PUSHKAR TOURISM GUIDE:
Map: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Location: 11-km From Ajmer, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: 25 Bathing Ghats, Cattle Fair
Significance: Houses The Only Brahma Temple In India.
Best Time To Visit:Mid-October To Mid-March.
ABOUT PUSHKAR:
11-km from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies a tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Legend: Padma Purana, elaborately describes the origin and importance of this lake. It says that Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once contemplating to locate a suitable spot on earth to perform a ‘Yajna’ (sacrificial ritual), the lotus fell from his hand and rebounding, struck the earth at three places within a circuit of kms. Water issued forth, from all the three places and the Creator called all the three as Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as ‘Jyeshtha’ (elder), ‘Madhya’ (central) and ‘Kanishtha’ (younger).
According to mythology, he performed the ‘Yajna’ at Jyeshtha Pushkar from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and bathe in the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing on the last day which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings.
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the PUSHKAR FAIR. The cattle fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like camels and horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people from far and wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village, has also been erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized for them and cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the Rajasthani way of life and culture.
Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and small; the most celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.
PLACES TO SEE IN PUSHKAR:
Pushkar Lake: One of the most sacred sites for Hindus, Pushkar Lake is the most famous tourist attraction in the holy town of Pushkar. It’s a beautiful semi-circular lake with 52 lovely ghats surrounding it. According to beliefs, a dip in the Pushkar Lake on the auspicious occasion of Karthik Poornima brings salvation to devotees.
Brahma Temple: It’s the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology, in all over India. The beautiful marble temple is famous for its four-headed idol of lord Brahma. It’s decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor.
Savitri Temple: Dedicated to goddess Savitri, the first wife of Lord Brahma, it’s the second most important temple in Pushkar. Located just behind the Brahma Temple on a hilltop, it provides a panoramic view of the scenic Pushkar Lake and exotic sand dunes nearby
Rangji or Rangnath Temple: Rangji Temple is known for its gracious south Indian style of architecture. The temple houses a huge image of Lord Vishnu. It has a high rising ‘Gopuram’ (large gate) and Garuda pillars studded with a mythical bird styled in gold.
Varah Temple: One of the most sacred temples in Pushkar, Varah Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has an image of Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu visited the earth in the incarnation of a Varah (Wild boar) to kill an atrocious demon Hirnayaksh.
Apteshwar Temple: Another important temple in Pushkar, this 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
HOW TO REACH PUSHKAR:
Air: Jaipur at 146-km is the nearest airport.
Rail: Ajmer at 11-km is the nearest railhead from Pushkar.
Road: Pushkar is well connected by road and is 11-km from Ajmer.
PLACES TO STAY IN PUSHKAR:
Being a major pilgrimage center Pushkar is well equipped with good accommodation options.
SHOPPING IN PUSHKAR:
A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair and set up shops. They sell a host of products like bead necklaces of Nagaur, woollen blankets of Merta, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Also on sale are saddles, ropes, and assorted household items. During the fair, cultural shows and exhibitions are organised to enliven the event. Movies are shown and competitions are arranged. Bards and poets recite and sing tales of valour and heroism of bygone days. Animal races and other competitions add to the attraction.
NEARBY CITIES OF PUSHKAR:
Ajmer: 11-km
Jaipur: 146-km
