Travel to
Pushkar
Travel
to Pushkar -
¤ Pushkar A Legendary
Town
Situated on the fringe of the desert and surrounded by
hills on three sides, Pushkar is a laid back town. A very important
pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Pushkar is famous for its lake. It is believed
that Lord Brahma set out on a quest for a tranquil spot to perfom a yagna
(ceremonial sacrifice) when a lotus fell from his hand. A lake sprang
forth from the ground at the spot where the lotus fell.
Another legend also links Pushkar to Brahma, but in
a slightly different manner. A demon Vajra Nabh had become quite a
nuisance for the people on Earth, and the Creator of the Universe Brahma
decided to put an end to him. Brahma floated down to terra firma on his
lotus and slew Vajra Nabh with a lotus blossom. The petals landed on the
ground and three beautiful lakes gushed out of the ground. Brahma then
performed a yagna attended by all the gods and goddesses.
However,
there’s a catch to this story. Brahma’s wife Saraswati was busy elsewhere
and couldn’t make it to the yagna. Now since the presence of a wife was
crucial for the ceremony, Brahma maried a maiden called Gayatri.
Saraswati, like most wives, couldn’t stomach her husband being stolen by
someone else and promptly flew into a rage, cursing Brahma that he would
never be worshipped at any other place other than at Pushkar. As the curse
took effect the moment it was uttered and couldn’t be revoked, the Brahma
temple in Pushkar is the only one in the world where Brahma is worshipped,
although His statues do exist in various parts of India.
large
accumulation of travel attractions, Pushkar is famous for its picturesque
sites as well as more than 400 temples. The most important of the temples
is the Brahma Temple (only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator, in the
world). Other important temples are Savitri Temple, Mahadeva Temple,
Rangji Temple, and Varaha Temple. Pushkar Lake is the site of annual holy
bath on Kartik Purnima. Pushkar Bazaar is famous for its high range of
handicrafts. Another important attraction in the city is Man Mahal built
by Raja Man Singh of Amber.
Travel to Pushkar by Air
The city don't have its own
airport, but the nearest airport could be located at Jaipur which is 132
kms away from the the city. The city is well linked to all major cities
like Delhi, mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Travel to Pushkar by Rail
The nearest rail head is at Ajmer. The city is well connected to
all major cities of India. You would find daily trains connecting Delhi to
Ajmer.
Travel to Pushkar by Road
The city is 11 kms from Ajmer Bus
stand. Rajasthan Roadways run from Jaipur to Ajmer. You would find no
problem in connectivity from Ajmer to Jaipur.
Accommodation in
Pushkar : The town has no many hotels, the famous hotel is Pushkar
Palace (Heritage) which provides the accommodation faciltiy. Ajmer can be
the ideal base to visit Pushkar as the city is dotted with several
hotels.
Pushkar facts
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Area : |
16.34 sq. km |
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Population : |
11,506 |
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Distance : |
11kms from Ajmer |
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Altitude : |
486 meters above sea level |
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Languages : |
Hindi, Rajasthani, English |
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Best Time to Visit :
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October to mid-March |
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STD Code : |
014581
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¤ Attraction of Nag
Pahar |
Nag Pahar or the Snake Mountain stands as a
divider between the lake and the city of Ajmer. The mountain is famous for
Panch Kund and saint Agastya’s cave, and it is believed that Kalidas, the
4th century poet and playwright, composed Abhigyanam Shakuntalam, one of
his finest works, here.
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¤ Pushkar-A Famous Pilgrimage
Center |
In olden days Pushkar was an important
pilgrimmage for kings and emperors, and is believed to have had over 500
temples and more than 50 palaces. One of the most spectacular sights in
Pushkar today is not during the day but by night. Pushkar lake is the
venue for deepdan (offering of lamps) to the lake which comes alive with
hundreds and thousands of tiny earthen lamps floated out into the dark
waters, creating a breathtaking view.
Man Mahal Raja
Man Singh of Amer built this little palace for himself for the times he
would visit Ajmer and Pushkar along the banks of Pushkar lake. Currently
it functions as a tourist bungalow run by the Rajasthan Tourism
department. Near the palace is Pushkar palace, now a heritage hotel.
Pushkar Cattle Fair
A massive cattle
fair occurs in October and November around the lake which is also famous
for its crocodiles – which, simply put, means that if you get in you might
not get out! The Pushkar Fair, as the cattle fair is commonly known,
attracts thousands of people from all over the country who come to trade
and watch cart and camel races. A full moon means its time to take a holy
dip in the lake in places where the crocs aren’t around. The `loading of
the camel’ is a very popular event in which a camel is made to sit down
while as many riders as is possible – plus a few more – happily climb onto
the poor animal and go for a ride. Camel polo is another hit with the
people, although its technique and expertise would embarass any decent
horse polo buff.
Each year during Kartik Purnima around 200,000
people flock to Pushkar for the camel Fair, with 50,000 camels and cattle
accompanying them. For livestock traders, this is a pretty serious affair,
and many travel hundreds of kilometers with the sole intention of getting
a good price for their cattle. While the fair is in progress, a mini tent
city springs up near the lake, seemingly appearing out of nowhere and
disappearing as soon as the festival ends, only to reappear a year later.
When the fair draws to a close and everyone gets going home, a
strange wailing sound fills the orange evening. These are the wails of
camel mothers separated from their young ones who have been sold off and
who they shall never see again. A truly heart wrenching finalé to one of
the most popular fairs in Rajasthan.
Brahma Temple This
is one of the famous temple of the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped.
The temple witholds many religious beliefs and is significant in the heart
of Hindus. Brahma temple has marble floors, stairs and coins. You would
love to see the temple marble floors.
Pushkar Lake This
is one of the important attractions of Pushkar and is immensely important
amongst the followers of Hinduism. The lake was devoted to Lord Brahma.
The lake is surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces and 52 ghats. Pushkar
lake is a must watch during Karthik Purnima wich is held in the month of
November every year, the fest is better known as the Pushkar
fair.
Savitri Temple There are number of temples dotted
on Pushkar landscape but very few manage to grab attention of devotees and
travellers. Savitri temple is one which has conquered the hearts of many
travellers. You would find a beautiful statue of Goddess
Savitri.
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¤ Excursion |
Kuchaman This is one of the
famous forts and one can view the beauty of the ort its Meera Bai
miniature paintings inside the Meera Mahal. Another attractions which you
could find here is the Lok Dev temple which was constructed by Ranjit
Singh to honour the sacrifices of the masses.
Kishangarh It is a regal state which ruled by Rathores.
The Kishangarh fort is quite popular for housing miniature painting style
which is called the Kishangarh art. Also try peaking at the Phool Mahal or
the flower palace which is inside the fort and is now operational as
heritage hotel.
Kishangarh was the royal state ruled by Rathores.
The Kishangarh fort houses the miniature paintings style called as
Kishangarh Art. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) inside the fort is now
operational as hotel.
Ajmer Just next to Pushkar is
Ajmer, which is 11 kms north of Rajasthan. Founded by Raja Ajai Pal
Chauhan, Ajmer is a scenic city of Rajasthan.
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