Pushkar is a sanctum city in the desert state of India, Rajasthan. It is famous for its temple dedicated to the Hindu God Brahma, the lake, ghats and the local markets. The Pushkar camel festival celebrated every year attracts lakhs of people to Pushkar.
How to Reach Pushkar
There are no airports at Pushkar or any other city nearby. The nearest airport is in the Pink city, Jaipur.
From Ajmer you can hire a cab or the local transport called rickshaw to Ajmer. Regular buses to Pushkar are available from Ajmer bus terminal at minimal fees.
The nearest railway station is at Ajmer. Regular trains from Delhi to Ajmer are available. You can also get direct trains from several other prominent Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.
How to explore Pushkar
It is best explored on foot. Most of the prominent spots center around the land surrounding the lake and can be seen with ease on foot. If you wish to visit far off sites then you can hire a bike and explore the hidden temples in the beautiful countryside.
Places to see:
- The Brahma Temple: It is the one and only temple dedicated to the Hindu God Brahma or the creator in the world.
- Rangji Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, preserver of worlds. The architecture of this temple is similar to south Indian temples.
- Chamunda Temple: This temple is one of the fifty one Shakti Peeths in India. It is also acknowledged as Manibandh.
- Pushkar Lake: The Pushkar Lake is a serene and lovely place in Pushkar. The legends say that this lake is of the time when the earth was created by Lord Brahma. This lake has fifty two ghats, it is said that by taking a holy dip in these ghats you can wash off your sins. The month of Kartk is considered to be auspicious for taking holy dip.
- Savitri Temple: It is situated on hilltop near the Pushkar lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s wife the Goddess Savitri. After Lord Brahma Temple this is the most visited temple in Pushkar.
- Panchkund Shiva Temple – This temple is at a distance of two to three kilometers from the Pushkar Lake. It is said that the Panch Pandavas built this temple themselves.
Pushkar Camel Fair: This is one of the most celebrated traditional fairs in India. Thousands of Indians and foreign nationals visit Pushkar every year to be a part of this fair. This fair is organized in the months of October or November when the whether is neither too hot and neither too cold. This city is most crowded during Kartik purnima, the full moon day, when the religious hearted come to take holy dips. Pushkar is well acknowledged for its camel related activities such as safari as well as colorful and vast cattle festival.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Pushkar is a religious city. Hence, meat, alcohol and any kind of drug is prohibited in Pushkar.
- Pushkar is an orthodox city. To blend in with the locals you have to dress fairly and respect the culture.
- If you want to perform rituals through a priest discuss the dakshina or fees before hand to avoid any hassles later.
- Every evening, prayers are offered at Varah Ghat. The huge aartis/lamps and bell chimes is spellbinding. You must attend it.
- Mint tea is quite popular is Pushkar, must try.
- Must remove your shoes and slippers whenever you enter a holy spot.
Be polite but also beware of the flower sellers or priests who will pressurize you into making offerings and then demand a fee. - Check if photography is allowed before taking pictures of the ghats or temples.
