| |
|
Attractions in Pushkar
Brahma
Temple - The only temple in the world
where Lord Brahma is worshipped, this temple
is the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple
has a special importance in Hindu folklore.
There is a life-size four-armed idol of Lord
Brahma - the creator in the universe. The temple
has marble floors and coins have been put by
the devotees to mark the birth or deaths of
the loved ones.
Pushkar Lake -
Pushkar Lake is another important attraction
of Pushkar and it has immense significance
for the followers of Hinduism . The entire
|
 |
lake is supposed
to be surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52
ghats. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima in November
every year, devotees take holy bath in the lake and
a fair is organized, known world over as the Pushkar
Fair.
Savitri Temple - With
a beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri inside, the
temple is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma
and located on top of the Ratnagiri Hill. According
to the legends when Lord Brahma performed a Yagna
(holy fire devoted to gods) along with Gayatri, a
local milkmaid, incensed Savitri cursed her husband
that he would never be worshipped anywhere except
in Pushkar and that too only once a year. Savitri
left for the Ratnagiri Hill after cursing her husband
and immolated herself there.
Mahadeva Temple - This
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva - The Destroyer,
with five faces. It is known for the elegance of its
structure and ornamentation. Rangaji Temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu - the preserver and built in the South
Indian architectural style. There are two massive
dwarpals (gatekeepers) structure in front of the main
gate and an image of Garuda inside. Another important
temple is of Varaha - an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, built in 12th century.
Pushkar Bazaar - A busy
bazaar, the Pushkar local market offers tourist as
well pilgrimage related products. A range of souvenirs
could be purchased including the colorful Rajasthani
costumes, jewellery, embroidered fabrics, decorative
pieces and wonderful accessories. The bazaar becomes
a hub of activity during the annual Pushkar Fair.
Pushkar Fair - The most
important reason of Pushkar being on the international
travel map is the Pushkar Fair. The fair is held every
year in the month of November during the Kartik
Purnima (day of full moon) when hundreds of thousands
of pilgrims take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar
Lake. This fair is also the largest camel fair in
the world, where camels from all over Rajasthan travel
across the golden sands of Rajasthan for this week-long
fair dedicated to them. In addition, a number of horses,
cows and sheep also find their way here. Camels are
bought, sold, revamped, raced and paraded. Most unusual
are the small groups of men and women seen tattooing
their hands and other parts of the body. The fair
is primarily a rural gathering. Villagers come from
different parts of the state and bring their cattle
with them. On spectacular sand dunes camel, horse
and bullock races are great crowd pullers. All roads
lead to the lake, which is flooded with pilgrims.
The movement of the crowd is like a tide of colour
with currents of crimson, yellow and turquoise. Evenings
at the Pushkar Fair have their own charm. The silent
night is pierced by calls of camels. Ballads are sung
by actors in passionate tones. Folk dramas, skits
and folk dance are organised for the entertainment
of the tourists.
This fair is one of the major cultural manifestations
of the state of Rajasthan and people from different
parts of India gather on the fair ground to participate
in the various entertaining events there. Pushkar
pulsates with vibrant energy and activity during the
fair held on the Kartik Purnima, which falls
on the month of October or November and usually continues
for about five days. The Pushkar Lake is considered
to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India,
the only one in the country associated with Lord Brahma.
The place simply teems with the devotees and the holy
men or sages in various garbs who come to the temple,
Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir to pray and
take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Pushkar
Lake. Apart from the religious rituals and festivities,
people participate in a number of cultural and sporting
events. The wide array of folk dances and songs lend
vivid splashes of colour and music to the atmosphere
that is already charged with excitement of the camel
races and the cattle fair. The bargaining process,
which involves a great deal of haggling between the
camel traders and the buyers, adds to the spirit of
the fair. This fair attracts people not only from
India but a large number of tourists from other countries
as well. It is indeed a sight to see all colours of
Rajasthan come under one roof, the Pushkar Fair.
|
Quick
Getaways near Pushkar
Kuchaman -
Famous for its fort, a visit to Kuchaman takes you to the
magic of a bygone era. You can view the life of Meera Bai
in miniature paintings in the Meera Mahal. Other attractions
in Kuchaman include the Meena Bazaar, an active bazaar where
merchants, tradesmen and craftsmen used to put up their
wares for sale to the royalty, and the China Pole, with
its exceptional intricately painted interiors made by a
Chinese traveler narrating his experiences during his travels
in India.
Kishangarh -
Kishangarh was a princely state ruled by the Rathores and
located on National Highway 8. Apart from its fort, Kishangarh
is known for the miniature paintings style known as Kishangarh
Art. Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), today converted into a
hotel is the main attraction inside the fort. In addition,
Kishangarh is also known for its rich storehouse of marbles.
Roopangarh -
Roopangarh was built by King Roop Singh of Kishangarh in
1648. Initially a nine-turreted fort, new additions were
constantly made to it in the coming years.
Ajmer -
Ajmer is a major city in the North Rajasthan and is located
just 14 km from Pushkar. The most popular attraction in
the city is the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi
Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, which is continuously
thronged with tourists and pilgrims.
Getting
There & Away to Pushkar
 |
The
nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur at a distance
of 145 kms. There are regular flights to Delhi,
Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Aurangabad
from this airport. |
 |
The closest
railway station is Ajmer which has direct trains
for Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad,
and other major destinations in the region. |
 |
Pushkar is connected
to Ajmer by road, which is around 14 km away. Jeeps
and taxis are also available but on a rather higher
cost. |
Getting Around in Pushkar
The tiny city of Pushkar is best traveled
on foot. A walk along the lake and in the active bazaar
of Pushkar gives good insights into the daily lives of rural
India. Biking is another good way of traveling across Pushkar.
 |
|
|
|