Pushkar
Distance from
Jaipur 151
Overview
Pushkar is one city in India that everybody is cognizant of and wishes to visit someday. This sacred city of Hindus, is only 10 km from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan.
This "Adi Tirtha" finds a revered mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharat. Lord Bramha is supposed to have killed the asura Vajra Nabha with lotus flower. The asura was destroyed by the contact, and petals fell at three places. One of those places is Pushkar, where a lake was formed. Brahma performed sacrifice on a Kartik Purnima (full moon day in the Hindu Kartik month), sanctifying it.
A holy bath in the lake at Pushkar and worship at Brahma temple (one of the very few Brahma temples in the world) is held in very high regards. Pushkar, considered one of the five dhams (Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri and Dwarka make up the penta), is abound with several temples, which trace their origin to ancient times. Aurangzeb, the Mogul emperor tried his best to eliminate all these temples. However they were always rebuilt and they still stand tall. Legends claim that, at one time, the shores of the Pushkar Lake were hosting 500 temples and 52 palaces (for numerous kings).
The city of Pushkar is comfortably settled between hills from tri-directions and the magnificent golden desert form the remaining. Though the climatic variations border the extreme ranges as is the true for any desert the always city is abuzz with activities (Festivals, Fairs, Safaris, pilgrimages etc.) throughout the year.
Apart from religious reasons Pushkar has also endeared itself to many for its wonderful shopping centers offering various fabrics, books, Handicraft goods, traditional and fusion music etc. Words of caution though; avoid consumption of meat and meat products and alcohol within 5 km of Pushkar.
Attraction
Merta: The beautiful city of Merta is known for the awesome temples and palaces. The most attractive sightseeing delights are the Aurangzeb Mosque, Bhanwal Mata Temple and Meera Bai Temple. The city was founded over 400 years ago and was a major trading post in the desert. It was the place where the Marathas conquered the Jaipur and Jodhpur armies and was later subjected to the rule of Emperor Akbar in the mid 1500s.
Pushkar Lake: Hindus from all across India consider Pushkar Lake to be one of the most sacred lakes of India. According to legend, the origin of this lake was the lotus flower petals that fell on earth from Lord Brahma's hands. The lake is surrounded by 52 palaces, 400 temples and 52 bathing 'ghats', which are a series of steps leading to the lake. Every year in November, pilgrims take a holy dip in this lake. It is believed that the water of the lake is capable of cleansing sins and curing skin diseases. A fair called Pushkar Fair is also held near this lake, every year.
Brahma Temple: The Brahma Temple is the lone Hindu temple in India where Lord Brahma, the Creator of the World is worshipped. This major attraction of Pushkar is situated on the banks of the Pushkar Lake and is considered to have a special position in the Hindu Pantheons. Built in the 14th century, the temple comprises a raised platform, red spire, stone slabs, marble floors and an image of 'hans' or swan, Lord Brahma's vehicle. A life-sized four-armed idol of Lord Brahma and a silver carved turtle is situated inside the temple. It is customary for pilgrims to stand on the steps and put coins to mark the deaths and births of their loved ones.
Man Mahal: Originally built by Raja Man Singh of Amber, the Man Mahal presently serves as the tourist bungalow of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. It is located to the east of Sarovar and is considered one of the greatest palaces of Pushkar. It is built in the Rajasthani architectural style and depicts the features of the royal era. The palace also offers views of the surrounding temples and lake.
Savitri Temple: Situated on the peak of the Ratnagiri Hill, the Savitri Temple is dedicated to Savitri, Lord Brahma's consort. It was built in 1687 and pilgrims need to trek up the hill in order to reach the shrine of the temple. The temple houses the statue of Goddess Savitri and offers good views of the surroundings, including the sand dunes of nearby villages and of the Pushkar Lake. Legend has it that the presence of Savitri was required in a 'yagna' that was done by Lord Brahma but she kept Him waiting. Lord Brahma irritated with her behaviour, married a milkmaid named Gayatri. Savitri became furious at this and cursed Him that he will only be worshipped once a year and only in Pushkar.
Rangji temple: Rangji Temple is dedicated to Rangji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. In 1823, the temple was built by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal and has a South Indian architectural style, though Mughal architecture peeks from some points. It comprises two big structures of gatekeepers in front of the main gate and the high rising 'Gopuram'. The temple houses an image of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's mount and is considered one of the holiest temples of Pushkar.
Mahadeva Temple: The Mahadeva Temple was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva or Shiva. The temple is popular in and around Pushkar and Ajmer for its elegance of structure. The temple has a statue of Mahadeva with five faces that is entirely made of white marble and is adorned with ornaments. The temple is also decorated with numerous sculptures or carvings. As per the Hindu Puranas, Lord Mahadeva or Shiva is known as the God of Destruction and the Ganges River has been created from the locks of His hair.
Varaha temple: The Varaha Temple in Pushkar was built by King Anaji Chauhan in the 12th century and is dedicated to Varaha, Lord Vishnu's incarnation in the form of a wild boar. The temple houses the idol of Lord Varaha that is white in colour and has a height of 2 feet. Various sculptures, elegant carvings, life-size statues of door men and gold-styled pillars depicting Garuda, the mythical bird are situated within the temple. The temple was destroyed by Emperor Aurangazeb but in 1727, it was reconstructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur.
Pushkar Bazaar: The Pushkar Bazaar offers a variety of items, especially during the annual Pushkar Fair. The items available here are Rajasthani costumes and puppets, embroidered fabrics, souvenirs, bangles and beads, decorative pieces and accessories, curios, embroidered shoes, brass utensils, glass lamps, bags, belts and many more handicraft items. Majority of the traditional items are brought to the Pushkar Bazaar from Barmer District and other tribal areas of Rajasthan.
Aptaeshwar temple: The three oldest temples in Pushkar, Varaha, Brahma and Aptaeshwar temples were built in the 19th century AD. The temple is completely devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. It was completely destroyed during the rule of Aurangzeb but was rebuilt soon. The whole temple has sunk over time and is not partially underground. In the centre of the main hallway, is the Shivalinga.
Raghunath Temples: In Pushkar, two Raghunath temples are located. The older temple was built in the year 1823 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple housed images of Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu; Venugopal and Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth but the presiding deity of this temple is Rama, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the God of preservation in the Indian Holy Trinity. The other temple houses deities like Lakshmi and Vaikunthanath. Only Indian pilgrims can visit these temples. The Raghunath Temples comprise of seven shrines, each with its own shikhara, a peak over the reigning deity's sanctum sanctorum.
Naga Pahar: The Naga Pahar or Hill stands as a divider between the city of Ajmer and the Pushkar Lake. According to a legend, the height of the hill will keep on decreasing over time and one day, the hill will completely disappear. Pilgrims often visit the cave on the hill that was once the residence of Agastya Muni and the Nag Kund that is believed to have been the home to Brahma's son, Vatu, after being cursed by Rishi Chyavan for creating mischief.
How to reach
By Air: Sanganer Airport, in Jaipur, is the nearest airport connecting Pushkar to the rest of India and abroad. Located at a distance of 146 km from Pushkar, this airport is well-connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
By Road: Pushkar is easily done by bus in Rajasthan. Look for local tourist board offices for more info.
By Train: Ajmer is the closest railway station from Pushkar at a distance of just 11 km. Being an important destination itself, Ajmer is conveniently connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and India. Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express are the best trains to opt for while traveling to Ajmer from Delhi and Jaipur.
