My solo trip to pushkar from Udaipur

In Sanskrit, Pushkar means blue lotus flower. Pushkar has an interesting history. According to legends, Brahma found Purshkar to be ideal for his Mahayagna. Soon he found out about Vajranash, a demon, who was killing people of the town. Brahma killed the demon by chanting a mantra on a lotus flower. Few parts of the lotus fell on three sites in Pushkar and these places were later called Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanishtha Pushkar. To protect Pushkar from demons, a yagna was performed by Brahma. For performing the yagna, Brahma’s consort, Savitri, was required. However, she was not present there and Brahma married a girl called Gayatri from Gurjar community to complete his yagna. Enraged by the news of Brahma’s wedding, Savitri cursed that people would worship Brahma only in Pushkar.

This city happens to be the birthplace of Meera Bai and this connection has kept it among the popular places to visit in Pushkar.

Pushkar is located close to Ajmer, about 20 km from Ajmer, in Rajasthan. Ajmer is well connected with all major cities in India and Pushkar is connected with Ajmer by road. Ajmer is having its own railway station and well connected via Indian railway.

1) Pushkar Lake

The Pushkar Lake is one of the most prominent spots of pilgrimage as well as the site of the world famous Pushkar Fair. Encircled by numerous temples and ghats (bathing spots), the lake draws thousands upon thousands devotees every year to its threshold, to gain spiritual distinction and attain salvation by taking a dip in its holy waters.

As the Kartik (Oct-Nov) month descends, the site becomes the focus of soulful devotion and pilgrimage as auspiciousness of this time is highly emphasized in Hindu sacred texts. At the same time, Pushkar Fair wonderfully exhibits the vibrancy of Rajasthan with exotic colors, dishes, dance, cattle fair and numerous entertaining contests and competitions. With amazing spiritual atmosphere, Pushkar Lake remains the site of timeless reverence and spirit.

History:

As per mythology, this place is where Brahma and Savitri offered their prayers. It is believed that a dip in this holy river is the harbinger of Moksha — freedom from birth. The lake has several ghats, designed especially for taking baths and offering prayers. Brahma Ghat is the most famous among many others like Varaha, Dadhich, Saptarishi, Gwalior, Kota, Gau, Yag, Jaipur, Karni and Gangaur Ghat. The archeological dating of the lake measures that lake existed even in the 4th century BC. In later periods it was referred to in many sources- from the inscriptions at Sanchi to records of Chinese Traveler Fa Xian. Over the period of time many Rajput rulers and local chiefs of Ajmer tried to restore the glory of Pushkar. The lake lost significance only during the brief period of Mughal rule except during the reign of Akbar.

It is believed that taking bath in the Lake during Kartika washes all the sins and absolve the devotees of bodily ailments especially skin diseases. Ramayana and Mahabharata refer Pushkar Lake as Adi-Tirtha while the lake is also counted one amongst the supremely sacred Panch-Sarovar. The Lake has been marked as one of the ten most religious places in the world and one amongst the five top sacred places for Hindus in India. The site is also home to the world’s only Brahma Temple.

2) Savitri devi temple

Located on top of a hill called Ratnagiri, Savitri temple is dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri. You can trek up the hill to catch the beautiful view of the Pushkar Lake. The temple is situated at an elevation of about 750 ft and a flight of 650 steps take you to Savitri temple, which is the second most significant temple in the town. The best time to visit the temple is early morning as you would be able to witness an absolutely stunning sunrise from the top of the hill. Although, the route to the temple is simple at first, it becomes difficult as you reach the last stretch. The 1.5 km long route to the temple is hard and strenuous. The temple has three idols. Goddess Savitri is in the middle flanked by goddess Sharda on the right side and goddess Saraswati on the left. You can also see a glimpse of Gayatri temple at a distance on top of another hill, smaller to this hill.

According to legends, Brahma had to perform a yagna and as his wife Savitri was not present there at that time, he married Gayatri, a local girl. This action enraged Savitri and she cursed Brahma that people would worship Brahma only in Pushkar. She then went to the top of the hill. An agreement was made under which it was decided that the first aarti will be performed for Savitri. This tradition is followed to this day and Savitri is worshipped before Gayatri.

3) Brahma ji temple

Situated near the Pushkar Lake, this is one of few temples of Brahma that now exist in India. Also known as the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, the temple was built in the 14th century. The temple has been built with marble and stone and features a red pinnacle. The walls are decorated with bird motifs. Images of Brahma has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum. A unique tradition which is followed here is that this place is reserved only for ascetics or sanyasis and married men are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. The architectural beauty of this temple is simply amazing, especially the pillared outdoor hall and the numerous marble steps leading to the temple. The temple can be visited throughout the year but October and November are the most important months with a festival dedicated to Lord Brahma

4) Merta

Merta is almost 400 years old and has been famous for Meera Temple — the Krishna devotee. Previously known as Medantak, this city happens to be the birthplace of Meera Bai and this connection has kept it among the popular places to visit in Pushkar. Dadhimati Temple and Charbhuja Temple, located here, also attract a large number of devotees round the year. This city also holds a lot of historical significance owing to the large number of battles it has witnessed and hence, is among popular places to visit in Pushkar. if you are visiting places in Pushkar, make sure it is one of them.

5) Naga Pahar

Pushkar and Ajmer are divided by a hill — known as Naga Pahar. As per the legends, the hills at Naga Pahar continue to diminish till date and will eventually disappear totally. These hills are believed to be the residence of the famous Sage Agastya. The hills also house a lake called Nag Kund. Naga Pahar offers a spectacular view of Pushkar city from its top and has often been used as a vantage point for photographers. It is one of the best Pushkar places to visit for a memorable holiday.

6) Rose garden

Surprisingly, Pushkar is also known for its rose farming. It is referred as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan. The farmers, here, grow rose extensively and the diversities of this flower grown here, are exported all over the world. There are acres of farm lands with beautiful red roses in different hues spreading the fragrance — enchanting enough to make one crave to sit and spend some rosy time. Visit these famous Pushkar tourist places for a memorable holiday with your closed ones.

7) Man Mahal

Built by Amber’s Raja Man Singh, this beautiful palace is located close to the Pushkar sarovar. The palace is built in traditional Rajasthani architecture and has a temple inside. The palace is maintained by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and is used as a tourist bungalow. The key attractions for tourists are breathtaking sunset views of the lakes and temples around.

THINGS TO DO IN PUSHKAR

The holy temple town, Pushkar offers many activities to its visitors. You can check out the local restaurants serving lip-smacking vegetarian food and the many temples of the town. My suggestion is sit any of the rooftop restaurant and spend an easy evening.

Serving and eating non-veg is prohibited. Alcohol is also not allowed in the city.

A major attraction in Pushkar is the Pushkar fair. Several sporting events are organized during this five-day annual fair. Camels are decorated and a race is held. The locals buy and sell livestock at the fair. Another thing to do in Pushkar is shopping. You can buy authentic Rajasthani fabric, puppets, wall hangings and other items.

You can explore the town on foot, as it is not very big. The walk through the city will enable you to see all the details of the beautiful temples and other buildings. Few companies also offer spiritual walking tours. Evening or morning walks are offered.

Places to stay:

You actually won’t find any big hotel in the main town but still having good places to stay. There are many hostels and small hotels but if are comfortable to share your bathroom with someone else than I would advise to stay in a hostel and its cheap to get a bed there approx. cost Rs. 350- Rs. 650 per night. You can actually search hotels and hostels at various websites like Makemytrip, goibibo, tripadvisor, booking.com. My personal suggestion is Hotel SUNSET & rooftop.