A fascinating destination – Pushkar in Rajasthan offers 10 great attractions

Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of India’s oldest and most historic townships.

Located northwest of Ajmer- the ancient spiritual town of Pushkar with millions of pilgrims, is also globally famous for its popular calendar event – the famous Pushkar Fair.

The famous Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar Fair is an annual camel and livestock fair held each year in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. It is a five-day event that takes place around Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month). The fair attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe to witness its vibrant carnival of Rajasthani culture.

During the fair, villagers from remote areas of Rajasthan bring their camels and other livestock to Pushkar for trading in the market. The animals are decorated with colorful adornments and costumes, while locals showcase their traditional music and folk dance performances throughout the day.

Other attractions of the fair include camel races, tug-of-war competitions, matka (earthenware pot) filling contests, and traditional puppet shows. Tourists can also explore the many shops selling Rajasthani handicrafts and jewellery. From its colourful markets to its captivating performances and activities, the Pushkar Fair is a unique experience that no traveller should miss.

The town of Pushkar – a religious pilgrimage site for millions of Indians

The small township has its own distinctive beauty and charm. Surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli Mountains, Pushkar is one of Rajasthan’s most visited tourist destinations known for its many ancient temples, pilgrimage sites, and holy lake. The town has been an important religious site for centuries and serves as a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains from all around the world.

The city is 510 meters high and surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Furthermore, the ‘Nag Pahar,’ which means Snake Mountain, forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar. The scent of the famed Pushkar rose, known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan,’ is dispersed not only in India but all across the world. Pushkar is a must-see city with an incredible mythical past and a legacy of inexhaustible rich architectural heritage.

According to historians, Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe, put a lotus on the earth, causing the soil to change and form a lake. He, therefore, chose to name the town Pushkar after that flower, thus the name. Aside from that, the city is known for having the world’s only temple devoted to Lord Brahma. Hindus consider a visit to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be observed to achieve salvation.

Pushkar Attractions And Places To Visit And Explore

Consider the sites and activities available in Pushkar. In Rajasthan, there is always something to see for people of all ages.

Pushkar Lake

The Pushkar Lake is an important spiritual site and one of the oldest existing lakes in India. Many Hindu pilgrims take a dip in its holy waters to purify their souls before performing puja rituals at nearby temples. During the annual Pushkar Mela, thousands of devotees throng to bathe in the lake’s sacred waters.

According to Hindu scriptures, the serene Pushkar Lake is designated as a ‘Tirtha Raj,’ one of the holiest pilgrimage locations. A visit to Rajasthan would be incomplete without a sacred plunge into the serene Pushkar Lake. The lake has a semicircular form and is around 8-10 meters deep.

It is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is a sight to behold. The lake is home to numerous fish and other aquatic life forms. Over 500 large and small serene temples surround the lake, creating a spectacular spectacle. If you enjoy photography, the mesmerizing lake provides an excellent backdrop for several breathtaking images.

Temple Of Brahma

The most famous of Pushkar’s temples is the Brahma Temple, dedicated to Lord Brahma – one of Hinduism’s Supreme Trinity Gods.

The Brahma temple, located in the scenic Pushkar valley beyond the Nangaparvat and Anasagar Lakes, maintains a particular place in the heart of every Indian. It is the globe’s sole temple devoted to Lord Brahma.

The temple stands out for its unusual architecture featuring a crimson spire atop a marble plinth with four gates. This temple is also distinguished by the figure of a swan made of polished marble and adorned with silver coins (believed holy to Lord Brahma).

Inside the temple, a marble statue of Lord Brahma with four faces is enshrined under a canopy of silver coins. The inner sanctuary contains Lord Brahma’s chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol. Inside the temple, a marble figure of the sun deity sits vigilantly. Surya, on the other hand, is represented wearing antique warrior’s boots, even though all of the deities are witnessed barefoot.

Gurudwara Singh Sabha

Gurudwara Singh Sabha, located in the eastern section of Pushkar, was constructed in the early nineteenth century to honor the travels of the first and tenth gurus, Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Govind Singhji. It is a star attraction contributing to enhancing this city, both in India and abroad.

Varaha Temple

The Varaha temple is Pushkar’s grandest and most historical temple. This temple, built by the 12th-century sovereign King Anaji Chauhan, is devoted to Lord Vishnu’s third incarnation as a wild pig.

According to mythology, Varaha saved the earth from the depths of the primordial sea, when it was being pulled down by a monster (Hirnayaksh). This is one of Pushkar’s highly popular temples. It is magnificently constructed, with stunning architecture that includes a dome, statues, white walls, arches, and pillars. Because of its religious significance, it draws a large number of Hindu worshippers all around the nation.

Gau Ghat

Pushkar is known as the terrain of ghats. The Gau Ghat is the most popular of the 52 ghats for people coming from all over the world. It is a large ghat encircled by the Raj Babra temple, which adds to the aesthetic of the place.

This ghat is widely occupied by individuals who come to perform religious rites, particularly the pind daan ceremony for the deceased. Furthermore, the remains of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri were flung into the serene lake of the Gau Ghat. The pathways along the Gau Ghat are bustling with tiny street businesses selling leather goods, jewelry, antiques, crafts, artwork, and handicrafts.

Temple Of Savitri

The Savitri Temple is amongst the most well-known pilgrimage sites in Pushkar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s first wife, Goddess Savitri, and is located on a hillside directly behind the famous Brahma temple.

A magnificent view of the lake, neighboring temples, and sand dunes may be obtained when climbing the lengthy sequence of steps leading to the temple. According to mythology, the existence of Pushkar’s lone Brahma Temple is the result of Savitri’s curse on Brahma for marrying another Goddess, Gayatri, while beginning his yagna at Pushkar itself.

Pushkar Bazaar

The Pushkar Bazaar is one of the most popular sites to visit in Pushkar and one of the main tourist destinations. The variety of products sold in this bazaar gives you an idea of the rich culture here.

This area is well-known for its rose pulp. Visitors may also get syrup and gulkhand, both of which are prominent commodities at the shops here. Even though it is a busy market, it is a lovely setting to see the local culture. All handcrafted, as well as other products sold here, are fairly priced. Rajasthani outfits must be on your shopping list. There is so much to pick from even the embroidered textiles, metal utensils, glass goods, leather purses created of camel skin, or belts.

Man Mahal

The Man Mahal, established as a guest home for Raja Man Singh I, is one of the most beautiful places to see in Pushkar. The regal age Rajasthani grandeur that covers the palace is a beautiful marvel.

It has become a historic hotel named the RTDC Hotel Sarovar, and travelers may experience not only the splendor of the palace but also the stunning setting of the lakes and temples surrounding the lake. Boating trips may be taken on the lake’s calm waters, which are situated on the lake’s shores. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a palace and have never had the chance, now is your chance.

Rose Garden

Pushkar is also known as Rajasthan’s Rose Garden, and the rose producers here cultivate an astounding variety of roses. Because of the sheer diversity of colors and fragrances available, the Rose Garden is among the most beautiful sites to explore in Pushkar.

These exquisite rose gardens are great for a pleasant early evening stroll or simply sitting and admiring the scenery. The aroma of Pushkar’s rose gardens is believed to be the largest in the country, and its magnificent roses may be found in temples, dargahs, cosmetics companies, and several other spots.

Budha Pushkar Lake

Among all the Pushkar Tourist spots, the Budha Pushkar Lake is one of the most historically significant lakes in the area. The lake has a special significance to Hindu mythology since it is where Lord Ram is said to have completed the death rites of his father, King Dashratha.

The lake is a lovely spectacle for its guests and is also one of India’s most recognized lakes. The lake had previously been threatened by desertification. Fortunately, the government has been successful in its attempts to preserve the lake. Because of this, the lake is now a lovely sight for its guests. It has become one of India’s most explored lakes.

Bazaars and local cuisine

No visit to Pushkar would be complete without savouring its unique culture and cuisines. The town is renowned for its vibrant street markets and bazaars offering a range of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewellery, and other goods. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops serving up delicious local delicacies such as Daal Baati Churma, Pyaz Kachori, and Laal Maas.

Overall, Pushkar is an enchanting destination that offers its visitors a unique glimpse into the vibrant culture and history of Rajasthan. From its ancient temples and holy lake to the colourful Pushkar Fair, this small town offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment, exploring traditional art and crafts, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an unforgettable destination.

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