According to the Padma (Lotus) Purana, Pushkar, 15km northwest of Ajmer,
came into existence when Lord Brahma, the Creator, dropped his lotus
flower (pushpa) to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. At the
three spots where the petals landed, water magically appeared in the
midst of the desert to form three small blue lakes, and it was on the
banks of the largest of these that Brahma subsequently convened a gathering
of some 900,000 celestial beings - the entire Hindu pantheon. Surrounded
by whitewashed temples and bathing ghats, the lake is today revered
as one of India's most sacred sites: Pushkaraj Maharaj, literally "Pushkar
King of Kings". During the auspicious full-moon phase of October/
November (the anniversary of the gods' mass meeting, or yagya), its
waters are believed to cleanse the soul of all impurities, drawing pilgrims
from all over the country. Alongside this annual religious festival,
Rajasthani villagers also buy and sell livestock at what has become
the largest camel market (unt mela) in the world, when more than 200,000
dealers, tourists and traders fill the dunes to the west of the lake.
The legendary colour of the camel mela, combined with the beautiful
desert scenery and heady religious atmosphere of the temples and ghats
have inevitably made Pushkar a prime tourist destination.
History
Pushkar the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms away from the city.
Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th century writing of the
Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts writing during the
era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals
and for Brahma Temple. It is said that in a battle Lord Brahma killed
the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to
earth and landed in three places in and Pushkar where Lakes sprang up.
The bath at Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other
place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be
salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is
famous in His name. So it is blessed by Him in every way. In olden times
the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the
sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma.
According to another legend back in a legendary time Lord Brahma was
flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan when some petals fell from
his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where
the flowers had touched the soft sands. Just then, Lord Brahma realized
that this was the auspicious moment to perform a fire sacrifice.
What to see
Pushkar Fair
A temporary township of tents springs up on the outskirts of Pushkar
after ‘Deewali’, ‘the festival of lights’, in October
or November (the Indian lunar month of Kartik) as upto 200,000 people
converge here for the world-famous cattle fair – pilgrims, tourists,
film makers, traders, nomads and villagers with their herds of cattle,
camels and horses. As livestock trading spreads over a fortnight, the
whole town takes on a festive carnival atmosphere with colourful shops
and food stalls coming up everywhere. While thousands of farmers haggle
over the price of a camel or cow, other villagers participate in various
contests, camel, donkey and horse races or take their children for rides
on the giant wheel.
Campfires light up the cool November evenings and the performances
of folk dance and music, cast a spell on the silent desert nights. The
festivities peak on the day of the full moon as thousands of pilgrims
take a holy dip. The moving ‘deepdan’ ceremony rounds off
the proceedings, as hundreds of tiny flickering lamps are set afloat
on the serene lake.
Just be there! This is a great place for shopping for all sorts of
handicrafts, particularly embroidered fabrics, painted textiles, embroidered
shoes, wall hangings, shoulder bags and old silver jewellery.
Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir
Pushkar's most important temple, Brahmaji Mandir, houses a four-headed
image of Brahma in its main sanctuary. A beautifully carved silver turtle
sits on the floor facing the sanctum sancotrum or "garbha griha".
Peacocks adorn the temple walls, as they are believed to be the vehicle
of Goddess Saraswati - the Goddess of wisdom and consort of Lord Brahma.
Steps in a corner, lead to a small cave dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Man Mahal
Raja Man Singh I of Amer built this royal house - the largest in Pushkar
- located on the east of the sacred Sarovar Lake in Pushkar. It affords
a clear view of the banks and temples located around the lake. It was
built as a royal guest house of Raja Man Singh I for his trips to the
holy town. This traditional guest house has now been converted into
a hotel.
Warah Temple
This temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a wild
boar. The temples of Lord Brahma and Warah are considered of equal religious
importance. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed
by the Chauhan King Anaji (1123-1150 A.D), and was renovated by Gokul
Chand Parikh, a Scindia Minister in 1806 A.D.
Getaways
Makrana
This place is renowned for the world famous Makrana marble. It was this
marble, which was extensively used in the creation of many architectural
beauties all over India. It has become a flourishing business centre
of Rajasthan, and is the biggest centre of marble trade in India. It
also has some excellent artists skilled in marble carving and it is
fascinating to see these craftsmen working on statues, vases, pedestals
etc.
Nagaur
This fortified city, boasts of a chivalrous past and multi-storeyed
buildings of great architectural beauty. This is one of the most picturesque
Rajput townships, and was granted to Amar Singh Rathore by the Mughal
emperor Shahjahan. The Baradari or courtyard is painted with beautiful
murals which are a fine blend of Persian and Nagauri style. The frescoes
of flowers and dancers also grace the walls of the Baradari. Nagaur
also has many old temples, mosques, dargahs and cenotaphs.
Dining Out
All the restaurants in town are strictly vegetarian, and do not
serve even eggs. Many of the places intown offer all-you-can-eat buffet
lunches and dinners. Basically they are thalis that you serve yourself.
Many times the food is sitting all day, so it may be unhealthy. It is
best to get food, especially in India, when it is freshly cooked.
OM Siva Restaurant
Upstairs in the main bazaar, across from the State Bank of Bikaner and
Jaipur, has an all-you-can-eat breakfast. This includes cereal, fruit,
brown bread with your choice of butter, peanut butter, jelly, or cheese,
and other items. This meal is a real bargain and is recommended. The
lunch buffet includes several items including rice, vegetables, soup,
chips and falafel.
There is another OM Shiva Buffet Restaurant on the rooftop of the VKTourist
Palace Hotel. It is a good place.
Raju's Garden Restaurant-In the center of the town off the main
road, is one of the better places. The spaghetti is good, and for western
food this is one of the better places. It has pizza and baked potatoes.
RS Restaurant - By the Brahma Temple, is one of the better places
in town. It has good cheap thalis.
Rainbow - Near the Brahma Temple, is a rooftop restaurant that
serves Indian, Chinese, Mexican Italian, and good falafels. It has a
really good view of the lake.
Krishna Restaurant - Temple Road has good Indian, hummus, falafel
and dosas.
Hotel Pushkar Palace - Has a good buffet and a bakery. It is
well located in a garden next to the lake.
Natraj - Near the bazaar post office, is a fairly good rooftop
place.
Moondance - Has very good Indian, Italian, Mexican and Thai
food. The sizzlers are excellent. It is a popular, laid-back, chill-out
place. There is a section where you sit on the floor and eat. It is
an easy place to meet people and hangout. It is a recommended nighttime
place.
Venus Restaurant - On the rooftop of the Venus Hotel, serves
Indian, Continental, Italian and Chinese food. The sizzlers are good.
It is a good place to sit and watch what is happening in the bazaar
below.
The rooftop restaurant at the Oasis Hotel is good. The Sunset Café,
near the Pushkar Palace next to the lake, is a nice place to sit and
watch the sunset. The food is fairly good.
Shopping
Pushkar occupies an important place in Rajasthan as a source of
souvenirs and visitors who visit this holy town definitely go the bazaars
to purchase textiles, clothes with elaborate embroidery, ethnic jewellery
which is a speciality of Rajasthan, alluring miniature paintings, leather
goods, lovely brass utensils, mesmerising puppets and pottery. Pushkar
is considered to be one of the most interesting places in Rajasthan
to buy costume jewellery and embroidered clothes.
At the time of Pushkar fair, one can purchase various items like beads,
brass utensils, lovely colourful bangles, leather goods, unique embroidered
clothes, camel cover, and much more.
Major shopping areas in Pushkar are Sarafa Bazar, Baza Bazar and Kedalganj
bazaar.
Visiting
The best time to visit Pushkar is in October/November when the city
is abuzz with activity for the Pushkar Fair.
Tourist Offices
Rajasthan Tourist Office, Hotel Sarovar, Tel: 2040.
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur from where one can take flights for Delhi
and Mumbai.
Rail
Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains
for the major destination of India.
Road
Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road which is around 14 km away. Jeeps
and taxis are also available.
