Location:
11km North-West of Ajmer, Rajasthan
Feature: Hindu Pilgrimage
Attraction: Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Cattle
Fair
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Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11
kms. to the north-west of Ajmer. About 400 temples and
shrines are located at Pushkar around its holy lake,
which finds a mention in the Padma Purana. Legend has
it that Lord Brahma in search for a spot to hold his
'yagna' (religious ritual), droppe
d the lotus from his
hand, the three spots touched by this flower were turned
into lakes. These are today known as the 'Jyeshtha Pushkar'
(main Pushkar), the 'Madhyam Pushkar' (medium Pushkar)
and the 'Kanishtha Pushkar' (little Pushkar). A temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar; the
other important temples are those of Gayatri, Savitri,
Shiv and Badri Narayan.
RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
The Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 flights of steps,
called 'ghats', many having special legendary importance.
Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared at the Varah Ghat
in the form of a boar.
Brahma took a bath here and performed
Yajna at the Brahma Ghat, accompanied by Vishnu and Mahadev.
Guru Govind Singh chose this site for reciting the sacred
Guru Granth Sahib. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed
at the Gandhi Ghat, which was previousl
y called Gau Ghat.
DURATION
There is a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year
to Pushkar, which is among the five principal places
of Hindu pilgrimage. It is, however transformed into
a bustling fair-ground in the month of Kartik (October-November)
when the annual Pushkar Fair and a cattle fair are held
simultaneously. The fair starts from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi
and goes on for 12 days, till Kartik Purnima. Both the
religious fair and the cattle fair are now internationally
renowned tourist attractions. A small fair is held in
the month of Baisakh, which is primarily a local event.
THE HOLY DIPS ( SNAN )
People consider the water of the Pushkar Lake to be
very sacred and the ritual of taking dips in the holy
water is believed to bestow salvation. The holy dip
is most auspicious on Kartik Poornima. Even before sunrise,
people descend the ghats, aided by the 'pandas' (Brahmin
priests) to take the sacred bath. Offerings of coconut,
flowers, and cash are made to the lake and the priests.
VISITING THE TEMPLE
After bathing at the lake, people proceed to pay homage
to the creator of the Universe, Lord Brahma, at the
Brahma Temple.
PARIKRAMA
Most pilgrims perform the oblations at the Jyeshtha
Pushkar while some opt to visit all the three Pushkar
and this is called the Panch-Kosi-Parikrama. Many pilgrims
visit all the shrines at Pushkar in seven days and this
is called the Chaubis-Kosi-Parikrama.
FLOATING LAMPS ( DEEP DAN )
It is customary to float lighted earthen lamps after
placing them on 'pattals' (plates made of leaves) on
the waters of the lake. This creates a spectacular view
in the evening when the sacred lake takes on a mystical
tint sprinkled with twinkling spots of light. 'Aarti'
is offered at the lake in the morning and evening.
CATTLE FAIR
In conjunction with the religious fair, a cattle fair
is also organised in the month of Kartik at Pushkar
Cattle-breeders bring a large number of cattle of various
popular breeds such as Nagauri, Haryanvi, Mewati, Kankrej
etc. to the fair to be sold to the rural folk who appreciate
well-bred animals. The cattle are decorated by their
owners during Pushkar fair and also participate in the
races and are paraded on the sand dunes.
PUSHKAR FAIR
The ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular
fair ground in the month of Kartik. The fair attracts
a great number of tourists from far and wide. The fair-grounds
reverberate with festivity, as rows of make shift stalls
display a bewildering array of items that compete with
each other for the visitors' attention. But the highlight
of Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels are
bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes,
presenting a picturesque sight. The camel, horse and
donkey races are events that draw huge attendance. Body
tattooing is yet Horse race. Pushkar another favorite
activity that attracts a large number of enthusiasts.
The Pushkar fair brings
together a large number of villagers from different
parts of the state. Some come here to sell. Some come
here to buy. Some come here on a pilgrimage. Still others
come here just to enjoy the festivities. The days are
filled with fun and activity. The evenings are filled
with music and dance. Come dusk, and the rich strains
of haunting music are carried across the desert sands
as the merrymaking continues deep into the night. The
profusion of colours that run riot in the desert sands,
the glee and the contagious enthusiasm of the village
folk are a unique experience for every visitor.
On this special occasion,
the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC)
puts up a tourist village. The tourist village is self-sufficient
and specially designed to complement the natural beauty
of the site. It has a Coffee Shop and Dining Hall, which
can cater to 1500 guests at a time.
The village is arranged
in blocks of tents, each with its own identity, named
after the famous dances of Rajasthan. The village also
has huts with attached western style toilets and running
water. One can also stay at Sarovar Hotel, Pushkar or
in Ajmer at the RTDC Tourist Bungalow-Khadim.
SHOPPING AND RECREATION
A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair
and set up shops. They sell a host of products like
bead necklaces of Nagaur, woollen blankets of Merta,
textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of
Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Also on sale are saddles, ropes,
and assorted household items. During the fair, cultural
shows and exhibitions are organised to enliven the event.
Movies are shown and competitions are arranged. Bards
and poets recite and sing tales of valour and heroism
of bygone days. Animal races and other competitions
add to the attraction.
Click here to buy Handicrafts from Rajasthan
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