The Sacred City of Rajasthan: Pushkar

                                 

When you think of Rajasthan, you think of colors, spices, magnificent forts and history. After visiting the Pink city of the state, I took a stroll towards the sacred city of Pushkar which is not so far from the capital. It only takes two to three hours from Jaipur to get to Pushkar. The city gets its name from the Lotus flower, which has its own mythological story. According to Hindu scripture Padma Purana, when Lord Brahma came down to the earth, he named the place where the lotus flower (pushp) fell from his hand (kar) and hence the place got its name as Pushkar.

Pushkar is one of the ancient cities of the country and is known for its religious significance as the city is home to over 500 temples among the famous Brahma Temple and the golden Jain Temple. The annual Pushkar fair, the holy lake, a handful of adventure activities, and endless emotions to capture on camera gives an enormous experience of joy.

On my two day trip to Pushkar, I visited the following tourist attractions which incorporate the famous Pushkar Lake, the Brahma Temple, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mahadev Temple, Sarafa Bazaar and Bada Bazaar. Being a holy city, it provides a great opportunity to witness village life and real Rajasthan.

Pushkar Lake

The holy waters of the lake is surrounding almost by buildings of temples, so you have to take your shoes off to walk around it. People come here to take a dip in the lake as it is believed to be the harbinger of Moksha (freedom from birth). Several ghats are located near the lake offering baths praying. The site captures a scenic beauty which is awesome for photography.

The Brahma Temple

The only Brahma Temple around the world, situated near the Pushkar Lake, is one of the ancient temples in India and main tourist attractions in the town. Built in 14^th century, the temple’s architectural beauty is amazing, specially the pillared hall and the marbled stairs leading to temple. The red pinnacle (shikhara) and hamsa (bird motif) gives a distinct look to the temple.

Mahadev Temple

Built in 19^th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is well known for its architecture. The white marble statue of Mahadev gives immense positive energy and peace to its disciples. The temple is located in the main market and people can immerse themselves in the celebrations during magnificent aarti.

Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The Sufi shrine of Sufi saint MoinuddinChisti, is said to be one of the oldest shrines in India and the source of Sufism. The Dargah is about at half an hour distance from Pushkar to Ajmer by road. It is said that if a person prays with his pure heart at the shrine, gets his wish fulfilled one way or another. Built by Mughal emperor Humayun, the shrine has a number of mosques, built by Akbar and Shah Jahan. It is a perfect place to connect to your spiritual self and achieve salvation.

Sarafa Bazaar and Bada Bazar

The bazaars are filled with Rajasthani handicrafts, textile, jewelry and leather products. Colors and chaos makes it a happening place and the shops open in the morning and close till midnight. The embroidered Rajasthani clothes, wall hangings, handicrafts are something that one can’t afford to miss. The fascinating products are available at a very feasible rate and is an amazing hub for shopaholics.

I guarantee, if you visit this peaceful city, it stays with you forever. The beautiful attractions and the true Rajasthani environment. I am sure, I’ll be planning my next trip to its Pushkar Fair soon.