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| Pushkar -A sacred Hill Retreat |
Pushkar, the picturesque pilgrim city, nestles amidst the majestic Aravalis hills. It is just 11 kms from Ajmer and Pushkar is quite interesting, as the serpentine road winds through the Nag Pahar (Snake Hill), which forms a natural barrier between Ajmer and Pushkar. The town is considered to be on of the most sacred pilgrimage for Hindus and is referred as 'Tirth Raj' or the 'King of pilgrim centres'. It is believed that a pilgrimage is rendered incomplete without a holy dip in the sacred waters of Pushkar.
Pushkar is associated with several myths and legends. According to 'Padam Puran', the Hindu religious text, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for a Vedic Yagna. While contemplating, a lotus fell down from his hand on the earth and water spurted from three places, one of them was Pushkar and Brahma decided to perform his yagna over here. The temple town has withstood the test of time, and has been a mute witness to the procession of history from the time of Rama, the hero of the earliest Hindu epic Ramayana, to Fa-Hien's accounts of Pushkar in 14th century Ad., and to the time of Muslim invasion.
The holy land is dotted with over 400 sacred shrines of immense religious importance, the most important being the temple of Lord Brahma, which is only one of its kind in the country. The beautiful Pushkar lake, surrounded b bathing ghats is another most important site of the town.
The sleepy town comes to life during the annual Pushkar fair held on Kartik Purnima. It has emerged as a major tourist attraction of the region, as tourist from all parts of the world gather here for the colourful fair.
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Getting there
Airways : Nearest airport is at Jaipur (146 km).
Railways: The nearest railhead is Ajmer (11 km).
Roadways: It is well connected by Road. Regular bus service available from Ajmer.
Facts About Pushkar
Area : 5 sq. km.
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi & English.
Rainfall: 50 cm
Temperature : Summer 40.7C-25. 9c Winter 23.3- 6.3C
Clothing : : Summer Light Tropical Winter Heavy Woollen.
Exploring Pushkar!
Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir
The unique shrine of Lord Brahma, the 'Lord of Creation' is the most important attraction of the town. It is the only existing temple of Lord Brahma in the country. The 14th century shrine set on a high plinth is marked by a red spire. It is approached by marble steps and over the main entrance is a beautiful statue of a 'Hans' or swan, the celestial carrier of Lord Brahma.
The sanctum sanctorum or the garbha griha enshrines a four faced image of Lord Brahma, known as Chaumurti. Nearby is a small image of milkmaid Gayatri. The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gate way. Steps in the corner lead to a small cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. A beautifully carved silver turtle is set on the floor in front of the garbha griha. The marble floor around the silver coins. Silver coins bearing the names of the donor's are also set in the temple walls.
The temple walls are also adorned with graceful peacocks, the celestial vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom and consort of Lord Brahma.
Warah Temple
The sacred shrine along with the famous Brahma temple are the two most important temples of the town. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Warah, the wild boar. It is said to be built by Chauhan King Anaji (1123-1150), but was destroyed by Muhammad Ghuri, after his victory over Ajmer. It was renovated in 1806, by Gokul Chand Parikh, a Scindia minister.
Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple
The 11th century shrine of Lord Shiva is yet another important temple of the town.
Savitri Temple
This shrine of Lord Brahma's first wife is set on the hill behind the Brahma temple. The temple is approached by a long flight of steps and affords a birds eye view of the lake and surroundings areas. Temple of Rahgji or Shri Vaikunthnath ji.
This magnificent shrine is noted for its south Indian style of architecture. It has a high towering 'Gopuram' (gateway). Which is typical of southern Indian temples.
Other important temples of Pushkar are-Baiji ka Mandir and Man Mandir etc.
Pushkar Lake
The pious Pushkar lake amid Aravalli hills is dipped in mythological legends and is said to be created by the falling of louts petal from the hand of Lord Brahma. The lake is considered to be as old as the creation and is one of the sacred 'Panch Sarovar' or Five Lakes of Hindu mythology. The other four are Man Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar Bindu Sarovar and Pampa Sarovar. It is considered to be one of the most sacred spots for Hindus and a dip in the waters of the lake on Kartik Poornima, is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years. A dip in the water of the lake washes away the sins of the devotees.
There are 52 bathing ghats around the lake, the water around each of them is said to possess special powers. The Naga Kund is believed 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. Some other important ghats are Warah Ghat, Brahma Ghat and Gau Ghat. The Warah Ghat is considered very sacred as Lord Vishnu is Believed to have appeared here in the from of a Warah (wild boar). Photography is prohibited on the ghats of the lake, while devotees are bathing in the lake.
Man Mahal
Magnificent Man Mahal built by Raja Man Singh l of Amer, is located to the east of the sacred lake. It is the largest royal house in Pushkar and was built as a royal guest house for Raja Man Singh l on his trips to the holy town. The guest house has been converted into a hotel provides a fine view of the ghats and the surrounding areas.
Pushkar Palace
The 400 year palace was built by the Mharaja of Kshangarh. It is set on the edge of the lake and a beautiful view of the temples, bathing ghats, sand dunes, and the magnificent Aravali hills can be enjoyed from her. It has also converted into a hotel.
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