Pushkar - Highlight
- Pushkar is famous for annual fair – Pushkar Camel Fair; featuring a trading festival of cattle, horses and camels
- This sacred city of Hindus is only 10 km from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan
- The city is full of temples and ghats most of which are from 18th century and later
- As Pushkar is considered a sacred city by Hindus particularly, consumption of meat and egg is forbidden in the city
Photo by Uri Sittan Tripo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Pushkar is one city in India that everybody is cognizant of and wishes to visit someday. This sacred city of Hindus is only 10 km from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. This “AdiTirtha” finds a revered mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharat. Lord Bramha is supposed to have killed the asuraVajraNabha with lotus flower. The asura was destroyed by the contact, and petals fell at three places. One of those places is Pushkar, where a lake was formed. Brahma performed sacrifice on a KartikPurnima (full moon day in the Hindu Kartik month), sanctifying it.
A holy bath in the lake at Pushkar and worship at Brahma temple (one of the very few Brahma temples in the world) is held in very high regards. Pushkar, considered one of the five dhams (Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri and Dwarka make up the penta), is abound with several temples, which trace their origin to ancient times. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor tried his best to eliminate all these temples.However they were always rebuilt and they still stand tall. Legends claim that, at one time, the shores of the Pushkar Lake were hosting 500 temples and 52 palaces (for numerous kings).
The city of Pushkar is comfortably settled between hills from tri-directions and the magnificent golden desert form the remaining. Though the climatic variations border the extreme ranges as is the true for any desert the always city is abuzz with activities (Festivals, Fairs, Safaris, pilgrimages etc.) throughout the year.Apart from religious reasons Pushkar has also endeared itself to many for its wonderful shopping centers offering various fabrics, books, Handicraft goods, traditional and fusion music etc. Words of caution though, avoid consumption of meat and meat products and also alcohol within 5 km of Pushkar.
How to Reach Pushkar
- Air – Pushkar is well connected by means of flight to all other major cities of India through the airport at Jaipur.
- Rail – Ajmer junction (11 km) is the nearest station and it is well connected via trains to all other cities of India.
- Road – Ajmer is the nearest bus hub and is well connected with other important cities.
Distance of Pushkar from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Ajmer |
11 |
|
Jaipur |
150 |
|
Jodhpur |
190 |
|
Delhi |
411 |
Weather
Pushkar Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are high and range between (17°C) to (38°C). Not a recommended season for tourists due to the excessive heat
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Being a desert area, rainfall in Rajasthan is not very high. Temperature is on the higher side.
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (5°C) to (33°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Pushkar
The Pushkar Lake created from the petal fallen from Brahma’s Lotus when he destroyed the demon Vajra Nabha. The lake is no less than a miracle within the dry and arid desert. The lake and its numerous Ghats are a place of hectic activities when the pilgrims, eager to wash away their sins, crowd them for a holy dip. The waters are believed to cure various ailments and have also been proved to contain certain chemicals that aid skin Enrichment.
The Lake is surrounded by 52 ghats and over 350 temples. The Pandas at the Ghats are to be dealt with firmly for them with their knowledge and wisdom would try to extract their share of money.
The only Brahma temple in the world is present at Pushkar. Though the Lord Brahma has a temple, He himself is not worshipped. The legend goes that Lord Brahma, desperate to perform a Holy Yajnya (Fire-Worship) at Pushkar decided to marry a local girl since his wife Savitri was not ready to come to Mrutyulok (Earth). However, Savitri decided to check in on the erring husband and found him sitting alongside his new bride. Enraged Savitri cursed Brahma that he would lose the right to be worshipped anywhere else other than Pushkar and hence the only temple dedicated to this Lord of the Lords.
The temple is magnificently rebuilt in 1809. Make it a point to identify the four-faced icon of Brahma accompanied by his reticent bride, Gayatri. The turtle (pure silver) at the shrine’s entrance also deserves a closer look. The entrance is marked by a maroon spire and atop the gateway a Hans (goose) is seen perched.
Other Details
What to Do
- You can enjoy a camel safari tour of the nearby villages, while in Pushkar. The camel festival at Pushkar is one of the major attractions of Pushkar.
- Take a dip in the holy pond are just circle it and do a Parikrama(it is said to be extremely religious around here).
- Visit the Savitri Temple.
- Attend the prayer at Varaah Ghat in the evening. The huge lamps and chimes, mesmerize you.
Where to Eat
- Sixth Sense — ChottiBasti. Indian menu is on the book here. Seasonal Vegetables, Rice, vegetable pizza, pasta along with the filter coffee and fresh juice are the things to look forward to.
- Sun-n-Moon — Street Bari Basti. Italian menu, Sahdy courtyard, relaxed ambience, combined with Lassis, Masala Chai,Hash Browns and hot chocolate make this tiny spot an irresistible one.
- Sunset Cafe — Eastern Ghats. This place is known for its great views, at sunset, just beside the lake. Curries, Pizza, Pasta and German Cakes is the usual menu around here.
What to Buy
Handicrafts are the main attractions here.You can also go for hand woven shawls and scarves.
Get Around
Getting around in this town is mainly by foot. It is a small town and walking beside the lake by foot actually provides serene pleasure.
Popular Tour Plans - Rajasthan
1-3 Days
1. Jaipur (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Jaipur (9N/10D)
2. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur (8N/9D)
3. Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Mount Abu-Udaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur (12N/13D)
2. Delhi-Corbett National Park-Agra-Bharatpur-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (12N/13D)