Tourist places in and around Pushkar
Pushkar Lake
The lifeline and centre of this town, you will obviously not miss it. Enclosed by white ghats that teem with numerous temples, the hills in the backdrop stand reflected in the waters. The only break in this white colour is the pilgrims and sadhus who move around here. Take a dip in the lake, sit at its ghats and mull over the questions of life. Believed to be the spot of the yajna done by Brahma, today a floating chhatri in the lake marks that spot. The lake has almost 52 ghats, most of them dating to about 300 years and filled at all times by devotees. Among the oldest and most auspicious ghats are Brahma, Varaha and Gau Ghats. Here, offerings of rose petals and coconuts are made for assuring peace for the souls of ancestors. In fact it is Gau Ghat where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were immersed. There is also a separate enclosure for women bathers. Varaha Ghat is named after Lord Vishnu and has an old temple dedicated to the Lord. Narasimha Ghat has preserved remains of a crocodile who is said to have attacked a priest some 30 years ago! Of course, no reptiles have been spotted here since! Worth spending an hour or two is at the Kishangarh Ghat, which is possibly the only ghat that is almost devoid of priests. In fact it is also possible to take a couple of photographs at the ghat, which otherwise is not permitted. Watch the waters change their hue as the sun sets behinds the Ratnagiri Hills from orange to pink and dark red. Truly a spectacular sight. Watch the performances by the Bhopa balladeers of Rajasthan, who create beautiful music by their soft-music emanating ravanhatta.We recommend avoiding the local priests while exploring the ghats, who are mostly looking out for avenues of getting money out of you. Try the bhang lassi, visit the Pushkar Cattle Fair, practice sessions of yoga, take a stroll around the colourful bazaars or take a rose-scented oil massage. Remember though, that consumption of non-vege food and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
The sacred reservoir is said to be created by the falling of lotus petal from the hand of Lord Brahma. The lake is considered to be as old as the creation and one of the sacred ‘Panch Sarovar' or five Lakes, the other four are Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar and Pampa Sarovar. There are 52 bathing ghats around the lake; devotees believe that a dip in the waters of the lake washes away the sins, especially during kartik Poornima (Oct/Nov).
The Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar sarovar together constitute the ‘Panch sarovar' or five sacred lakes of Hindu mythology.
It is believed that one dip in the waters of this lake on Kartik Poornima is equal to performing yagnas for several hundered years. It is a semicircular lake around which there are 52 Ghats.
The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Nagu Kund is believed to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm, thhe Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom. The other important ghats are the Varah Ghat (which is considered very sacred, as loprd Vishnu is believed to have appeared here in the form of a boar), the Brahma and Gau Ghat.
The pious Pushkar Lake is believed to having 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 as one of the most sacred spots, and believed that one dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima ocassion is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years.
Sambar Salt lake
The largest salt lake in India. This 20 mile long and 2 to 7 mile wide lake covers an area of 70sq. miles. The lake fills during the monsoon and almost dries up in theh summer, uncovering a huge bed of salt. Thousands of flamingos flock here during the winter month from October to January.Brahma Temple
Located 5 km from the Brahma Ghat, this is the only temple dedicated to the Creator Brahma. The temple is built in typical Rajasthani style, and extensive use of marble is visible on the external complex. However, the older sanctum within is constructed in stone, though this is concealed within bright paints. The entrance is flanked by four pillars, domed ceilings and shikara over the sanctum. The pillars in the temple are painted in blue, while the dome and shikara are done in bright orange. The marble that has been used in its construction were donated from across the country, from as close as Ajmer to as far as Nepal! The entrance has silver coins coated in it, and this is a feature typicl to most temples in Pushkar. Within the sanctum in the four-faced idol of Lord Brahma with his shy bride Gayatri to his left. Facing the sanctum is a silver turtle, Brahma's pet.Open from: 6:00 am-1:30 pm, 3:00 pm-10:00 pm
The Brahma temple is the most important temple here. In fact it is said to be one of the few Brahma temples in India. A beautifully carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctum-sanctorum or garbha gritha. Peacocks adorn the temple walls, as they are believed to be the vehicle of Goddess saraswati- the consort of Lord Brahma. Colourfully dressed village folk add fun and gaiety to the event. Puppet shows are a big attraction too. One of the sports involves the test of camel's capacity to take the weight of scores of passengers even as they struggle to keep themselves from falling off the camel's back.
This is the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma and was constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors name engraved on them
Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir
There are over 400 sacred shrines in and around Pushkar, but the nost important is the temple of Lord Brahma, which is only one of its kind in the country. The 14th century shrine set on a high plinth enshrines a four faced image of Lord Brahma, known as ‘Chaumurti'. Nearby is a small image of milkmaid Gayatri. Steps in the corner lead to a small cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple walls are also adorned with graceful peacocks the celestial vehicle of Goddess saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and consort of Lord Brahma.There are over 400 sacred shrines in and around Pushkar, but the nost important is the temple of Lord Brahma, which is only one of its kind in the country. The 14th century shrine set on a high plinth enshrines a four faced image of Lord Brahma, known as ‘Chaumurti'. Nearby is a small image of milkmaid Gayatri. Steps in the corner lead to a small cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple walls are also adorned with graceful peacocks the celestial vehicle of Goddess saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and consort of Lord Brahma.
Varaha Temple
Located close to the Varaha Ghat, the temple is crafted in red stones and has an elaborate entrance, reachable by 30 steps. The temple does not have too many visitors and the spacious courtyard remains empty most of the time. Of the several chhatris, only one remains, coloured in dull maroon, yellow and blue. If you wish to make an offering to the white marble idol of Vishnu, rice, cooked or raw is what you should give.Open from: 5.00 am-1.30 pm, 4.00 pm-8.00 pm This second most important shrine of Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Warah, the wild boar. It is said to be built by chauhan king Anaji (1123-1150), but was destroyed by Muhammad ghauri after his victory over Ajmer. In 1806, Gokul chand Parikh, a scindia minister renovated the shrine.
The Varaha temple houses an image or Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a wild boar, who came on earth to kill the clemon Himayaksh. It was constructed by the Chouhan King Anaji (1123-1150).
This second most important shrine of Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Warah, the wild boar. It is said to be built by chauhan king Anaji (1123-1150), but was destroyed by Muhammad ghauri after his victory over Ajmer. In 1806, Gokul chand Parikh, a scindia minister renovated the shrine.
Temple of Rangji or Shri Vaikunthnath
This is one of the best examples of a combination of Rajasthani and South Indian architecture, made for the South Indian Ramanuja Vaishnava sect. The frescoes that adorn its walls are beautiful if faded. Other features of the temple incluse lofty gopurams and chhatris. Within the inner sanctum are shrines dedicated to Krishna, Ranganathji and Ramanujacharya. Try and be there at 8.00 in the morning or evening when you would be offered the prasad of khichdi and tamarind rice.Open from: 6.45 am-noon, 4.00 pm-9.00 pm
Note Foreigners are not allowed within the temple
This magnificent shrine built in south Indian style is noted for its towering ‘Gopuramk' (gateway). Other important temples are Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple, Baiji ka Mandir and Man Mandir etc.
This temple is very conspicuous because of its South Indian style of architecture. It has a high rising ‘Gopuram' typical of Southern India.
This magnificent shrine built in south Indian style is noted for its towering ‘Gopuramk' (gateway). Other important temples are Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple, Baiji ka Mandir and Man Mandir etc.
Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple
Located near the Varaha Ghat, this is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is located underground and has several lingams installed within the chambers.Open from: 6.00 am-1.30 pm, 4.00 pm-8.30 pm This 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Savitri Temple
The interesting story of the differences between Brahma and Savitri comes to the forefront when you notice the location of the temple dedicated to her. While the Brahma Temple is located near the lake, Savitri Temple is located away from the lake, atop the Ratnagiri Hill and is a particularly steep climb of 4 kms. It provides notable views of the Pushkar town and the views are especially beautiful at sunset. This temple is visited by a large number of married women praying for the long life of their husbands.Open from: 6.30 am-8.00 pm
The shrine of Lord Brahma's forst wife is set on the hill behind the Brahma temple. It can be reached by a long flight of steps and affords a birds eye view of the lake and surrounding areas.
The temple of Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple and one has to climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine.
The shrine of Lord Brahma's forst wife is set on the hill behind the Brahma temple. It can be reached by a long flight of steps and affords a birds eye view of the lake and surrounding areas.
Old Rangji Temple
Lord Rangji is an carnation in of lord Vishnu. This temple was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.This temple is unique due to confluence of South Indian style (Dravid) Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.The temple of Lord Brahma's first wife. It is located on the hill behind the Brahma temple and one has to climb a long series of steps to reach the shrine. It commands a panoramic view of the beautiful lake and the picturesque surrounding of the villages.
New Temple
The gracious temple is very conspicuous, due to its south Indian style of architecture. It has a high rising Gopuram typical of southern India Pushkar has more than 400 temples, the other important temples are Balaji la Mandir and Man Mandir.Saraswati Temple
Saraswati is the wife of Brahma. Literally her name means 'the flowing one' .In the Rig Veda she represents a river deity and is connected with fertility and purification. She is considered the personification of all knowledge - arts, sciences, crafts and skills. She is the goddess of the creative impulse, the source of music, beauty and eloquence.Man Mahal
It was built by Raja Man Singh I of Amber, as a royal guest house. The guest has been converted into a hotel and provides a fine view of the ghats.Raja Man Singh l of Ajmer built this royal house, the largest in Pushkar, located on the east of the sacred Sarovar lake in Pushkar. It was built as a royal guest house for Raja Man Singh but is now converted into a hotel.
Pushkar Palace
The 400 year old palace of Maharaja of Jishangarh has also been converted into a hotel.Pushkar palace was constructed 400 years ago by the Maharaja of Kishangarth on the edge of the lake. A beautiful view of the 400 temples, banks, sand dunes and the magnificent Aravalli hills can be enjoyed from here.
Cultural Activities
An interesting feature of the hotels in Pushkar is the absence of televisions! But considering the options you have, it's highly unlikely that you'd get bored. There are regular yoga sessions that take place at the ghats. Enroll yourself in one! Enjoy some classical vocal and instrumental music at Badi Basti or watch the Lohan and Gujjar folk dances that take place at several corners of the city. An interesting activity you can indulge in is the camel safari that can be arranged by the hotels or cafés lining the lake. Plan an entire package, complete with camel ride, dinner with bonfire and even Rajasthani folk performances.Merta
Located over 50 km from Merta, Merta is more popularly known as home to Meera Bai, the poet-princess who dedicated her life to Lord Krishna. It has several forts you can visit, including Merta Fort and Malkot Fort, which is today in ruins. Another fort you can visit is the Dudagarh Fort, which is noted for its 15th century architecture.Located centrally is the Charbhujanath Temple, dedicated to the four-armed manifestation of Lord Krishna, the patron goddess of the Rathores, former rulers of Merta. This 400-year temple was the site of poems and bhajans recited by Meera Bai for the Lord. Apart from a statue of the Lord, there is a life-size image of Meera Bai, with the walls adorned with paintings from her life. The temple is the site of the Meera Mahotsav held annually in July.
You can also visit the Palace of Meera, which must at one time have been beautiful, but is today quite dilapidated. You can also visit the Shahi Jama Masjid, a striking mosque built by Auranzeb.
Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Destroyer, with five faces. It is known for the elegance of its structure and ornamentation.
Rangaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu - the preserver and built in the South Indian architectural style. There are two massive dwarpals (gatekeepers) structure in front of the main gate and an image of Garuda inside.
Another important temple is of Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, built in 12th century.