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Pushkar
BriefOn the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar, along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, in a narrow dry valley, overshadowed by impressive rocky hills, which offer spectacular views of the desert at sunset. The lake is almost magically beautiful in the early morning or late evening light, is one of the most sacred lakes of India and an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The celebrated Pushkar fair, transforms the quiet village to a colourful week of heightened activity. The Nag Pahar or the snake mountain, forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar.
History
The Lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a Yagna (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, where Lord Brahma performed his yagna.
Culture
The holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrims taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November, to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colourful cattle fair - the Pushkar fair, is also held during this time. Dance, music and colourful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk, enhance the fun of the occasion. A host of cultural event, against the backdrop of this pretty setting are also organised, including attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Pushkar is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. It lies around 11 Km from Ajmer, on the edge of the desert at an altitutde of 234 meters.
How to Reach
Pushkar is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, Pushkar is the nearest airport at 146 km and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. By rail, Pushkar is the nearest railhead ,which has regular train services linking it to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and other important cities. By road, Pushkar is connected to Ajmer which is on National Highway No 8 ,connecting Delhi to Mumbai via Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. A good network of bus services ,operate from Ajmer to key destinations around. Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by regular buses.
Tourist Places
Man Mahal
On the banks of Pushkar, is the magnificent palace, built by Raja Man Singh I of Amer. Now converted, into the RTDC Hotel Sarovar, it offers comfortable accomodation to the visitors.
The Brahma Temple
It is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple is marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway, is a beautiful statue of a Hans or goose - the celestial of Lord Brahma.
Other
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.
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