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INTRODUCTION

Pushkar situated at a distance of about 11kms from Ajmer is a noted Hindu pilgrimage centre. This place known for its religious myths and faith is built around the sacred Pushkar lake. The holy lake has 52 ghats/bathing places, where pilgrims take ritual dip in the lake. The biggest attraction of the holy town is the temple of Brahma-the Lord of creation. The annual Pushkar fair held here on Karthik Poornima, is one of the largest cattle fair in the country.

This place is flocked by Pilgrims and tradesman from different parts of the country. The fair today has become one of the major tourist attractions of the state. Camel cart races and various cultural events are organized during the fair.Pushkar is very sacred to the Hindus and is referred to as "Tirth Raja" or the King of all Pilgrimage Centres.No pilgrimage to Badrinath,Jagannath,Rameshwaram or Puri is considered complete without the pilgrims having bathed in the holy waters of the Pushkar lake.

HISTORY

Pushkar is also known as the sister city of Ajmer.There are lot of mention about the city Pushkar even during the 4th century. The Chinese traveller Fa-Hien has written about Pushkar in his travel note.Pushakar which is said to be blessed by Lord Brahma has a legend associated with it, which states that in a battle Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and Pushkar where Lakes sprang up the bath at Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place.

There are also mention about the city Pushkar in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha.Pushkar was also one of the favourite destinations of the Mughal rulers. But soon the princely state came under the rule of the British.

LOCATION

Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan is situated at a distance of about 14 km off Ajmer.Pushkar is encircled by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other.Pushkar is situated at the latitude of 26.5° north and the longitude of 74.55° east.

BEST SEASON

The ideal season to visit Pushkar is between the months of October to February.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pushkar Fair

The colourful Pushkar celebrated on Karthik Poornima in the month of October is supposed to be the largest cattle fair in the country and goes for a period of nearly nine days. During this fair the entire temple town is brightly illuminated with lights with native people colorfully dressed where men are seen with turbans and women with their odhni.The other attractions of the fair includes the Camel and Horse races, parades and other cultural events. At night hundreds of oil lamps are lit and placed on green leaves and floated on the lake after Arti pujas.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir

The main attraction of this temple town is the Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir which takes the credit of being the only existing temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir belongs to the 14th century and stands strong on a classically architectured plinth.

Man Mahal

The Man Mahal is supposed to be the largest of its kind in Pushkar concentrated on the eastern side of the Sarovar Lake. This mahal built by Raja Man Singh I of Ajmer gives a clear view of the other temples located in the vicinity of the lake. This royal guest house is now been converted into a hotel.

Pushkar Lake

The Pushkar lake is considered to be very sacred for it is believed to have been created by the falling of a Lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. The Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar together constitute the Panch Sarovar or five sacred lakes of Hindu mythology. This lake is considered to be one of the most sacred spots. It is believed that one dip in the holy waters of this lake on Karthika Poornima is equal to performing yagnas for several hundred years. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers.Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm; the Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy.

Old Rangji Temple

This temple is unique due to the confluence of South Indian(Dravidian) Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture.

Warah Temple

Warah Temple is built during 1123-1150 by King Anaji Chauhan.The presiding deity of this temple is a wild boar which is the incarnation of lord Vishnu. History says that it is here where Lord Vishnu descended on the earth taking up the incarnation of Warah the wild boar to kill the demon Hirnayaksh and liberate the land from his atrocities.

Savitri Temple

This temple is situated on a hill behind the Brahma temple and is dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma, Savitri. It takes a climb of series steps to reach this temple.

Apteshwar Temple

The presiding deity of the Apteshwar Temple is Lord Shiva which belongs to the 12th century.

Kishangarh

Kishangarh which is known for its miniature paintings belongs to the 17th century was founded by Kishan Singh.Kishangarh is just an hours drive from Pushkar and is noted for his Phool Mahal which is now converted into a hotel.Kishangarh mostly ruled by the Rathores is also known for its rich storehouse of marbles.

Ajmer

The holy city of Rajasthan,Ajmer is located at a distance of 14kms from Pushkar.The city is set in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Aravalli's.It was founded by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan in the 7th century AD and continued to be a major centre of Chauhan power till 1193A.D.

The most popular attraction in the city is the Dargah or tomb of the 13th centurySufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti.

Roopangarh

Roopangarh a nine turreted fort was built in 1648 by King Roop Singh of Kishangarh. But however lot of changes happened in the course of years which are quite evident in its architectural style.

Sambhar Lake

Sambhar Lake is known as a wetland internationally and is an ideal place for excursions. It is a place where horizons stretch to infinity and water and skymerge in a shimmer of gauzy blue.It is a heaven for bird watchers and more than 100 species of birds visit the Sambhar Lake.

SHOPPING

Shopping is fun in Pushkar.One can go on buying spree for various kinds of items representing Rajasthani culture and style. Silver and gold ornaments, jewellery, tie and dye textiles and hanblock printed textiles and embroidered Jodhpuri shoes are some of the specialities available off the shelf. Also on sale are saddles, ropes, and assorted household items. Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls. Small groups of men and women can be seen tatooing names and pictures on their hands and other parts of the body. The main shopping spots are Baza Bazar, Sarafa Bazar and Kedalganj Bazar.

GETTING THERE

By Air

Jaipur is the nearest airport to Pushkar, which in turn has daily flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai. It is also well connected with Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Calcutta. The airport is not more than 20 km from the city centre.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer. Ajmer has a good network of trains that connect it to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and other major cities of the country. You can catch Shatabdi Express from New Delhi for Ajmer.

By Road

Pushkar is well linked to Ajmer by roads, which in turn is connected to the major cities of Rajasthan, Delhi and Mumbai.