Pushkar

Best Tourist Season (July – March)
Airport: Nearest Airport is Jaipur 146 km.
Railway: Ajmer, just 11 km, is the closest railhead linked with Agra, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Dehradun, Jaipur, Kanpur, Patna, Mumbai, and Udaipur.
Road: Ajmer 11 km, Bikaner 275 km, Bundi 176 km, Chittaurgarh 199 km, Deogarh 156 km, Delhi 413 km, Jaipur 145, Jodhpur 235 km, Khimsar 190 km, Nagaur 150 km, Ranthambhore 275 km,

Introduction
Pushkar – a picturesque township in the Rajasthan. Pushkar means borne due to a flower. Also known as “Tirth Raj” – the king of pilgrimage sites and a popular tourist destination.

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is one of the most favoured destination for tourists from other part of the world and devotees from other states of India. Situated at a height of 510 mtr, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The Snake Mountain (Nag Pahar in Hindi) forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. 

The sacred Pushkar Lake surrounded by bathing ghats has its religious significance rooted in a myth. According to Padma Purana, Lord Brahma was in search of a suitable place for Vedic Yagna (sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of the them was Pushkar, and Brahma decided to perform his Yagna here.

A lively and gigantic cattle fair is held every year on Kartik Poornima (full moon in Oct – Nov).

This cattle fare is also biggest camel market. Besides camel, horses and bullocks are also sold here. The biggest draws of the events are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet shows are equally attractive and enjoyable. This fare is famous among foreign tourists as Pushkar Camel Fare.

Geography
Pushkar located at 26.5° N 74.55° E
Average elevation 510 mtrs (1673 feet).

Area
Pushkar is 5 sq. km

Climate
Summer maximum of 38°C and minimum 23°C
Winters maximum 16°C and minimum 3°C.

Demographics
Population 14,789 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 54%
Females 46%
Pushkar has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.
Male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 60%.
In Pushkar, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Sightseeing in Pushkar

Holy Pushkar Lake – The most sacred of all lakes in Rajasthan.

The sacred Pushkar Lake, according to Hindu scriptures, is described as ‘Tirtha Raj’, the king of all Hindu pilgrimage sites. Without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake, no pilgrimage is considered to be complete. Semi-circular in shape and about 8 – 10 metres deep, the Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (steps leading into the water) and over 500 temples. The water around each ghat is believed to possess special medicinal powers.

Temple of Lord Brahma (Jagat Pita) – One of the 10th most religious places in the world.

Brahma Temple of Pushkar is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma – the creator. Built with marble and decorated with silver coins, this temple can be identified by its red spire and the image of a swan (considered sacred of Lord Brahma). The Four Faced (Chaturmukh) idol of Lord Brahma is housed in the inner sanctum of the Brahma Temple. A marble statue of Sun God stands sentinel at the temple. Interestingly, Surya is shown wearing ancient warrior’s boots, while all the gods are shown bare footed.

Gurudwara Singh Sabha – Gurudwara Singh Sabha is situated in the easter part of Pushkar, which was built in the beginning of the 19th century to commemorate the visits of the first and the tenth Gurus – Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Govind Singhji.

Varaha Temple – Varaha temple is the largest and most ancient temple in Pushkar which was constructed by 12th century ruler King Anaji Chauhan. This temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a wild boar. As per legend, Varaha rescued the earth from depth of the primeval water, where it was dragged down by Hiranyaksh (a demon). 

Savitri Temple – Savitri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, first wife of Lord Brahma. This temple is situated on a hillock right behind the Brahma Temple. The only Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the outcome of Savitri’s curse to Brahma for marrying another Goddess Gayatri, while starting his yang in Pushkar.

Rangji Temple – The Rangji Temple, gracious and conspicuous, is another popular shrine that witnesses thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. This Rangji Temple is dedicated to Lord Rangji, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The South Indian style influence, Rajput style and Mughal style in the temple’s architecture is highly noticeable. The high-rising ‘Gopuram’, prevalent mainly in the temples present in South India is another feature of the temple that attracts tourists from indian and abroad.

Pap Mochini Temple – The Pap Mochini temple, presided by the deity Ekadashi Mata, is believed to provide respite to followers from their cardinal sins. Located in the north of Pushkar, the temple is like a pearl in the crown of Pushkar. Having a great spiritual importance as well as boasting a splendid architecture, this Pap Mochini temple is one of the most popular temples in Rajasthan, India.

Sri Panchkund Shiva Temple – This Sri Panchkund Shiva Temple is said to have been built by the five Pandavas, located on the eastern edge of Pushkar town. This temple is around 2-3 km from holy Pushkar Lake.

Atmateshwar Temple – A beautiful 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an underground component. The intricate Hemadpanti architectural style carvings give this temple a magnificent appearance. Thousands of devotees and tourist flock here to pay their respects during the auspicious time of Shivaratri – the night when Lord Shiva performed heavenly dance.

Man Mahal – Man Mahal is one of the greatest palaces of Holy Pushkar, built as a guest house of Raja Man Singh – I. This Man Mahal is one of the most attractive spots to visit in Pushkar. This was built to serve as a royal guest house for Raja Man Singh-I. The Rajasthani architecture from the royal era that adorns the palace makes it a visual treat. Now Man Mahal is a heritage hotel called RTDC Hotel Sarovar. Tourist can enjoy the beauty of the palace and enjoy breathtaking view of the Holy Pushkar Lake and temples around the lake.

Excursion from Puskar

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah (just 15 km from Pushkar)

The Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti (Gharib Nawaz -Benefactor of the Poor), also known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Ajmer Sharif, an international waqf, an Islamic mortmain managed by the Dargah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955 of the government of India.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah is situated at the foot of the Taragarh Hill. Estimated around 150,000 pilgrims (mainly Muslims) visit the dargarh of Moinuddin Chishti every day.

Jaipur  (145 km from Pushkar)

The capital city of Rajasthan has earned universal renown as the “Pink City”. Jaipur was built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, first planned city of its time.

A Bengali architect, Vidyadher Bhattacharya, planned the Jaipur City, in a grid system with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the mani bazaars, all arranaged in nine rectangular city sectors (chokris).

Jaipur is now, one of the most important heritage cities in India, and is a must-see for tourists coming to North India.

Jodhpur (186 km from Pushkar)

The former capital of Marwar state – Jodhpur, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent form Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). Jodhpur city was built as a result of warring brothers and the second largest city of Rajasthan State.

Mehrangarh – the massive fort came first and around the fort – grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates (Nagauri Gate, Merati Gate, Sojati Gate, Jalori Gate, Siwanchi Gate and Chand Pol) and countless bastions. Today – the city has grown on all sides of Mehrangarh Fort, to become the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur – still the leading centres for cattle, camels, salt and agriculture crops.

Wildlife:
Ranthambhore (210 km)