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Pushkar |
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Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an
important pilgrimage for the Hindus. One of the most sacred lakers
in india is that of pushkar, which is only rivalled by the lake of
Mansourwar, in Tibet. It is situated in a narrow valley surrounded
by immense mounds of shifting sand; and a few isolated peaks stand
out on its borders with great effect. Its form is nearly a perfect
oval, and at its southern extremity it empties itself by a narrow
canal into an immense marsh.The origin of this lake is attributed to
Lord Brahma. |
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The story goes that the god, wishing to
celebrate sacrifice of Yug, stopped for that purpose in the valley, having
first placed genii at the entrance of all passes to keep off the evil
spirits. Just as he was going to perform the cermony, he perceived that
his wife Saraswati had not accompanied him; and, as the presence of a
woman is necessary, he employed one of the Apsaras. Saraswati was so
grieved at this infidelity that she hid herself in the mountains to weep,
and was transformed into a fountain. Several centuries after, one of the
Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting, and, feeling healed
of a disease previously incurable, and recognised the miraculous property
of the spring. Shortly afterwards he returned, and had a basin dug out to
receive the waters, which now from the lake of pushkar.
This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and during the
midlle Ages temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite a town of relegious
buildings sprang up, peopled by Brahmins. The wealthy pilgrims from all
parts of India brought untold riches to Pushkar, and the princes spared no
expense to enrich the holy inhabitations of the sacred town.
People consider the water of the Pushkar lake to be very sacred and the
ritual of taking dips in the holy water is believed to bestow salvation.
The holy dip is most auspicious on Kartik purnima. Even before sunrise,
people descend the ghats, aided by the pandas [Brahmin priests] to take
the sacred bath. Offerings of coconut, flowers, and cash are made to the
lake and the priests.
Padma Purana, elaborately describes the origin and importance of this
lake. It says that Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, was once
contemplating to locate a suitable spot on earth to perform a 'Yajna'
(sacrificial ritual), the lotus fell from his hand and rebounding, struck
the earth at three places within a circuit of kms. Water issued forth,
from all the three places and the Creator called all the three as Pushkar
(lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha' (elder), 'Madhya' (central) and
'Kanishtha' (younger). |
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General Information
Area :
25-sq-kms
Population:
18,000
Location :
11-km From Aimer, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions:
25 Bathing Ghats, Cattle Fair
Significance:
Houses The Only Brahma Temple In India.
Best Time To Visit:
Mid-October To Mid-March.
Camel Fair Tours
The world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town of Pushkar,
11 kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a spectacular fair ground
for twelve days during the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from all over
the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of Pushkar town. Pushkar
Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world. Rajasthan which is
enriched by cattle wealth is the home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
A large number of cattle converge here and brisk trading takes place. The
fair is predominantly a rural gathering and is overwhelming in its
magnitude and visual impact. Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares
at hundreds of roadside stalls.
Evenings at the fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas, Music and Dances
are organized for the entertainment of the tourists. The camels, horse and
donkey races are great crowd pullers and enthrall the tourists
A unique blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival begins with
a colourful procession of bedecked camels, Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the red
sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort.
The festivity advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo Grounds,
followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed
competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this, are the
gaping spectators. The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully
to the slightest direction of their riders.
Colourful bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel
shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant, skirt-swirling
Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light
up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar from
Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and bathe in
the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing on the last
day which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings.
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair the cattle
fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like camels and
horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people from far and
wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village, has also been
erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are organized for them and
cultural programmes are held acquainting them with the Rajasthani way of
life and culture.
Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and small; the most
celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. |
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