Pushkar is a city of myths and mystics, of fairs, festivals and temples. Located in a valley at a distance of 15 kms from Ajmer, it is flocked by tourists and devotees the year round.
It is believed that Lord Brahma accidentally dropped a lotus leading to the creation of the famous Pushkar Lake. Surrounded by ghats and temples on all sides gives the viewer an otherworldly panorama. The evening aarti at the ghats is a must see. The bhajans, chanting of mantras and sound of bells makes you dive into a trance-like state. It’s a scene-stealer for people who want a weekend getaway from the daily humdrum- an ancient, elegant city with a bit of mysticism.
Situated in a valley with hillocks on the three sides and the lake in the front is the world’s only Brahma Temple. A journey here is considered as a way of salvation by many devout hindus. Adding to that the ghats and the lake are much cleaner than Ganges ghats. The great Brahma temple can be identified from a distance because of its tall red spire. Inside the temple Lord Brahma’s vahana, the swan idol, will be the first to welcome you. The sanctum sanctorum houses a chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma. There are many idols of demigods inside the temple. What’s more interesting is all the idols are shoe-less except Surya (the Sun God). Offer your prayers to the revered creator of universe here, watch the evening aarti and take a holy dip in the lake (water is clean and not much polluted)!
Interestingly in the ghats, temple and also while crossing the lake you can’t wear shoes! It is forbidden and a long-standing custom here. So, explore it barefoot! And if you are wearing a totally western attire don’t mind the locals gazing at you.
If you are keen on traditions along with an appetite for adventure then it is the right match for you. Camping in the desert, camel safari, watching the sand dunes at sunset to trekking and rope-way rides you have got it all covered. Ajmer and Pushkar are a hillock away from one another. Take a trek to Ajmer or to the Savitri temple on the hillock (it’s really steep). In the hindu month of Karthik (October/November) the world’s largest Camel Fair is held here.While men here buy and sell livestock, women flung the place to sell lac bangles, textiles etc. Hop to shop hand-looms, handicrafts not to forget lac bangles endemic to the city and buy some souvenirs.
Pushkar is touristy but not crowded. The best time to visit is October/November and February/March when its not damn hot nor freezing cold. Plan early and the trip won’t make a hole in your pocket. With traditional cuisine available within 80-120 rupees and bargaining for souvenirs. It’s fun! Your whole trip won’t cost more than 15,000 INR. The nearest airport to Pushkar is Sanganer in Jaipur. It is well connected by roads and rail to Jaipur and Delhi via Ajmer. Nearest station is Ajmer which is a 30 minutes ride from Pushkar. Taxis and buses are always available to Pushkar from Ajmer.
Pushkar is holy, ancient and breathtaking with a streak of mythology and mysticism. It’s a must visit for people looking for some adventure with a penchant for tradition, culture and history. The tranquility of the temple and stupor of ghats will leave you awestruck. It’s a haven to escape the hustle bustle and enjoy serenity at its best.
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