Pushkar is a beautiful town in Rajasthan, India. It is well known for its religious significance and is considered the most sacred city in India. The city is so sacred that no meats, fish, eggs, and alcohol are allowed within the city. It is a popular pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the world. Pushkar literally means born due to a flower. And yes, according to Hindu legend, the holy town of Pushkar was born due to the lotus flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on the earth where Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe) would perform yagna (Yagya). The place where the flower of lotus dropped was named Pushkar.
Pushkar is one of the most ancient cities in India. No one knows the actual date of its origin. But according to legends, the origin of Pushkar city is associated with Lord Brahma (the creator of the world). It is believed that Lord Brahma performed yagna here for 60,000 years to have a glimpse of Radha Krishna.
There are many temples throughout the city. Many temples were destroyed and rebuilt. The temple of Lord Brahma is one of the most famous temples in Pushkar. It is considered to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Varah Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Savitri Temple (dedicated to Lord Brahma’s consort Goddess Savitri), Mahadeva Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Ramavaikunth Temple, Gayatri Temple, Raghunath Temple, Rangji Temple, Apteshwar Temple, etc are other temple attractions in Pushkar. Devotees from all over the world visit Pushkar to explore its temple attractions.
Pushkar lies on the Shore of Pushkar Lake. The lake is itself an important place of tourist interest in the city. There are many temples near the lake. The lake has 52 bathing ghats which are also attractions of the city. People coming to Pushkar, love to have a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar Palace and Man Mahal also deserve the attention of tourists coming to Pushkar.
Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Fair also called Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Cattle Fair. Pushkar Fair draws tourists from all over the world. Pushkar is also famous for rose gardens. It is also a base to visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
Prime Attractions in Pushkar
- Temple of Lord Brahma – the creator of the universe.
- Temple of Savitri – the consort of Lord Brahma
- Varah Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu
- Gayatri Temple – dedicated to Goddess Gayatri
- Man Mahal Palace – converted into a heritage hotel
- Pushkar Palace – converted into a heritage hotel
- Pushkar Lake and Bathing Ghats
- Pushkar Camel Fair & Festival
- Rose Gardens
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah
How to Reach Pushkar
By Air: The nearest Airport to reach Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur Airport is well connected by domestic flight to major cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Jodhpur.
By Road: Pushkar is situated at a distance of 11 km from the main bus stand of Ajmer. Ajmer is well-connected by bus services with Jaipur. Pushkar is easily accessed by major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
By Train: Ajmer Railway Station is the nearest railway station to arrive in Pushkar. There are daily morning trains to Ajmer from Delhi.