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For a devout Hindu Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre, for one
visit to this holy place in a lifetime is highly prescribed.
Brahma forms the great Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each
symbolising the lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma
the creator is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each
holding a book of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and his
consort is Savitri. According to the legend Pushkar means a pond created
by flower, was formed when Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth to
determine a place for his yagna, a holy sacrifice. The story goes that
Brahma wanted to perform the yagna at the most auspicious time but his
consort Savitri whose presence at the yagna was vital for its performance
kept him waiting. Irritated by this Brahma married Gayatri, a milkmaid and
installed her instead. Savitri on seeing someone else in her place was
infuriated and cursed Brahma that he would be forgotten by people on earth
and never worshiped. She relented on pleas from other Gods that he could
only be worshiped in Pushkar, hence there are no Brahma Temples elsewhere.
Pushkar is a much loved
tourist destination, many who visit there just fall in love with the place
and overstay. Situated on the edge on the desert it is separated from
Ajmer by the Nag Parbat (the snake hill). The town has very distinct
tourist excitement with narrow lanes lined with shops selling various
accessories and rooftop restaurants. Despite its high tourist profile the
town maintains some mystical charm
Pushkar Fair
Pushkar is world famous for its cattle fair normally held in the Hindu
month Kartika, which is around Oct-November. At this time the town
jam-packed with tribal people from all over Rajasthan and tourist. It is
commonly known as Camel fair, bringing with them several camels and cattle
to the pilgrimage. A Fair ground is fashioned and is packed with shops
selling souvenirs and eateries. Games and circus shows also goes on. And
villagers come sell camels, horses, elephants and cattle and other
livestock. Elaborate arrangement for staying of visitors is made including
luxury tents. Just don’t miss the Pushkar Fair if you are India around
that time.
Brahma Temple
This is the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma and was
constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble
steps leading up to it.
A beautiful carved silver
turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The marble
floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins,
with donors name engraved on them.
Old Rangji Temple
Lord Rangji is an carnation in of lord Vishnu. This temple was built in
1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.This temple is unique due to
confluence of South Indian style (Dravid) Rajput and Mughal style of
architecture.
New Temple
The gracious temple is very conspicuous, due to its south Indian style of
architecture. It has a high rising Gopuram typical of southern India
Pushkar has more than 400 temples, the other important temples are Balaji
la Mandir and Man Mandir.
Camel Safari
There are quite a few people in Pushkar who offer horse or camel safari.
Camel safaris are a splendid way of taking in the sights and experiencing
the rugged beauty of the desert. The camels may look aloof, but they are
known as the lifeline for the desert people, whose major mode of
transportation depends on camels only, also known as the "Ship of the
desert".
Pushkar Lake
The pious Pushkar Lake, believed to have been created by the falling of
lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is considered to be as old as the
creation. The lake is considered as one of the most sacred spots, and
believed that one dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is
equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years.
The charming lake amidst the hills has fifty-two bathing ghats, built
around lake. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special
powers. The Naga Kund is belived to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives
beauty and charm, Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and a dip
in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.
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