Pushkar City Guide
Pushkar lake is one of the holiest places for Hindus. The Pushkar lake is known for the ghats and temple around it. More than 50 ghats surround the lake.
Location : The Pushkar Lake is situated in Pushkar, 11 Km from Ajmer, in Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit : Winter season from October to March is the best time to visit Pushkar.
Major Attractions : The Pushkar fair, Brahma temple and Ghats around the lake.
About the Lake
The pious Pushkar Lake is one of the most sacred water bodies for Hindus. The lake is said to be formed when some petals from the hand held lotus of Brahma fell on the ground. This led to formation of a large hollow space, which later got converted into a lake. Brahma, in Hinduism, is considered the creator of the universe. It is also said that a bath in the lake will free the soul from all kind of impurities. There are innumerable temples surounding the lake. Pushkar fair is organised on the banks of this lake. The Pushkar fair is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindus. The Pushkar lake is surrounded on 3 sides by hills and by desert on the fourth side. Beauty of the lake leaves a mesmerising effect on the visitors.
Attractions
Pushkar Fair : One of the most celebrated Hindu festival, Pushkar fair is the prime attraction of the lake. The fair is celebrated on the ocassion of Kartik Purnima, during the month of October-November. The fair lasts for 7 days and many cutural activities like cattle fair, puppet show, dance and music show are arranged. It is believed that gods from heaven come down to earth to take a bath in the lake during the festival. So it is very auspicious to bath in the lake during this period.
Brahma Temple : The Brahma Temple is world's only temple dedicated to lord Brahma. There is a story that says that lord Brahma came to Pushkar to perform some rituals. His wife was also needed at the same. So at the last moment Brahma married a local girl for the ritual. When his wife came to know about it, she cursed Brahma that he won't be worshipped anywhere in the world except at Pushkar. Being the only temple of Brahma, this temple has a special religious importance.
Ghats : The ghats are also of special importance. There are 52 Ghats around the lake. These ghats had been constructed by the rulers of different states of Rajasthan. The major ones are Gau Ghat, Brahma Ghat and Varah Ghat. Also called Main Ghat, Gau Ghat is the place from which ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled into the lake. Brahma Ghat is believed to be the spot where Brahma himself is said to have worshipped. Similarly other ghats are said to have special powers. The Naga Kund is belived to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm, Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is the 130 Km distant Jaipur Airport.
By Rail : The nearest major railhead is Ajmer, 11 Km from Pushkar.
By Road : The roadways network in Rajasthan connects Ajmer to other cities of state. Some of the major cities distances are: Jaipur-140 Km, Jodhpur-210 Km, Udaipur-280 Km, Ahmedabad-533 Km, Mumbai-1080 Km, Agra-395 Km and New Delhi-392 Km.
