This place is the most ancient city in India. Located in the Aravalli Range in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, Pushkar is also called Tirtha-Raj, literally meaning king of pilgrimage sites.
The sacred Pushkar Lake resounds with chants and hymns from the 400 blue-coloured temples on its banks. Surrounded by hills and Pushkar is a popular destination among devotees and tourists. In recent years, It has become one of the most famous tourist destinations among Indian and international tourists. The annual Pushkar Camel Fair, held in November, is a huge crowd-puller. The spirituality and peace will make you fall in love with Pushkar instantly. Beautiful architectural heritage and interesting history make Pushkar a must-visit India.
In Sanskrit, Pushkar means blue lotus flower. Pushkar has an interesting history. According to legends, Brahma found Parashkar to become the model for his Mahayana. Soon they learn about Vazhanash, a demon, who was killing the people of the city. And the Brahma killed the demon by chanting a mantra on a lotus flower.
Parts of the lotus fell at three places in Pushkar and these places were later called Yayastha, Madhya and Junior Pushkar. To protect this place from demons, a yagya was performed by Brahma. To perform the yagya, Brahma’s wife Savitri was required. However, she was not present there and Brahma married a girl named Gayatri from the Gurjar community to complete his yagya. Alarmed by the news of Brahma’s marriage, Savitri cursed that people would worship Brahma in Pushkar. The Pushkar temple still houses a number of Gurjar priests known as Bhopas. The town was under the Rajputana Agency in 1901 and had 3,831 inhabitants.
Associated with many stories and legends, this place is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites. The beautiful architectural heritage and colorful fairs of Pushkar make it an interesting place to visit. The most famous tourist attraction is Brahma Temple, which is attracts thousands of tourists. You can also trek to the top of the hill to reach Saraswati Temple and enjoy the amazing view of Pushkar Lake. Gandhi Ghat is an important place in the city as the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled on the ghat.
This Lake is the most popular tourist attraction. It is called Tirtha Raj, which means king of the pilgrimage place. It is believed that the holy water of this lake washes away sins. The water of the lake is believed to have healing and medicinal properties. More than 500 temples are present around the lake.
The history of the lake is back to the 4th century. The lake is mentioned in coins from that period. According to the inscription at Sanchi, the lake existed in the 2nd century BCE. Although the lake was not on a trade route, it was a major pilgrimage site.
According to one story, Nahar Rao Parihar of Mandore, a Rajput king in the 9th century, chased a white boar during a hunting expedition into the lake.
There is more than 500 temples in Pushkar but the most popular and important is the Brahma Temple. there is Many old temples, including the Brahma Temple, were demolished during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Other temples dedicated to Brahma include Carambolim near Valpoi in Goa,Uttaramore Kovil near Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, Asotra near Ballora in Rajasthan, Khedabrama in Gujarat, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, Pramannan in Indonesia and the Mother Temple of Bisakihin in Bali in Indonesia. Sages and holy men take a ceremonial bath in the sacred Pushkar Lake and then enter this temple.
Savitri Temple, situated on the top of a hill called Ratnagiri, is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Brahma. You can climb the hill to catch the beautiful view of Pushkar Lake. T Although, the path to the temple is easy at first, it becomes difficult as you reach the final section. The 1.5 km long trek from the temple is difficult and strenuous. There are three idols in the temple. Goddess Savitri is flanked on the left by Goddess Sharda on the right and Goddess Saraswati on the left. You can also get a glimpse of Gayatri Temple on the top of another hill smaller than this hill.
Man mahal is Built to serve as the guest house of Raja Man Singh, Man Mahal is one of the biggest palaces in Pushkar. Main Mahal is a visual treat with its grand Rajasthani architectural style of the royal period. This palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel and is called RTDC Hotel Sarovar.The palace still retains its old world charm. The palace not only offers you a peek into the bygone era but also provides a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding areas.
The spiritual significance and beautiful architecture of these temples make visiting these temples very special. Each temple is unique and is a must-visit. Although Brahma and Savitri temples are the most popular temples here, Pap Mochini temple is also a place that you should not miss.The temple is dedicated to Ekadashi Mata and devotees believe that a visit to this temple will absolve them of their sins. Papa, in Hindi and Sanskrit, sin means temple, which boasts of a magnificent architecture, is located in the northern part of Pushkar.
Apteshwar Temple is one of the famous temples in the holy city of Pushkar. Dedicated to Shiva, this temple was built in the early 12th century and has an underground section. Thousands of people visit this temple during festivals like Mahashivratri to pay their respects. The rituals at this temple include offering of honey, milk, curd and ghee to the Shiva Lingam. ‘Bael’ leaves are also offered to the main deity of the temple to fulfil the wishes of the devotees.
Old Rangji Temple is one of the most interesting temples in Pushkar.The temple was commissioned in 1823 by Sheth Puran Mal Ganiwal of Hyderabad. Apart from the idol of Rangji, the statues of Goddess Lakshmi, Sri Ramanujacharya, Devdamaji and Krishna in the temple complex. This temple is unique and different from other temples in North India. Here, priests of the Iyengar community of Tamil Nadu perform daily pujas. The temple is open from 6 am to 7 pm on all days of the week.
This place is well connected by air, road and rail, making it accessible from different parts of India. Here is a detailed guide on how to reach Pushkar by every mode of transport:
By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), located about 146 km away. From Jaipur, you can easily hire a taxi or board a bus. The journey to reach Pushkar will take approx. 3 hours.
By train: Ajmer Railway Junction is the nearest railway station to Pushkar, only 11 km away. The Ajmer Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Jaipur. From Ajmer, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw or bus to reach Pushkar, which will take around 45-50 minutes.
By road: This place is well connected to major cities of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. State Transport and private Bus services operate frequently ply from Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The travel time varies depending on the starting point.
The best season or time to visit Pushkar depends on your personal preferences and the kind of experience you want. Here is a description of the seasons and their main excerpts:
From October to March: This is the peak tourist season in Pushkar, with pleasant weather and vibrant festivals. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, and hotel prices are at their highest.
From April to June: The summer months are hot and dry, but the crowds have thinned, and hotel prices are more affordable. If you are not bothered by the heat and want to experience the serene atmosphere of Pushkar then this is a good time to visit.
From July to September: The monsoon season brings relief from the heat and humidity, and the landscape is lush green. However, rain can sometimes disrupt travel plans.
Pushkar has always been famous for its colourful folk dance and music celebrations that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Here are some of the major festivals to mark on your calendar:
Pushkar Camel Fair: This world-famous fair held in November is a spectacle of colors, music and celebration. Witness camel trade, camel races and cultural performances that will leave you spellbound.
Kartik Purnima: The festival, celebrated on the night of the full moon in November, marks the conclusion of the Pushkar Camel Fair. Devotees take a dip in the holy Pushkar lake, believed to wash away sins and bestow blessings.
The Marwar Festival: This vibrant festival held in March celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Marwar. Here you can Witness traditional dances with Rajashtahn folk music and competitions that will take you to the heart of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture.
International Folk Festival of Rajasthan: This vibrant festival in October showcases the richness and vibrancy of folk traditions by bringing together folk artists from all over the world.
Pushkar Fair: This vibrant festival held in August celebrates the spirit of freedom and independence. Witness traditional games, sports and cultural performances that will give you a taste of the folklore of Rajasthan.
Nestled in the Aravalli hills, the city of Pushkar in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan is an ancient world attraction that has mesmerized tourists for centuries. From its beautiful lakes and sacred temples along with vibrant markets and colourful festivals, This is the best to offer a unique blend of spirituality and cultural vibrancy. Its religious significance attracts many pilgrims and tourists from India as well as all over the world, but the tourists visiting Rajasthan on vacation also find it to be a popular destination because of its fascinating beauty and wonderful atmosphere.
If you are looking for a spiritual calm or to witness Rajasthan’s rich heritage, Pushkar will always offer you an incredible experience. A location where time appears to stop still and the moving rhythms of the present blend with the echoes of the past can be found when you explore the city’s many attractions and immerse yourself in its serene ambience. This place is a place in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where memories are created and treasured forever, a place that leaves an enduring impression on the soul.
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