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The town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is recognised as one of the most sacred cities in India. This holy city finds its reference in the travelogue of Fa-Hien, a renowned 4th century Chinese traveller and in the writings of the period, when Mughals invaded India.
The city owes its popularity to the various myths that have found prominence here. There are many attractions in Pushkar and tourists coming here have a lot of exploring to do.
You can enjoy the serenity of Pushkar lake or head for a spiritual outing to the various temples here. If adventure is on your mind, then, the place to be is the Pushkar Cattle Fair where you get to see many cultural events and also ride atop a camel.
Brahma Temple
The Brahma Temple is located on the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the one of the few temples in India that is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Brahma. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma is said to have performed a 'yagna' (fire-worship) here. The temple was built in the 14th century and has a majestic four-headed image of Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus with his young consort, Gayatri on the left, and Savitri on the right. Travellers coming here can marvel at the architecture of this temple and also learn more about Lord Brahma.
Photo Courtesy: LRBurdak
Pushkar Bazaar
The Pushkar Bazaar is an epitome of the cultural exhibition of Rajasthan, especially during the Pushkar Fair. The bazaar offers varieties of items, ranging from Rajasthani costumes, puppets, embroidery items, bangles and beads, brass utensils and many more Rajasthani handicrafts. Most traditional items sold here are usually brought from Barmer and other parts of Rajasthan. It is a hub for shoppers and travellers can binge on purchasing many local handicrafts from here.
Photo Courtesy: Y'amal
Pushkar Cattle Fair
Pushkar is known for its world-famous 'Cattle Fair'. Every year the fair is held during the month of November. During this festivity, millions of devotees arrive at Pushkar to take a holy dip in the sacred lake. The trading of domesticated animals, mainly camels, is a major attraction in the fair. The fair also hosts a series of cultural events that include puppet shows, camel races and so on. Tourists coming here can enjoy the various cultural and sports events held here. You can also take photographs of adorned camels that are bought here for trading. If you are lucky, you might even get to enjoy a camel ride here.
Photo Courtesy: Y'amal
Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is a semi-circular shaped sacred water body that is also known as 'Tirtha Raj'. According to the Hindu mythology, this lake was created from one of the petals that fell from the lotus flower with which Lord Bramha had killed the demon Vajra Nabh. The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by more than 300 temples and has 52 ghats where devotees can take a holy dip. It is believed that taking a bath in this lake clears you of all sins and that it cures all skin diseases. Travellers coming here can enjoy the scenic view from the Puskar lake and also walk along the many ghats here.
Photo Courtesy: Francisco Anzola
Rangji Temple
The Rangji Temple is a holy temple in Pushkar that was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has been built in the Dravidian architectural style. Besides a high-rising 'Gopuram', the temple has two structures of gatekeepers at the main entrance. Tourists coming to the temple can offer worship to the lord and also admire the skills of the artisans who built the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Scott Dexter
Varaha Temple
The Varaha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was originally built in the 12th century. During the reign of the Mughals, the temple was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It was again rebuilt in1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II and boasts of an elegant structure. Devotees throng the temple to pray to the lord and offer worship to him. Travellers coming here can admire the architecture of the temple and also enjoy the scenic view of the region from here.
Photo Courtesy: Varun Shiv Kapur
How to Reach Pushkar
By Air: The Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest airbase to Pushkar. It is located at a distance of about 150 km from Pushkar and is well-connected to the other important cities of India.
By Train: The railway station at Ajmer is the nearest railway station to Pushkar. It is well-connected to other prominent cities of the country cities, such as Agra, New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Jodhpur.
By Road: Travellers can reach Pushkar by buses and taxis. The main bus stand at Ajmer is at a distance of about 14 km from here. Ajmer has a vast network of buses, linked directly to other main cities of Rajasthan and the national capital, New Delhi.
Photo Courtesy: Koshy Koshy
