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Pushkar fo r a devout Hindu Pushkar
is a very important pilgrim centre, for one visit to this holy
place in a lifetime is highly prescribed.Brahma forms the great
Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each symbolising the
lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma the
creator is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each
holding a book of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and
his consort is Savitri. According to the legend Pushkar means a
pond created by flower, was formed when Brahma dropped a lotus
flower on the earth to determine a place for his yagna, a holy
sacrifice. The story goes that Brahma wanted to perform the
yagna at the most auspicious time but his consort Savitri whose
presence at the yagna was vital for its performance kept him
waiting. Irritated by this Brahma married Gayatri, a milkmaid
and installed her instead. Savitri on seeing someone else in her
place was infuriated and cursed Brahma that he would be
forgotten by people on earth and never worshiped. She relented
on pleas from other Gods that he could only be worshiped in
Pushkar, hence there are no Brahma Temples elsewhere
Fair & Festivals
Pushkar Fair
The well-known and marked with largest participation of all the
festivals of Rajasthan, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage as
well as the venue of a mammoth cattle
fair. Bazaars, auctions,
music and sports are highlight of this event.
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from
all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of
Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in
the world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is the
home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
The world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of
Pushkar, 11 kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a
spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of
Kartik (Oct-Nov).
Rajasthan's most famous fair, it brings together camel traders,
pilgrims visitors, and those who're here simply to participate
in one of the season's most colorful social events, Besides
tented camps, there are hundreds of shops selling everything
from handicrafts to spices, foodstuff and jewellery, for
visitors a number of activities are also arranged but most
simply with to stay within fair grounds to watch the fascinating
Rajasthani village metamorphose before their eyes.
Places to see
Temples
Pushkar boasts t emples, 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.
Ghats Numerous 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. |