Pushkar Travel Guide
11-kms
from Ajmer (132 kms from Jaipur) on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil
town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake. This is an important
pilgrimage spot for the Hindus, which has the only temple of Lord Brahma in
the country and one of the few in the world. Lord Brahma is known as the creator
of the world as per the Hindu mythology. It's marked by red spire, and over
the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to
have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.
The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth,
Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a "Yagna'
(a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the warth
and water sprouted from that place. One of them was Pushkar where Lord brahma
performed "Yagna".
As indicated by Pushkar's position as the starting point of the grand pilgrimage,
the worship of Brahma was considered highly important at the end of the first
millenium BC. Pushkar is the only pilgrimage shrine dedicated to Brahma in all
of India, and few pilgrims visit the shrine. The function of Brahma - creating
the world - has been completed, while Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the
destroyer) still have relevance to the continuing order of the universe. Brahma
is also a god of the Aryan invaders and during Vedic times his cult temporarily
displaced the more ancient indigenous Shiva and Shakti cults. With the passing
of the period of major Aryan influence, these deities reemerged more powerful
than before.
The 'Nag pahar' or the Snake Mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer
and Pushkar. Surrounded by hills on three sides, pushkar abounds in temples.
Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple.
The
holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common
sight. Although a serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous celebration
held on Kartik Purnima.
Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of
Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. Huge and
colourful cattle fair "The Pushkar Fair", is also held during this
time. Pushkar fair is well-known for it's Camel trading and other attractive
activities.
Dance music and colourful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are
mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance
the fun of the occasion.
A host of cultural event against the backdrop of this pretty setting is also
organised including attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel races
are also a part of the festivities.
Destination Pushkar
Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma
- The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the
supremely spiritual vedic yagna at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only
Brahma Temple in the world.
A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and ghats Pushkar
begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience
of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.
Pushkar has an immense hidden potential as a tourist destination:
-
Pushkar is "THE PARAM TIRATHSTAN" ( Supreme Pilgrimage
Centre ) no pilgrimage is complete without a bath in the Pushkar Lake.
- Pushkar is " THE GAYATRI DHAM".
The source of the supremely spiritual "Gayatri Mantra"
- The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world.
- Amongst the oldest cities in India, with
references in mythology and the Mahabharat
- Site of the only temple in the world dedicated
to Brahma - the creator.
- The site of the holiest lake in the country.
- 52 bathing ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose
the lake. Each ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing.
- This city of temples has over 500 temples built over different
eras with varied architectural styles.
- The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar
rose is exported the world over.
- The most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, vegetation
and lakes is ideal for adventure activities.
- Proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area.
- A number of fairs and festivals in Pushkar, especially on the
new and full moon days.
- The Dargah of Khwaja Moin-Uddin-Chishti amongst the most sacred
Muslims shrines is located at near by Ajmer.
- An opportunity to visit local villages still free from commercialization.
Other factors that make Pushkar an attractive tourist destination are:
- Proximity to Delhi.
- Located on the main tourist circuit of Rajasthan, Jaipur - Jodhpur
and Jaipur - Udaipur.
- Connected by the NH 8 road linking Delhi and Bombay.
- Ideally connected by rail - The Shatabdi connects Delhi to Ajmer.
- An ideal extension to the Golden Triangle itinerary i.e. Delhi
- Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi or alternately Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar
- Delhi.
- A convenient start, mid or end point in an itinerary of Rajasthan.
Pushkar, nestled amidst the Aravalli hills, retains the charm and aura of
peace and tranquility. A visit to Pushkar will leave you with memories that
will linger a lifetime.
