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RAJASTHAN
:: PUSHKAR
CITY GUIDE |
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Pushkar
General Information |
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Area |
5
sq. km. |
| Altitude |
486 meters |
| Temperature |
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Summer |
40.70C-25.90C |
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Winter |
23.30C-6.30C |
| Clothing |
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Summer |
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Winter |
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Languages |
Hindi,
Rajasthani, English |
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Pushkar History |
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Pushkar is among the five dhams
or pilgrimages that are held in high esteem by Hindus,
the others being Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, and
Dwarka. It is said that in battle lord Brahma killed
the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, whose
petals floated down to earth and landed in three
places in and around Pushkar where lakes sprang
up. According to legends, Pushkar Lake was surrounded
by 500 temples and 52 palaces (several rajas and
maharajas maintained palaces here for pilgrimage)
at one point. The Brahma temple is the most important
temple here and is, in fact, the only Brahma temple
of India. It is interesting to note that Brahma
is not worshipped, even though he is one of the
Holy Trinity of Hinduism. Brahma, it is said, had
descended on earth to perform a Yajna (fire-sacrifice).
His wife Savitri was not with him at that time and
the Yajna would be incomplete without her. Therefore,
Brahma married a local girl and sat down for the
Yajna. Meanwhile Savitri landed on earth and, upon
finding this new bride sitting next to Brahma, cursed
him that he would never be worshipped anywhere else
on earth.
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How
to reach Pushkar ? |
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Air |
The
nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is
well connected to all the major cities which includes
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Recently,
flights to Dubai has also started from Pushkar by
Indian Airlines.
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Rail |
The nearest railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer,
which is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected
to all the metro cities of India. There are daily
trains from Delhi in morning.
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Bus |
Pushkar is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan
Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from
Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every
15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good,
and it takes around 3 hrs from Jaipur. You can also
come by hire private cars. |
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| PUSHKAR
SIGHT SEEING |
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| Temples |
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 Pushkar
boasts temples, through few are as ancient pilgrimage
site many were destroyed by Aurangzeb and subsequently
rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be
the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma.
It's marked by a red spire and over the entrance
gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma,
who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar
as its site. The Rangji Temple chosen is also
important.
The one - hour trek up to the hilltop temple overlooking
the lake is best made early in the morning; the
view is magnificent.
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| Ghats
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ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly
bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish
to join them, do it with respect - remove your
shoes, don't smoke and don't take photographs.
This is not Varanasi and the pilgrims here can
be very touchy about insensitive instruction by
non - Hindus. |
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PUSHKAR
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
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| Pushkar
Fair |
About the Fair
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.
Huge and colorful cattle fair "The Pushkar
Fair", is also held during this time. Pushkar
fair is well-known for it's Camel trading and
other attractive activities.
Activities
Dance music and colorful shops spring up during
this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional
delicacies. Colorfully attired village folk enhance
the fun of the occasion.
A host of cultural event against the backdrop
of this pretty setting is also organized including
attractive puppet shows. Cattle auction and camel
races are also a part of the festivities.
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OTHER
USEFUL LINKS |
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Hotels in Pushkar |
Tour Packages for Pushkar |
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