Choti Degh — The Humble Vessel of Blessing
A Sacred Offering of Gratitude and Devotion
The Choti Degh at Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the smaller of the two monumental cauldrons, yet it carries equal reverence and spiritual significance. Donated by Emperor Jahangir , this cauldron continues the imperial legacy of generosity established by his father, Emperor Akbar. While more modest in size than the Badi Degh, the Choti Degh has become the preferred choice for pilgrims seeking to express personal gratitude, fulfill vows (Mannat), or offer blessings in memory of loved ones .
History & Legacy
The Choti Degh was a royal gift from Emperor Jahangir, preserving the Mughal tradition of offering devotion and service to Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (R.A.).
Positioned opposite the Badi Degh, within the Sahan-e-Chiragh courtyard , it is an enduring reminder of the deep connection between imperial patronage and the spiritual heart of Ajmer.
Like its larger counterpart, it is crafted from a rare seven-metal alloy , ingeniously designed so that the rim remains cool even while cooking over blazing fire — a marvel of Mughal craftsmanship.
Capacity & Offering
Capacity: ~2,400 kg of saffron-infused sweet rice (Kesaria Bhat)
People Served: ~10,000–25,000 in a single preparation
Typical Donation: ₹150,000 – ₹375,000 (depending on scale and serving size)
This offering, though smaller than the Badi Degh, still nourishes tens of thousands and embodies the spirit of sharing and humility .
Cooking Tradition
The preparation of Choti Degh follows centuries-old tradition:
Ingredients include rice, ghee, sugar, saffron, nuts, and dry fruits .
The cooking takes place under the supervision of the shrine kitchens , ensuring authenticity and hygiene.
Once prepared, the niyaz is distributed freely as Tabarruk (blessed food) to pilgrims of every background.
The donor’s name is recorded, and prayers (Fateha) are read on their behalf — binding their intention with the blessings of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.
Spiritual Significance
Sponsoring a Choti Degh is considered a noble act of devotion , often chosen by families or individuals fulfilling vows, celebrating private occasions, or honoring the memory of loved ones.
While humbler in scale than the Badi Degh, it is equally rich in spiritual reward . Every grain of food served carries the blessings of Ajmer Sharif, extending beyond religious or cultural boundaries.
Guided by Syed Hammad ul Hasan , the preparation of every Choti Degh is supervised to ensure spiritual sincerity, authenticity, and true alignment with the Chishti tradition .
How to Sponsor a Choti Degh
Pilgrims and devotees wishing to sponsor a Choti Degh for personal vows, family blessings, or in memory of loved ones can do so through Syed Hammad ul Hasan or the Mashrabe Chisht charitable trust .
Booking & Arrangements: The trust or Syed Hammad ul Hasan’s team will coordinate the preparation, distribution, and prayers (Fateha) on behalf of the donor.
Purpose: This ensures that the humble yet spiritually significant Choti Degh offering continues to reach thousands, maintaining the spirit of devotion and community service.
“Through the Choti Degh, your humble offering becomes part of a timeless tradition of devotion, gratitude, and service — a tradition that continues to unite hearts under the blessings of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.”