Pushkar in India

¤ Pushkar A Legendary Town

Situated on the fringe of the desert and surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar is a laid back town. A very important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Pushkar is famous for its lake. It is believed that Lord Brahma set out on a quest for a tranquil spot to perfom a yagna (ceremonial sacrifice) when a lotus fell from his hand. A lake sprang forth from the ground at the spot where the lotus fell.

Another legend also links Pushkar to Brahma, but in a slightly different manner. A demon Vajra Nabh had become quite a nuisance for the people on Earth, and the Creator of the Universe Brahma decided to put an end to him. Brahma floated down to terra firma on his lotus and slew Vajra Nabh with a lotus blossom. The petals landed on the ground and three beautiful lakes gushed out of the ground. Brahma then performed a yagna attended by all the gods and goddesses.

However, there’s a catch to this story. Brahma’s wife Saraswati was busy elsewhere and couldn’t make it to the yagna. Now since the presence of a wife was crucial for the ceremony, Brahma maried a maiden called Gayatri. Saraswati, like most wives, couldn’t stomach her husband being stolen by someone else and promptly flew into a rage, cursing Brahma that he would never be worshipped at any other place other than at Pushkar. As the curse took effect the moment it was uttered and couldn’t be revoked, the Brahma temple in Pushkar is the only one in the world where Brahma is worshipped, although His statues do exist in various parts of India.

large accumulation of travel attractions, Pushkar is famous for its picturesque sites as well as more than 400 temples. The most important of the temples is the Brahma Temple (only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator, in the world). Other important temples are Savitri Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Rangji Temple, and Varaha Temple. Pushkar Lake is the site of annual holy bath on Kartik Purnima. Pushkar Bazaar is famous for its high range of handicrafts. Another important attraction in the city is Man Mahal built by Raja Man Singh of Amber.

¤ Attraction of Nag Pahar

Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain stands as a divider between the lake and the city of Ajmer. The mountain is famous for Panch Kund and saint Agastya’s cave, and it is believed that Kalidas, the 4th century poet and playwright, composed Abhigyanam Shakuntalam, one of his finest works, here.

¤ Pushkar-A Famous Pilgrimage Center

In olden days Pushkar was an important pilgrimmage for kings and emperors, and is believed to have had over 500 temples and more than 50 palaces. One of the most spectacular sights in Pushkar today is not during the day but by night. Pushkar lake is the venue for deepdan (offering of lamps) to the lake which comes alive with hundreds and thousands of tiny earthen lamps floated out into the dark waters, creating a breathtaking view.

Man Mahal
Raja Man Singh of Amer built this little palace for himself for the times he would visit Ajmer and Pushkar along the banks of Pushkar lake. Currently it functions as a tourist bungalow run by the Rajasthan Tourism department. Near the palace is Pushkar palace, now a heritage hotel.

Pushkar Cattle Fair
A massive cattle fair occurs in October and November around the lake which is also famous for its crocodiles – which, simply put, means that if you get in you might not get out! The Pushkar Fair, as the cattle fair is commonly known, attracts thousands of people from all over the country who come to trade and watch cart and camel races. A full moon means its time to take a holy dip in the lake in places where the crocs aren’t around. The `loading of the camel’ is a very popular event in which a camel is made to sit down while as many riders as is possible – plus a few more – happily climb onto the poor animal and go for a ride. Camel polo is another hit with the people, although its technique and expertise would embarass any decent horse polo buff.

Each year during Kartik Purnima around 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the camel Fair, with 50,000 camels and cattle accompanying them. For livestock traders, this is a pretty serious affair, and many travel hundreds of kilometers with the sole intention of getting a good price for their cattle. While the fair is in progress, a mini tent city springs up near the lake, seemingly appearing out of nowhere and disappearing as soon as the festival ends, only to reappear a year later.

When the fair draws to a close and everyone gets going home, a strange wailing sound fills the orange evening. These are the wails of camel mothers separated from their young ones who have been sold off and who they shall never see again. A truly heart wrenching finalé to one of the most popular fairs in Rajasthan.

Brahma Temple
This is one of the famous temple of the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped. The temple witholds many religious beliefs and is significant in the heart of Hindus. Brahma temple has marble floors, stairs and coins. You would love to see the temple marble floors.

Pushkar Lake
This is one of the important attractions of Pushkar and is immensely important amongst the followers of Hinduism. The lake was devoted to Lord Brahma. The lake is surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces and 52 ghats. Pushkar lake is a must watch during Karthik Purnima wich is held in the month of November every year, the fest is better known as the Pushkar fair.

Savitri Temple
There are number of temples dotted on Pushkar landscape but very few manage to grab attention of devotees and travellers. Savitri temple is one which has conquered the hearts of many travellers. You would find a beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri.

¤ Excursions

Kuchaman
This is one of the famous forts and one can view the beauty of the ort its Meera Bai miniature paintings inside the Meera Mahal. Another attractions which you could find here is the Lok Dev temple which was constructed by Ranjit Singh to honour the sacrifices of the masses.

Kishangarh
It is a regal state which ruled by Rathores. The Kishangarh fort is quite popular for housing miniature painting style which is called the Kishangarh art. Also try peaking at the Phool Mahal or the flower palace which is inside the fort and is now operational as heritage hotel.

Kishangarh was the royal state ruled by Rathores. The Kishangarh fort houses the miniature paintings style called as Kishangarh Art. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) inside the fort is now operational as hotel.

Ajmer
Just next to Pushkar is Ajmer, which is 11 kms north of Rajasthan. Founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan, Ajmer is a scenic city of Rajasthan.

¤ Reaching Pushkar

Fly Away :
The city don't have its own airport, but the nearest airport could be located at Jaipur which is 132 kms away from the the city. The city is well linked to all major cities like Delhi, mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

On Track :
The nearest rail head is at Ajmer. The city is well connected to all major cities of India. You would find daily trains connecting Delhi to Ajmer.

By Wheels :
The city is 11 kms from Ajmer Bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run from Jaipur to Ajmer. You would find no problem in connectivity from Ajmer to Jaipur.

Accommodation in Pushkar :
The town has no many hotels, the famous hotel is Pushkar Palace (Heritage) which provides the accommodation faciltiy. Ajmer can be the ideal base to visit Pushkar as the city is dotted with several hotels.