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Pushkar
Rajasthan is a bewitching small town set right on the edge of
the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer, but separated
from it by Nag Pahar (the Snake Mountain).
These traveler friendly towns grip to the side of the small
Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For
Hindus, Pushkar Rajasthan is a very important pilgrimage
centre and you'll see plenty of sadhus there.
Amongst the splendor of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem Pushkar.
Lord Brahma, the creator of the world in a search for his house
on earth, performed the extremely spiritual Vedic Yagna
at Pushkar. It is thus the place of the only Brahma Temple in
the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the location for
the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia
to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The holy
mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at
Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of
Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and
Ghats Pushkar begets an inheritance of timeless
architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace
and religion that casts attract to visit again and again. The
Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world
and amongst the ancient cities in India, with references in
mythology and the Mahabharata. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which
are connected to the lunar calendar, surround the lake. Each
Ghat has its own amazing qualities and powers of healing and
this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different
eras with diverse architectural styles. The rose garden of
Rajasthan the spirit of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the
world over.
Pushkar is best known for its Camel Fair which takes
place here each October/November. This enormous congregation of
camels, cattle, livestock traders, pilgrims, tourists and film
makers is one of the planet's most incredible events. If you are
anywhere within striking distance at the time, it's an event not
to be missed. Being a sacred place, alcohol, meat and even eggs
are banned in the town.
Most Popular Attractions of Pushkar:
Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple:
Brahma Temple is the only existing temple devoted to
Lord Brahma. Built in the 14th century, it stands on a high
pedestal with marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is
set on the floor facing the garbha griha. Around
the turtle, the marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver
coins. Coins imprinted with donor's names are also embedded in
the walls. Peacocks decorate the temple walls as they are
theoretical to be the vehicle of Lord Brahama's
consort Saraswati. The sanctuary has silver doors inside
a engraved marble gateway.
Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple:
This 12th century temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Warrah Temple:
The Warrah Temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu in the
manifestation of a wild pig.
Camel Fair:
Pushkar Fair (Mela) is perhaps best known for its Camel
Fair which takes place here each October/November. Each year, up
to 200,000 people gather to Pushkar for the Camel fair, bringing
with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for numerous days of
pilgrimage, live stock trading, horse dealing and forceful
festivities. There are camel races, street theatre and a range
of stalls selling interesting handicrafts. The place becomes a
spell of activity with musicians, mystics, comedians, tourists,
traders, animals and fans all converging on the small town. A
good camel can get tens of thousands of rupees and is a
essential source of income for many villagers. This fair is the
only one of its kind in the world and has featured in many
magazines, travel shows and films.
Gangaur Fair:
This festival honors Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The
women elegantly balancing brass pitchers on their heads wend
their way to the temple of Gauri (Parvati) for the
ritual bath of the divinity. Idols of Shiva and Parvati
are taken out in a parade accompanied by caparisoned horses and
elephants.
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