early years, but becomes prohibitively expensive when one reaches the age of 70, or thereabouts.

Of course, this is before the normal or expected time of death, so it is highly unlikely that a term policy will actually pay the death benefit unless, of course, one dies prematurely.

There are many types of cash value policies to include the classic whole life, universal life, variable life and universal variable life. The competitive marketplace has produced an overwhelming number of hybrids each one created for a specific reason that was initiated due to government intervention.

Many people make their choice here based on their budget. The fact that a term life insurance policy may not ever make a payment (i.e. the fact that you will probably survive your policy) means that insurers can offer lower costs. A whole of life policy – with its guaranteed payment at some point – is consequently more expensive. The choice you make here will be a personal one and may well depend on your financial circumstances. The vital thing to remember is that some form of life insurance cover is vital for most of us – especially if we have a family to consider and we can consequently get great protection from either kind of policy at the end of the day.

Reinsurance Of Critical Illness Insurance

The risks factors in critical illness insurance may be greater than that of life insurance. Reinsurance of critical illness insurance may be a solution to eliminate some of the financial loss an insurance company might incur. The procedure may take place through quota share or an excess of reinsurance. Let’s have a look at some of the factors important for the reinsurance of critical illness insurance.

There had been difficulties in assuming the incidence rates. So, the critical illness premiums values may be readjusted or reviewed depending on the magnitude of the loss made by the company. Insurers and reinsurers may then avoid premium guarantees exceeding five years. As a matter of fact, if the insurer decides to increase the critical illness premium rates, the reinsurer also might have to share an equal proportionality in these increases.

Furthermore, reinsurance might be used by insurers in the critical illness segments where they have less experience. For example, small life insurers might choose to follow a trend for their critical illness products dissimilar to that of their pure life products so that they would have to suffer less. Moreover, if the critical illness insurance is a prepayment, the insurer and the reinsurer may be required to have an equal involvement concerning both life and critical illness risks. Otherwise in case of a doubtful critical illness claim, problems might crop between the insurer and the reinsurer.

For example if the insured died due to a heart attack, the fact that the critical illness was in rule with the policy definitions may remain unclear. As said before, the insurer and reinsurer may have to share the life and the critical illness risk equally. If that’s not the case, both parties might then have the idea to either make the claim a death claim or a critical illness claim. This may depend on the cause of the claim. Thus, the loss whether it be a root of critical illness or life may affect both insurer and reinsurer at the same rate.
According to Munich Re, This can easily be achieved with a quota share reinsurance agreement. For example, the insurer might reinsure 30 percent of its life and prepayment critical illness business. In case of a reinsured policy with USD 200,000 life sum insured and a critical illness acceleration benefit of 50 percent, the reinsurer may pay USD 30,000 (30 percent of 50 percent of USD 200,000) upon critical illness and another USD 30,000 (30 percent of [USD 200,000–USD 100,000]) succeeding death, or USD 60,000 (30 percent of USD 200,000) if death occurred first.

As per Munich Re, if the reinsurance is carried out on a surplus basis, it may be advisable to fix only a retention for the life risk. The critical illness risk may then be reinsured in the same proportion as the corresponding life risk. For example, the insurer might want to retain all life risks up to an amount of USD 50,000. A policy with USD 200,000 life sum insured and 50 percent prepayment in the case of critical illness would be reinsured as follows: The excess of USD 150,000 over the life risk retention, i.e. 75 percent of the total sum, could be assumed by the reinsurer. The critical illness risk may then be reinsured in the same proportion. In the case of a critical illness claim, the reinsurer may pay out USD 75,000 (75 percent of 50 percent of USD 200,000) and another USD 75,000 (75 percent of [USD 200,000–USD 100,000]) on subsequent death, or USD 150,000 (75 percent of USD 200,000) if death occurs first.

MONUMENTS

Some of the Important Historical Places to Visit in Ajmer.

SARWAD SHARIF
Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin (R.A.) was the eldest son of Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) who earned his livelihood by farming in Mandal town. He was a great saint and a scholar as well . After twenty years of Khwaja Sahib. (R.A.) death he died in Sarwar town, some 40 miles away from Ajmer. His Mazar is located near a pond in the town. His Urs is celebrated on the 3rd of Shaban every year with great fervour. He was blessed with five sons. One of his sons, Hazrat Khwaja Hussamuddin was a perfect Sufi. His grave is at Sanbar Sharif. Every year on 13 and 14 Rajab Urs is organised.

To Reach Sarwar Sherif You can take a ST bus from Ajmer Bus Stand which is 15 minutes away from the Dargah. or you can hire a Sumo. There is regular Bus after every half an hour from Ajmer to Sarwar. It take around two hous to reach Sarwar.


MAZAR (TOMB) OF HAZRAT KHWAJA SAHIB's DAUGHTER
The Mazar of Bibi Hafiz Jamal, daughter of Khwaja Sahib, is situated to the south of the Shrine. There is a small dome with a kalas on top of it. The doors of this tomb are plated with silver.


CHILLA BADE PIR SAHIB
On the top of a hill in the South of Dargah Sharif is a green coloured tomb. It is said that a brick of holy Mazar of hazrat Piran-e-Pir Dastagir (R.A.) is buried. That is why the place is famous as Chillah Bare Pir Sahib, otherwise Hazrat Piran Pir (R.A) never came to India.

NIZAM GATE
Mir Osman Ali Khan, The Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan, erected the main gate of the Dargah Sharif in 1911. Upstairs small drums beat, during the day and night at an appointed hour. A view of Dargah Bazaar can be seen from the top of the gate.



SHAHJAHANI GATE
Immediately following the Nizam gate is the Shahjahani gate erected by Emperor Shahjahan. Before the construction of the Nizam Gate this used to be the main gate. Above the gate the Kalma Sharif is inscribed in a beautiful style. The doors are made of fine timber covered with silver-plated metal. In the building above the gate there are two huge beating drums.


AKBARI MASJID
Between Shahjahani gate and Buland Darwaza on the right hand side is situated the Akbari Mosque erected by Akbar with red sand stone, A religious institution (madarsa) has been located in this mosque called Darul-uloom.



BULAND DARWAZA
Buland Darwaza is a high entrance that was erected by Mahmood Khilji or one of his successors. Before the commencement of Urs Sharif a flag is hoisted on top of this gate with grand ceremony on the 25th Jamadiulsaani for ushering the 'Urs' of Khwaja Saheb, which starts from 1st of Rajab (The 7th month of lunar Calendar)


LANGAR KHANA
Langar Khana is a free public kitchen where about 5 mounds of barley meal is cooked twice a day and distributed to the poor without any discrimination.



VICTORIA TANK
In memory of Queen Mary's visit to the Shrine, the roof of the tank was constructed by the British Government for the convenience of the worshippers.


IBADAT KHANA (PLACE OF RECITATION)
The two enclosures situated just outside the southern gate of the Shrine adjacent to the tomb of Bibi-Hafiz Jamal bear the graves of some of the early descendants. The Holy Quran is recited by the devotees especially by ladies in these enclosures and the reward of this virtuous action is offered to the noble soul of Hazrat Khwaja Saheb.



JANNATI DARWAZA
This gate too is situated on the western side of the Shrine adjacent to the tomb of Gaiti Ara. The doors of the gate are covered with silver metal. It is opened only four times during the year, viz twice on ids (for one day) during the annual Urs (for six days) and on the 6th of Shawwal, the Urs of Khwaja Saheb's Pir.


AULIA MASJID

The place where Khwaja Sahib stayed for a few days, when he came to Ajmer for the first time, has now been turned into a mosque called Aulia Masjid. It is made of white marble. Devotees use it only for recitation of Holy Quran and thanks giving prayers.


ARCOT DALAM

This small hall on the southern side of the Shrine was erected by Nawab Muhammad Ali of Arcot around 1800 for the comfort of the devotees. It is also used for the death rituals by Khadims.


THE DEGS

On either side of the second Buland Darwaza in front of Saham Chiragh (courtyard lamp), there are two huge Degs (cauldrons for cooking food) fixed into solid masonry in which a palatable mixture of rice sugar, ghee (butter) and dried fruits is cooked for distribution to the public as tabarruk. The circumference at the edge of the larger cauldron is 10-1/4 feet. It cooks 70 mounds of rice, while the smaller Deg takes 28 mounds. One of them was presented by Akbar in 1567 A.D. The princes or the well-to-do pilgrims order these Degs to be cooked generally during the Urs period.


Badi (Big) Deg

Badi Deg: Inside the Sahan-e-Chiragh and on the right side of Buland Darwaza is located Bari Deg. Emperor Akbar pledged to visit Ajmer Sharif on foot and presented a large cauldron if victorious in Chittaurgarh battle. So he kept his word after winning the battle. So he kept his words after winning the battle. The circumference of the cauldron (Deg) is 12.5 yards and 125 mounds of rice can be cooked in it at a time. It was presented in 976 Hijra.



Chhoti (Small) Deg

Chhoti Deg: It is located on the left side of Buland Darwaza inside Sahan-e-Chiragh. It was presented by Sultan Nooruddin Jahangir in 1013 Hijra. Eighty mounds of rice can be cooked in it at a time.



THE MEHFIL KHANA
on the west of the Saham Chiragh stands the magnificent building of Samakhana or Mahfilkhana (auditorium with darbar hall) which was built by Nawab Bashir-ud-Dowla Sir Asmaan Jah of Hyderabad Deccan in 1888-91 A.D. This spacious hall is 46 feet square with a gallery of 14 feet running around it. It is used for 6 days only during the annual Urs for religious ‘Mahfils’ in which Qawwali is the chief item of programme commencing at 11 P.M. and ending with Fatiha (a religious ceremony) in the early hours of morning at 4 A.M.



THE MAUSOLEUM AND BEGAMI DAALAAN
Overhanging the principal eastern to the Shrine or Mausoleum, there is a handsome porch known as Begami Daalaan which was built in 1643 AD by Princess Jahan Ara Begam, the favorite daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan.

The walls and the beautiful marble pillars of the Begami Daalaan were done in colorful gold in 1888 AD. Later on, the ceiling of this Daalaan was also embellished in gold with the money donated by a Muslim merchant of Bombay. This beautiful portico was used by the Begams or ladies of the Moghul harem during their frequent visits to the shrine.

THE SHRINE
There are two simultaneous entrances to the Shrine through the Begami Daalaan. The doors of both of them are mounted with heavy silver plate carved in ornamental details. The tomb is of white marble inlaid with pieces of precious stones and is daily bestrewed with sandal-paste and Itars (perfumes). It is always covered with very costly ‘ghilaafs’ (coverings made of velvet and silk) embroidered with pleasing gold and silver tracings.

Over the tomb, there is a silver ‘chaparkhat’ (canopy) inlaid with pieces of mother-of-pearl presented by Emperor Jahangir. Between the four poles supporting this `chaparkhat’, there is silver `katehra’ (railing) with an arch towards the south. There is another outer silver katehra running around the tomb at a distance of about 2 feet. The devotees are led into this space to offer flowers and prayers over the tomb. The ceiling of the dome is covered by a costly velvet chatgiri. A peculiar kind of fascinating aroma prevails in the shrine which inspires the visitors with a spontaneous and irresistible urge for devotion and homage towards the asleep saint. As soon as one enters the interior of the shrine, he feels as if he is in the presence of some exalted soul or mighty spiritual king.

On the south wing of the Mehfil khana stands the Jama Masjid or Shah Jahani Mosque, which is a fine piece of Moghul architecture. All the 99 sacred names of Allah with 33 Quranic verses are beautifully inscribed in the mosque.


ANNUAL URS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS
No where at any Shrine in the sub-continent such a large number of functions and ceremonies are held, as are celebrated at AJMER in the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) and that too in a very significant way which is strictly in accordance with the Chishtia precepts annually. Not only the Urs of the Holy Saint but the Annual Death Anniversaries (airas) of Prophet (Peace and Blessings of ALLAH Be Upon Him) four pious caliphs and all the famous predecessors and successors (Saint) of Khwaja Saheb are also celebrated in a magnificent way. Special functions are held on Eid Meeladun Nabi, (12 days) Urs of Khulfas, and Ghaus Paak (Giyarahwin Sharif). Shab-e-mairaj, Shaban-e-Moazam, and Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. Special programmes are also held during Ramdhan-ul-Mubarak, and in Moharam, the special Majlis in the memory of Hazrat Syed Imam Hussain is also held, for 10 days.


BEGAMI DALAM
This hall is located at the eastern main entrance of the Holy tomb and was erected by princess Jahan Ara, the daughter of Shahjahan. In this hall Khuddam sit regularly to perform Fatiha, Durood and Salaams and prayers and to guide pilgrims. The large courtyard around this hall used for Qawwali and Milad Sharif, is called Ahata-e-Noort.


THE HOLY SCULPTURE (MAZAR SHARIF)
This is the center of the Holy Shrine where mortal remains of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty lie buried. The Mazar Sharif is made of precious stones and on top of it, there is a very precious jewel of immense value. The sculpture itself remains covered with gold studded Chadar (cloth sheet). There are two silver railing enclosures around the Mazar Sharif offered by Mughal rulers. On the gate of the enclosure, there is an inscription with a couplet written in golden letters which was presented by the Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan. The Jhajhri (small door) was presented by Swai Jai Singh II of Jaipur.


MAZAR (TOMB) OF PRINCESS GAITI ARA
Princess Gaiti Ara, the grand daughter of Emperor Shahjahan is also buried in the compound on the western side of the Shrine.


MEETHE NEEM KI DARGAH
On the way to Taragarh you will come across a Dargah of Meethe Neem Wale baba. The Neem of the Tree in this Dargah are sweet.


MIRACLE ROCK
Further on the same way you will come across a big white rock. On this rock you will see the Impressions of Khwaja Sahebs Chabuk and horse's knee. This stone was sent by Jaipal Jadugar who later accepted Islam to harm Khwaja Saheb.

CHILAH QUTAB SAHIB (R.A.)
On the north-eastern side of Sada Bahar hill is located the Chillah of Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (R.A.). It is the place where Hazrat engaged himself in prayers when in Ajmer.

DAULAT BAGH
Shahjahan build buildings of white marbles on the eastern bank of Anna Sagar. There is a very beautiful 'Baradari'. Amid these buildings and on the eastern side of it is located a beautiful green garden, named daulat Bagh. Its name has now been changed to Subhash Bagh


CHILLA OF BABA FARID GANJ SHAKAR (R.A)


Hazrat Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj Shakar (R.A.) (Pak Pattan ob. 1265).

This is the place where Baba Farid Ganj Shakar performed Chillah. The place is under ground behind Masjid Sandal Khana. The actual plae of Chillah is in the basement of the Masjid. tairs lead down to the place. Its door are kept locked for the whole year and opened only for one day on 5th Muharram-ul-Haram. Pilgrims from far off places tkae the opportunity to have a look of the place.

Pushkar Temples

The holy city of Pushkar is also called the city of temples. There are more than 400 hundred temples in Pushkar but the main attraction being the temple of Lord Brahma, the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. This otherwise sleepy town echoes with hectic activity during the Pushkar Camel Fair and festival.

Brahma Temple Pushkar
The only temple of its type, the Brahma temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. The Brahma temple is nestled in the Pushkar valley, which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar Lake. This place is considered sacred, as it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses performed a Yagna here. Legends also have it that the ancient lake had appeared miraculously, when a lotus fell from the hands of Lord Brahma and dropped into the valley. The Brahma temple, built with marble, is decorated with silver coins and there is a silver turtle on the floor of the temple.

Savitri Temple Pushkar
The Savitri temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple. To reach the temple one has to climb a long series of steps. The site of the Savitri temple provides a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding sand dunes.

Rangji Temple Pushkar
The Rangji temple is very gracious. It is considered very conspicuous, due to its south Indian style of architecture. The temple has a high rising 'Gopuram', typical of southern India.

Warah Temple Pushkar
The Warah temple is another famous temple of Pushkar. It houses an image of lord Vishnu in the incarnation of the wild boar. The temples of Brahma and Warah are considered equally important. It is believed that king Anaji Chauhan built the Warah temple. According to mythology it is a very important temple and is believed that Vishnu came on the earth in the incarnation of Warah (wild boar) to kill the demon Hirnayaksh and liberate the land from his atrocities.

Apteshwar Temple Pushkar
The Apteshwar temple is another important temple of the Pushkar town. It was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pushkar Fair

Pushkar FairWhen it comes to celebrating fairs and festivals, there is no matching the pace of Rajasthan. One of the most popular and colorful fairs of the Thar Desert is the Pushkar fair, which begins on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and goes on for five days till Kartik Purnima. The Pushkar Lake provides an ideal setting to the Pushkar Camel fair. The time of the fair coincides with the bright half of the moon during the months of October-November. According to the legends all the Gods visit Pushkar for 5 days every year. It accounts for the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins.

Main Attractions at Pushkar Fair

The scenic lake of Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair. The Pushkar fair comes alive with the colorful Rajasthani dresses. The colorful headgears of men and veils and skirts of women bring alive the arid landscape of Pushkar. Village women dress in their best colorful clothes and finery for the five-day fair (mela). With more than 400 temples, Pushkar is one of the most sacred places in India. The most important temple of Pushkar is the Brahma temple. The sacred Lake is bound by 52 Ghats. During the Pushkar mela, thousands of devotees take holy dip in the Pushkar Lake. Throughout the Pushkar fair, thousands of people crowd the stadium where camels, horses, and cows are paraded and raced. Camels are bought and sold during the Pushkar fair. Though cattle and other livestock are also traded, it's camels that hold center stage at Pushkar. Camel-traders and villagers from every nook and corner of Rajasthan throng to Pushkar with a large number of humped beasts. Over 25,000 camels are bought and sold making this world's largest camel fair. An interesting event is the camel beauty contest, where they are adorned and paraded. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly decorated to form patterns and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewelry for the camels. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care. They wear jewelry of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jingle-jangle when they walk. The piercing of a camel's nose is another interesting ritual. On the roadside, stalls are set up to sell local items. Almost every household is engaged in setting up stalls as the local populace tries to capitalize on the massive influx of people. You can hire a camel to walk through this busy bazaar. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited in Pushkar.

The Experience Ride

Ride on the luxuries of the bygone era - be it camel, a horse drawn Tonga or an elephant. Experience the excitement and fun of riding on some of the earliest modes of the transportation humans developed in this part of the World. Have a round of whole dhani in style, savoring the sights and sounds at a leisurely pace. It is hard to resist taking a ride on all or any one of these.

Camel Ride
The most popular ride at Swad Ri Dhani is on camel back. Take this ride to get a bird's eye view of the entire scene and experience the thrill, especially when the animal rises from the ground and settles down to let you off its back.
Elephant ride
Enjoy the ride on the mighty elephant and feel the princely feeling you never had.

Bullock Cart Ride
Developed in ancient Indus Valley civilization, this is known to be one of first and the oldest vehicle on wheels still existing. It is still used in rural India on regular basis and forms the basic mode of transportation in remote villages.

Tonga Ride
The Tonga entered Indian culture in mid 18th century through the traders of East India Company. Built initially for their own luxury, it later became part of the common man’s life. It is still used for joy rides in many Indian cities.

Swad Ri Dhani

Calling honeymooners, nature lovers, and family from all over to enjoy their vacation, Swad Ri Dhani is one among the most visited eco-funcity in village environment, showing glimpse of Rajasthani Culture and Indian Traditions. On the one hand, the beautiful location, rides, fun, magic, live performances, puppet shows, folk dances and all pleasure activities will attract you and your family to come and enjoy the Swad Ri Dhani, on the other its delicious cuisine specially Rajasthani Dal-Batti-Churma, leisure areas and Hang-outs will compel to come here again and again.

At Swad Ri Dhani you will find all facilities for a wedding or grand party, its lush green gardens, rajasthani performances and delicious multi cuisine food will definitely remain in your memories for the whole life.

Mansingh Palace, Ajmer

Southward from Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis of religious sancity.The harmonious blend of Hinduism and Islam gives this town a unique character. Muslims from an many parts of the world come to worship at the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin...

Hotel Embassy Ajmer

Hotel Embassy is one of the best of hospitality traditions converge in Ajmer City. We are please to introduce a New Hotel in the heart of city.

Hotel Chitvan, Ajmer

It is an ideal family stay, with large rooms and no extra charges up to a occupancy of 4 and with children's play area and spacious lawns.

Hotel Ambassador, Ajmer

The Ambassador ,a red stone palatial luxury hotel is situated in historic Ajmer.

MAHARSHI DAYANAND SARASWATI UNIVERSITY

History



The University of Ajmer was established on 1 August 1987. It's name was changed from University of Ajmer to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer vide Rajasthan State Gazette dated 5 May, 1992. The University was registered in the year 1993 under section 12(B) of U.G.C.Act,1956.



Since the day of its inception the University was entrusted with a major responsibility of conducting the examination of nearly 1.5 lakh students of colleges spread over the six divisions of the state. In 1990 teaching began in History, Political science , zoology, botany and mathematics departments. In 1991, M. Phil, teaching programmes were initiated by History, Political Science, Botany departments and later promising job oriented courses such as PG diplomas in Environmental Technology, Microbiology and lab. technology and instrumentation were started. In 1993, after shifting to new campus, departments of microbiology, foods and nutrition, applied chemistry, management studies and computer applications were created offering M. Sc., MBA, PG Diploma and Ph. D. programmes.



In a short span of seven years academic wing of University came out with enormous research work in the form of publications, Ph. D. thesis and research projects. In 1998 university started PG programme in Environmental Science, and in 2000 PG programmes in Botany Zoology, Business Economics , Commerce, Population Studies, History, Political Science and Computer Science with specialisations that did not exist other colleges in Ajmer.



At present there are 24 teaching departments viz. History, Political Science and Public Administration, Economics, Botany, Zoology, Pure and Applied Chemistry, Environmental studies, Remote Sensing and GeoInformatics, Foods and Nutrition, Microbiology, Computer Applications, Population Studies, Commerce and Management Studies, Law, Education, Physical Education, Dept. of Yogic Sciences and Human Consciousness, Enterpreneurship & Small Business Management, Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, Dept. of Library & Information Sciences and Bharat Vidhya Adhyan Sankul. There are 214 Government and Private colleges affiliated to this University. These affiliated colleges are spread over 9 districts of the state of Rajasthan. The University conducted examination of 1,35,000 students for various courses during the 2007-08 session.

The University has its own beautiful campus. It is situated near the Ghooghra village on the Pushkar bye pass, Jaipur Road (NH-8). It

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