Discover Vibrant Pushkar Rajasthan
According to the sagas, Brahma-the God when defeating the demon Vajranabha of Creation dropped three petals of His divine lotus creating springs on the earth, and thus Pushkar emerged. This tiny Hindu pilgrimage city swirls around a sacred lake where you witness the world’s one and only temple devoted to Lord Brahma along with the most prominent temples of Savitri, and Gayatri Devi who are widely venerated here as Lord Brahma’s wives.
From hundreds of milky blue temples, and rows of ghats, one ventures down to the divinely serene lake.
The town is anchored around Pushkar Lake, with a labyrinth of lanes radiating from Sadar Bazaar. It’s tiny, tourist-friendly, and simple to navigate.
Visiting the Ghats is the greatest way to appreciate the sacredness of this holy town. The fragrance of incense sticks or Agarbattis, the spectacle of yellow dandelion petals and red roses with the recurring echo of monastery bells and chantings beside the streets and alleys eventually takes you to the Ghat where the dhoti clad Panda’s with tikka adorned foreheads greet you alongside pilgrims of all ages.
Each Ghat has a unique narrative to tell, with its meaning and purpose.
1. PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
One of the most exquisite camel festivals in the nation is the Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as the Kartik Mela. Thousands of camels, oxen, and horses gather for this annual carnival. This seven-day, vibrant show that takes place in winter, draws a large number of visitors from all around the world.
The festival begins with a camel race, followed by music, songs, and displays. The test to see how well the camel can transport the items is the one that is most anticipated among these events.
The fiesta’s main draws, in addition to trading cattle, also include cultural performances, exhibitions, magic shows, a competition for the longest moustache, a bridal competition, and many other events. This fair is well known for being among the biggest livestock fairs in the world. The handicraft stalls selling bracelets, clothing, textiles, and materials are loved by rural families.
This greatest camel fair attracts close to 50,000 animals. One of the wonderful experiences you can have at this festival is a camel or horse safari. These are the best ways to discover the rugged area of the enormous Indian desert at sunrise and sunset. Another well-known activity to embark on at the Pushkar Mela is a hot air balloon trip. This provides you the chance to take in the breathtaking scenery of this magnificent desert city.
This great occasion has a religious meaning as well. The pilgrims bathe in the holy Pushkar Lake during the Pushkar Fair. This is a lucky time of year since it is said that anyone who takes a holy bath on the day of the full moon would receive special Blessings.
The fair is an experience of a lifetime that should not be missed. During this time, one can interact with the locals and gain a profound understanding of rural India in its most undiluted form.
2. PUSHKAR LAKE
Pushkar Lake is regarded as the most spiritual. On Kartik Poornima (during the Pushkar Fair), devotees believe that ceremonious dips in the lake waters wash away sins and cure all skin problems. The lake contains 52 bathing ghats (steps going into the water), and the water around each ghat is known to be healing. Pushkar Lake is a renowned pilgrimage destination, as indicated by temples that mark the lake’s banks.
It is a revered water body for Hindus and the site of the Pushkar Fair. The lake is normally filled all year and has a variety of fish. Exotic vegetation and fauna can be found in the surrounding areas. During certain seasons, a large number of migratory birds visit the body of water.
3. BRAHMA’S TEMPLE
The historical edifice dates back 2000 years, while the current structure comes from the 14th century. Pushkar boasts around 500 temples, some of which are very old, but the Brahma temple is the most significant. According to local legend, Brahma came down to earth to perform a yagna and himself chose this location for his temple.
Thousands of silver coins engraved with the names of pilgrims embed the walls of the temple as a tribute to Lord Brahma.
4. MAN MAHAL
The palace is known to be the city’s largest royal residence. The monument appears to be quite spectacular and is rich in Rajasthani architecture.
Located beside Sarovar Lake, the monument offers a breath-taking view. You can see the entire length of Sarovar and the surrounding areas. It was constructed for Raja Man Singh-I, who equipped it to be a leisure facility. The former royal guest house is now a public guest home. It is open to visitors who wish to stay and explore the numerous elements of Pushkar.
5. ATMATESHWAR TEMPLE
This stunning 12th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and includes a subterranean dimension. Hindus all across the world worship Lord Shiva in various forms, including as the world’s healer and destroyer. Another aspect that adds to the stunning quality of the temple is sculptures elaborate with Hemadpanti architecture style. During the auspicious festival of Shivaratri, when Lord Shiva is ritually honored, thousands of worshippers gather here to offer their devotion.
6. RANGJI TEMPLE
The delicacy and composure of this worship space are undeniable. It is one of the most popular chapels in the area, with a strong flow of visitors each year.
Rajput and Islamic architecture blend perfectly to create the appearance of this edifice. In the form of the high-rising Gopuram, there is also a glimpse of South Indian architecture. According to many observers, this element adds to the temple’s grandeur.
7. GURUDWARA SINGH SABHA
The two most prominent Sikh Gurus, Guru Gobind Singh, and Guru Nanak Dev visited this location in 1706 during their trip to the Rajputana States. Chetan Das, the priest, served them at the time. Guru Gobind Singh, the last Guru of the Sikhs, stayed at Gobind Ghat, which was later called Gandhi Ghat. Under a kiosk, there is a stone slab inscribed with Gobind Ghat in four different scripts: Devanagari, Gurumukhi, Persian, and Roman. A hukamnama inscribed on bhojpatra claims that it was given to priest Chetan Das by Guru Gobind Singh and is presently in the possession of the serving priest here. Furthermore, the head priest here owns a handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s most essential religious scripture.
8. SAVITRI TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s first wife, Goddess Savitri, and is located on a mound just behind the Brahma temple. The one-hour trek to the hilltop Savitri Temple overlooking the lake is best made before dawn, though the views are fantastic at any time of the day.
From throughout the city, you can see the temple situated on top of a hill, beckoning you to visit it! You begin in utter darkness and climb the steep stairs to the temple.
You get a magnificent panoramic view of the city, and Rajasthani sunrises provide a lovely eerie glow in the winter.
The presence of Pushkar’s only Brahma Temple is the result of Savitri’s curse on Brahma for marrying another Goddess, Gayatri, while beginning his yagna in Pushkar.
9. GAU GHAT
Many are seen plunging in the holy water to wash off their sins while others sit on the stairway chit-chatting. You will be swept off your feet by the most scrumptious sweet delicacy imaginable – Malpua (a thin pancake-like dessert fried in clarified butter). Worth a shot! No, you will not get sick, and yes, it is safe to eat.
Gau Ghat carries historical importance. The remains of some of India’s greatest men, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, were immersed in the lake from Gau Ghat.
Thus, Pushkar is that one city that welcomes one and all with open arms and offers an experience unlike any other. Plan your Rajasthan Tour with us.
A visit to Pushkar is deemed by Hindus to be the pinnacle pilgrimage that ought to be taken to achieve nirvana.