ABOUT PUSHKAR:

•  Pushkar is a city in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• It is situated about 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Ajmer and about 150 kilometres (93 mi)  southwest of Jaipur.
• It is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs and has many temples.
• The temples and ghats in Pushkar are from the 18th century and later .
• The most famous among Pushkar temples is the red spired Brahma Temple built by Pushkar, who is father of Vedmata Gayatri, who was a chechi kanya married to Lord Brahma.
• It is considered a sacred city by the Hindus particularly in Shaktism, so meat and eggs consumption are forbidden in the city.
• Pushkar is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake, which has many ghats where pilgrims bath.
• Pushkar is also significant for its Gurdwaras for Guru Nayak and Guru Gobind Singh. One of the bathing ghats is called Gobind ghat built by the Sikhs in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh.
• Pushkar is famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) featuring a trading fete of cattle, horses and camels. It is held over seven days in autumn marking Kartika Purnima according to the Hindu Calender (Kartik Month), October or November).

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Pushkar is 146 km from ‘Sanganer Airport’ in Jaipur which is around 3 hours away.
• Rail: The ‘Ajmer Railway station’ is closest and connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan.
• Road: Ajmer to Pushkar-Approx. 15 Km(24 min via NH69),buses leave from Ajmer from bus stand.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT &MONUMENTS	Man Mahal, Merta City, Naga Pahar, Pushkar Palace, Pushkar Fort.
PILGRIM CENTRE	Brahma Temple, Varah Temple, Ranji Temple, Savitri Temple, Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Mahadev Temple, Gayatri  Mata Temple,  Aloo Baba Temple.
GARDEN	Rose Garden, The Secret Garden, Nishchal Garden, Sai Baba Garden.
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM	Shiv Shakti Art & Handicraft, Vikas Handicrafts, Collector's Paradise-Vintage Art Gallery, Shiva Textile, Ambica arts, Sootsthan Audutorium.
OTHERS	Pushkar Lake, Varah Ghat, Gau Ghat, 108 Mahadev Ghat, Budha Pushkar Lake.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar Holi, Nagaur Fair, Veer Teja or Tejaji.
SHOPPING	Pushkar Bazaar, Market Square, Sadar Bazaar, Kedalganj bazaar, The Handicraft store, Sarafa bazaar, Baza bazaar, D&G handmade Jewellery.

For more information visit https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/pushkar.html

 

ATTRACTIONS OF PUSHKAR

Pushkar lake:

• Pushkar lake perched amidst the Aravalli ranges in Pushkar, Rajasthan.
• Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats ( a flight of steps leading to the water) and over 500 temples.
• The Pushkar lake was formed where petals of  Lord Brahma's lotus fell when he was destroying Vajra Nabha.
• It is located in the oldest city of Pushkar which is often called as 'Tirtha-Raj' or the king of pilgrimage, the existence of the lake takes one back to the 2nd century BC.
• The lake witnesses millions of devotees flocking here because of the belief that the famed waters of the Pushkar wash away the sins of the whole life.
• On the holiest day of Kartik Poornima, a dip in the Pushkar lake is considered equal to the benefits accrued by performing yajnas (fire-sacrifices) for several centuries.

 

Varaha Temple :

• The largest and the most ancient temple of Pushkar, Varaha Temple is dedicated to Varaha The Boar which is the third incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.
• The Varaha temple houses an image of lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar.

 

Pushkar Camel Fair :

• Pushkar Camel Fair is held annually in November from Karthik Ekadashi to Karthik Purnima as per the Hindu calendar.
• People visit the fair to witness the beauty of Rajasthani Culture. Attracting more than 400,000 tourists, funky competitions like 'Matka Tod', 'Longest Moustache', and 'Bridal Competitions', are held during the annual Pushkar Fair.
• Spread over five days, more than 11,000 cattle, horses and camels are part of this fair.
• Savitri temple:
• Savitri temple is located atop the Savitri Hill.
• The one and half hour climb to the temple is hard and strenuous.
• Idols of Brahma's first wife Savitri and his second consort Gayatri are present here, though Savitri is always worshipped first.

 

 Mahadev Temple:

• It is located on the banks of Pushkar Lake in the heart of the city, Mahadev Temple- also known as Apteshwar Mahadev Temple, is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in the city of Pushkar.
• Enshrined by Lord Shiva, the temple was built in the 19th century and boasts of a spectacular architectural style.
• Constructed in white marbles, the temple house a five faced idol of Lord Mahadev. The five faces are called Sadyojat, Vamdev, Aghor, Tatpurush and Ishan.Also, five faces also represent the five elements - Prithvi, Varun, Vayu, Agni and Akash.
• Mahadev Temple stays especially crowded on the occasion of Shivratri which is celebrated here with a great deal of zeal and fervour.

 

Merta city:

•  Merta is an old city. Meerabai, the very famous poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna was born here. This town is a religious hub of Hindus. Charbuja Temple which lies in the city center is a paramount and famous attraction of Merta.
• Merta was a vital kingdom under the reign of Mertia Rathore Rajputs. After some time, Rao Maldeo Rathore of Jodhpur who was the head of the Rathore clan attacked Rao Veeramdev of Merta out of jealousy.

 

Naga Pahar :

• Naga Pahar is located between Pushkar Lake and Ajmer and is believed to be where Agastya Muni lived.
• The Naag Kund is believed to have existed on the Naga Pahar. The Kund was home to Vatu, Lord Brahma's son who stayed on the hill after he was punished by Chyavan Rishi for being a mischief-maker..
• Thus, attraction has religious significance, and  famous for trekking and spiritual walks.                                            

Rose Garden:

• Rose Garden is a delightful attraction in the deserts of Rajasthan..
• One can find a wide variety of colourful and fragrant roses here, as some of the rose species are grown by the local farmers while some are sourced from various parts of the world.

 

Singh-Sabha-Gurudwara :

• The Gurudwara was made to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to Pushkar.
• This place is also known as the Guru Nanak Dharamshala.

 

Pushkar Bazar :

• Pushkar Bazar is where one can find a variety of traditional Rajasthani products including apparel, accessories, jewellery, decor items and items for daily use.
• It is the best market to buy the local leather work, puppets and the bangles made in the region.
• Here the colours of Rajasthan can be found in a variety that is awe-inspiring.

 

Rangji temple :

• Rangji temple is a reflection of South Indian architectural style with glimpses of Mughal design as well.
• It is in the top three temples of Pushkar dedicated to one of the incarnations of Vishnu, Rangji.
• The temple is a major attraction for south Indian pilgrims.

 

Sarafa Bazaar:

• Sarafa Bazaar is one of the most popular markets in Pushkar which is a common favourite among shopaholics, tourists and pilgrims as well.
• Strewn about with colourful goods, garments and accessories with pocket sized shops tucked next to each other on the side of the pathways.
• The most common items available in the market are handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, embroidered Camel covers, and colourful idols of different gods and goddesses, also stone studded bangles which are the specialty of Rajasthan.

 

Kishangarh :

• Kishangarh is famous for its art, forts and the marble mines. Tourists can explore the splendid Kuchaman Fort and the Phool Mahal Palace..
• The attraction also has the serene Gundaloo Lake where one can find various species of birds. Tourists can also purchase marble artefacts as gifts and souvenirs.

 

Man Mahal :

• Man Mahal is a stunning work of architecture, built as the royal residence of Man Singh.
• From the top of the grand palace, one can get a splendid view of the surroundings.
• The reflections of the temples in Pushkar in the Pushkar Lake is a mesmerising sight rendering it a perfect site for photography.

 

Brahma Temple :

• Brahma Temple or the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir located in Pushkar, Rajasthan is the most famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma who is considered as the creator of Universe. Originally built in the 14th century, the Brahma Temple is believed to be 2000 years old.
• Initially constructed by the sage Vishwamitra, it went through renovation several times under Adi Shankara.
• The holy Pushkar Lake flowing right in front of the temple adds to its purity. The place has a different aura that soaks you in its holiness specially in the auspicious day of Kartik Poornima. 

 

 Apteshwar Temple :

• The Apteshwar Temple is actually an underground shrine Dedicated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva).
• One of the most visited temples in Rajasthan, Apteshwar Temple is a perfect blend of splendid architecture and spiritual importance thus attracting both tourists as well as devotees.

 

 Camping in Pushkar:

• Pushkar has a lot to offer to its guests and desert camping which is one of the top activities on the list. Boasting of Aravalli Hills in the backdrop and the magnanimous gorgeous desert in the vicinity, the town is an oasis of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
• Scenic beauty, beautiful starlit, unique charm and charisma of the small town makes it an ideal camping destination.
• These camping tents in Pushkar are available in all budgets, we can get a package and stay in one of those luxurious tents which come with numerous amenities and activities.

 

Pap Mochani Temple :

• Pap Mochani Temple is one of the most famous attractions in the state. Its presiding deity is Goddess Gayatri who is believed to be a powerful Goddess who can absolve one's sins.
• It is also associated with the Legend of the Mahabharata - Ashwatthama is believed to have visited the temple to seek salvation.
• This traditional Hindu temple architecture also draws tourists in large numbers.

 

 Camel safari:

• The golden deserts of Pushkar can be best explored in a camel safari.
• While exploring the shimmering golden sands, we can also enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains and Aravalli hills in the backdrop.
• Also, we are allowed to pass through tiny dainty villages and can get a sneak peek into the rustic lifestyle of the locals.