Must See in Pushkar
/ Tourist Attractions of Pushkar
A 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.
Brahma Temple
This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and
the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in
Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma - the
creator in the vestibule. The temple has marble floors and stairs and
coins have been put by the devotees to mark the birth or deaths of the
loved ones.
Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is another important attraction of Pushkar and it has
immense significance for the followers of Hinduism. According to the
legends, the lake was dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from
his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on
the same spot latter on which is considered holy. The entire lake is
supposed to be surrounded by
500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats. On
the occasion of Kartik Purnima in November every year, devotees take
holy bath in the lake and a fair is organized, known world over as the
Pushkar Fair.
Savitri Temple
The temple is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma and located
on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. According to the legends when Lord
Brahma performed a Yagna (holy fire devoted to gods) along with
Gayatri,
a local milkmaid, furious Savitri cursed her husband that he would never
be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar and that too only once a year.
Savitri left for the
Ratnagiri Hill after cursing her husband and
immolated herself there. There is beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri
inside the temple.
Other Important Temples
Other important temples in Pushkar are
19th century Mahadeva Temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva - The Destroyer, with five faces. It is known
for the elegance of its structure and ornamentation. Rangaji Temple is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu - the preserver and built in the South Indian
architectural style. There are two massive dwarpals (gatekeepers)
structure in front of the main gate and an image of Garuda inside.
Another important temple is of Varaha - an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu
and built in 12th century.
Pushkar Bazaar
A bustling bazaar, the Pushkar local market offers tourist as well
pilgrimage related products. A range of souvenirs could be purchased
including the Rajasthani costumes,
jewellery,
embroidered fabrics,
decorative pieces and groovy accessories. The bazaar becomes a hub of
activity during the annual Pushkar Fair.
Pushkar
Fair
The most important reason of Pushkar being on the international travel
map is Pushkar Fair. The fair is held every year in the month of
November during the
Kartik Purnima (day of full moon) when hundreds of
thousands of people take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake. This is
also an occasion to organize the largest camel fair in the world.
PUSHKAR - EXCURSIONS
Kuchaman,
Kishangarh, and
Roopangarh are some of the better-known
excursions from Pushkar. Ajmer is one of the major cities of Rajasthan
and famous for annual urs celebrated here.
Kuchaman
Famous for its fort, a visit to Kuchaman takes you to the magic of a
bygone era. You can view the life of Meera Bai in miniature paintings in
the Meera Mahal. In the Lok Dev Temple appreciate the beautiful
paintings of Lok Devatas such as Sant Tejaji, Sant Gogaji, Sant Pabu
Rathore, Baba Ram Dev, Sant Kesaria Kanwarji, Sant Jamboji, Sant Ravi
Das, Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak and
Khawaja Moinu-din-chisti. The temple was
built by Ranjit Singh to honor the sacrifices of the masses. Other
attractions in Kuchaman include the Meena Bazaar (a bustling bazaar
where merchants, tradesmen and craftsmen used to put up their wares for
sale to the royalty) and the China Pole (with its exceptional
intricately painted interiors made by a Chinese traveler narrating his
experiences during his travels in India).
Kishangarh
Kishangarh was a princely state ruled by the
Rathores and located on
National Highway 8. Apart from its fort, the Kishangarh is known for the
miniature paintings style known as Kishangarh Art. Phool Mahal (Flower
Palace), now converted into a hotel is the main attraction inside the
fort. Kishangarh is also known its rich storehouse of marbles.
Roopangarh
Roopangarh was built by King Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1648.
Originally a nine-turreted fort, new additions were continuously made to
in the coming years. Difference in the architectural styles can be
easily observed in the fort.
Ajmer
Ajmer is a major city in the North Rajasthan and located just 14 km from
Pushkar. The most popular attraction in the city is the Dargah or tomb
of the 13th century Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti.
Other attractions are the Anna Sagar Lake, the Nasiyan Temple, and the
Arhai Din ka Jhonpra.
Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake is a declared wetland of international importance and a
wonderful place for excursion. It is a place where horizons stretch to
infinity and water and sky merge in a shimmer of gauzy blue. The lake is
considered as the bird watchers paradise and home to around 140 species
of avifauna.
