PUSHKAR : THE BLESSING OF BRAHMA
11 Kms. from Ajmer on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake - an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus.
The `Nag Pahar' or the snake ountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar.
The Lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a `Yogna' (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed his yogna.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples. Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country
The holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrims taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight.
Although a serene town, Pushkar bustles with life during the joyous celebrations, held on Kartik Purnima.
Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colorful cattle fair- the Pushkar Fair, is also held during this time.
Dance, music and colorful shops spring up during this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colorful attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion.
A host of cultural events against the backdrop of this pretty setting are also organized including attractive puppet shows, cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.
PRIME SITES:
Savitri
Temple
:
A temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma - the Savitri temple is located on the hill behind the
Brahma
Temple
which can be reached by a flight of steps. The temple offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding desertscape.
Man Mahal:
On the banks of Pushkar is the magnificent palace built by Raja Man Singh I of Amer. Now converted into the RTDC Hotel Sarovar it offers a comfortable accommodtion to the visitors.
The Brahma
Temple
: It is the only temple in
India dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple is marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway is a beautiful statue of a `Hans' or goose - the celestial carrier of Lord Brahma.
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