11-km
from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies a tiny tranquil town of
Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an
important pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Padma Purana, elaborately
describes the origin and importance of this lake.
It says that
Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once contemplating to locate a
suitable spot on earth to perform a 'Yajna' (sacrificial ritual), the lotus
fell from his hand and rebounding, struck the earth at three places within a
circuit of kms. Water issued forth, from all the three places and
the Creator called all the three as Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as
'Jyeshtha' (elder), 'Madhya' (central) and 'Kanishtha' (younger).
According
to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar from Kartik
Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and bathe in
the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing on the last day
which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings.
One
of the major attractions in Pushkar is the PUSHKAR FAIR. The cattle
fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like camels and
horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people from far and wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village, has
also been erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized for them
and cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the Rajasthani way of
life and culture. Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and
small; the most celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the
Universe.
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Major Attractions of Pushkar |
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Savitri Temple : A temple dedicated to the first wife of
Lord Brahma the Savitri temple is located on the hill behind the Brahma
Temple which can be reached by a flight of steps. The temple offers a
panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding desertscape.
The Brahma Temple : It is the only temple in India
dedicated to Lord braham. The temple is marked by a red spire and over the
entrance gateway us a beautiful statue carrier of Lord Brahma.
Pushkar Fair : The Pulsating beats of vivid images of the
Sacred Brahma land, Pushkar brings alive the rich tradition of Rajasthan
enhancing the glory of the golden sand.
Spectacular Fair Ground in
the month of Kartik with bedecked Camels, decorated cattles, adventures
competitions, breathtaking events, jostling rustic crowd, meditating sadhus,
holy dip, vivid stalls, exotic fair, colorful desert, so typical, so
obvious, It can be nothing else but Pushkar Fair. An amalgamation of a
marvellous juxtaposition of commerce and devotion, Pushkar Fair, a lifetime
experience in the very holy land.
The fair in conjunction with
having religious entity is famous for its Cattle Fair. Camels, Horses,
Donkeys, Bulls, etc are bought, sold, beautified, raced and paraded on the
sand. In fact, the fair is predominantly a rural gathering, where villagers
from different parts of state comes with their animals and lakes are flooded
with the pilgrims for the Holy Dips (SNAN).
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Shopping in Pushkar |
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A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair and set
up shops. They sell a host of products like bead necklaces of Nagaur,
woollen blankets of Merta, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware
of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Also on sale are saddles, ropes, and assorted
household items. During the fair, cultural shows and exhibitions are
organised to enliven the event. Movies are shown and competitions are
arranged. Bards and poets recite and sing tales of valour and heroism of
bygone days. Animal races and other competitions add to the attraction.
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How to Get there |
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Air : Jaipur at 146-km is the nearest
airport.
Rail : Ajmer at 11-km is the nearest
railhead from Pushkar.
Road : Pushkar is well
connected by road and is 11-km from Ajmer.