Pushkar is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites and it is said that a dip in the sacred lake of Pushkar is akin to the visits to the four main Hindu shrines known as 'Chaar Dhaam'. The picturesque Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. The charming lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth and presents an ideal site for the religious and cattle fair, which is held every year in the month of October or November. Pushkar alone has more than 400 temples and is said to be the only place with a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, one of the most important member of the Holy Trinity of Hindus who is known as 'The Creator').
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.
Area of Pushkar : 16.34 Sq. Kms. (approx.)
Population in Pushkar : (approx.)
Altitude of Pushkar : 413 meters above the sea level (approx.)
STD Code of Pushkar : 0145
Best time to visit Pushkar : July to March
Languages Spoken in Pushkar : Rajasthani, Hindi and English
Pushkar Tourist Attractions :
Brahma Temple : It is reputed as the only one temple dedicated to Brahma in India. A red spire marks the temple and over the entrance gateway there is a goose, the symbol of Brahma.
Savitri Temple : The Savitri Temple, located on a hilltop, is another attraction in Pushkar. It offers breathtaking views of the Pushkar Lake in the morning.
Pushkar Lake : It is revered as one the most sacred lakes among the Hindus. A dip in this lake is considered to be auspicious. Many temples located around the lake add to its charm.
Fairs and Festivals in Pushkar :
Pushkar Fair (Oct.-Nov.) : A colourful and lively fair, it is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country held every year at Pushkar on Kartik Poornima (full moon, October - November) . The 9 day event is considered to be the most striking animal fair in the world. As the fair has religious significance too, pilgrims and tradesmen come in thousands from far and near. Hundreds of horses, camels, cows and bulls are brought here to be sold. The spectacular fair is irresistible. Vendor displays their attractive goods and the villagers go on a shopping spree. Colourfully filled by turbaned men and odhni-wearing women, the entire atmosphere is electric and the otherwise serene temple town comes to life. The Camel & Horse races, parades and other cultural events are organized, which are full of fun and gaiety. After an eventful day, as the sun sets down, the entire atmosphere reverbrates with the ringing bells and prayers in the temples. At night, hundreds of small oil lamps are lit and placed on green leaves and floated on the lake after the Arti Puja (prayers). the act of worship is called 'deepdan', and the entire lake is illuminated. The view is simply mesmerizing and is to be seen to be believed.
Shopping in Pushkar :
The main market of Pushkar has narrow lanes intertwined into each other lined with a variety of noteworthy small shops that have silver and beaded jewellery, bangles, broidered fabrics, camel covers, leather goods, bed and cushion covers, brass utensils and Rajasthani puppets on their display. Fusion music and books are also available for people who are interested. The main shopping spots are Baza Bazar, Sarafa Bazar and Kedalganj Bazar. One can also find some good deals during the fair where a large number of traders come to sell their wares. Some of the popular buys are bead necklaces of Nagaur, Merta's woollen blankets, printed textiles of Ajmer and Jodhpur and the traditional brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Accommodations in Pushkar :
The holy town of Pushkar offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and traveling style. Luxury star hotels, small hotels and luxury tented safari camps - all can be found in this small town. The name of Hotels are : Master Paradise, Green Park Resort, Pushkar Fort, Hotel New Park, Royal Camp, Pushkar Villas Resort, Jagat Singh Palace, Hotel Sajjan Bagh, Pushkar Palace, Hotel Gulab Niwas, Pushkar Resort, Hotel Teerth Palace
How to Reach Pushkar :
By Air : The nearest airport is Jaipur (145 km), from where one can take flights for Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train : Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains for the major destinations in Rajasthan and other parts of India.
By Road : Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road, which is around 14 km away. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
