Pushkar
Pushkar lies in a valley surrounded by hills on three sides and
sand dunes on the other. Most commonly associated with the kaleidoscopic
Camel Fair, Pushkar is also a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
It is here that Lord Brahma is worshipped with a temple dedicated
to him along with the auspicious Pushkar Lake. The devout believe
that a prayer offering to the Lake and a dip in the holy waters
is spiritually cleansing. It is believed, that through this town,
the five mythical Rivers - Suprabha, Kanaka, Prachi, Nanda and Saraswati,
flow.
The vibrancy of Pushkar lies in its people, marketplaces and seasonal
festivals, which draw an overwhelming number of visitors annually.
History
Pushkar is associated with many legends. It is believed that while Brahma was flying over the area, three lotus petals scattered form his hand onto earth, creating miraculous lakes wherever they landed. Realizing that this was auspicious, Brahma decided to perform a yagna (fire sacrifice) and in the absence of his wife Savitri, married a local village girl and continued with the ritual. When Savitri appeared, she was outraged at Brahma's actions and cursed him that he would not be worshipped anywhere else on earth.It is also believed that Lord Vishnu descended on earth here incarnated as Warah (wild boar) to kill the demon Hirnayaksh and liberate the land from his atrocities.
Historically, Pushkar has been the target of Afghani rulers who have ravaged it because of its strategic location. In time, it became a centre for Mughals before coming in direct control of the British.
Places to visit
With over 400 temples, Pushkar's most famous attraction is the Brahma Temple dedicated to Brahma and the only kind in the country. The holy shrine within houses an ornate, four-armed life size statue. The marble floor is laden with coins placed by devotees. The Savitri Temple atop Ratnagiri Hill is dedicated to Savitri, who after cursing Brahma immolated herself here.Equally important is the Warah Temple with an image of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. The Pushkar Lake lined with 52 ghats (banks) is significant for Hindus. It is considered holy since it is believed to have been created by Brahma.
An impressive temple built in the 19th Century, the Mahadeva Temple boasts of an elegant structure with glittering ornaments. The white marble Mahadeva image, with its five faces is the most striking feature of the Temple. Built in the 1920s, the Ramavaikunth Temple is the largest and most intricate temple in Pushkar. It has a beautifully crafted stone gopuram (pagoda) with images of 361 different deities carved especially by masons from south India.
Fairs & Festivals
Kartik Poornima: Every year in November, pilgrims converge to take a dip in the holy Lake on the auspicious full moon night. It is believed that during this time, the Gods revisit earth to bless the devout. Diyas (earthen oil lamps) and flowers are floated on the water while chanting of prayers fill the night air.Camel Fair: On the same full moon night,away from the Lake, a celebration of another kind marks the occasion with the stretch of desert surrounding Pushkar playing host to the famous annual camel fair. Attracting hordes of visitors, tribals trade cattle while music, dancing and street theatre give the proceedings a colorful touch. This Fair is the reason Pushkar finds fame on travel maps.