HISTORY OF PUSHKAR
Pushkar the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms away from
the city. Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th
century writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in
the scripts writing during the era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar
is famous for its fairs and festivals. Pushkar is a sacred
place for Hindus and has a staggering 400 temples, of which
the most important is dedicated to Lord Brahma. According
to legend, for five days in a year, all the gods visit Pushkar
and bless the devout-hence the unbelievable number of devotees
who flock to the lake to wash away their sins. These five
crucial days also coincide with the biggest cattle fair of
the country. Virtual armies of camels, cleaned, washed, and
adorned, descend on Pushkar and villagers do brisk business.
A visit to Pushkar fair is truly the experience of a lifetime.
MONUMENTS & PLACES TO VISIT
Brahma Mandir- The Brahma temple
is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. It is nestled
in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the
Anasagar Lake. This place, full of natural beauty, holds
a special place in the hearts of Indian for it is believed
that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses,
performed a Yagya here Brahma Temple The most famous temple
in Pushkar, this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma
(the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology)
in the entire country. This temple built with marble is
decorated with silver coins and there is a silver turtle
on the floor of the temple.
Warah Temple- The Warah temple houses
an image of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar.
The temples of Lord Brahma and Warah are considered equally
important. My thologically a very important temple and is
believed that Lord Vishnu came on the earth in the incarnation
of Warah (Wild boar) to kill the demon Hirnayaksh and liberate
the land from his atrocities.
Pushkar Lake- The Pushkar lake, believed
to have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand
of Lord Brahma. It is considered to be as old as the creation.
The lake is considered one of the most sacred spots, and
believed that one dip in the waters of lake on Kartik Poornima,
is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years.
Man Mahal- Raja Man Singh-I of Amer, built
this largest royal house in Pushkar located on the east
of Sarovar, the sacred lake in Pushkar. It gives a clear
view of the banks and temples located around the lake. It
was built as a royal guest house for Raja Man Singh I on
his trips to the holy town. This traditional guest house
has now been converted into a hotel.
Savitri temple- The Savitri temple is
dedicated to Goddess Savitri, Lord Brahma's first wife.
It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple. To reach
the temple one has to climb a long series of steps. The
site of the Savitri temple provides a panoramic view of
the lake and surrounding sand dunes.
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