Pushkar

Almost every year, I visit Pushkar. It’s a small town located a few miles away from Ajmer in western Indian state of Rajasthan. Pushkar is a renowned place of pilgrimage known for its one and only Lord Brahma temple. Located in the picturesque valley, the temple is surrounded by a huge lake with several ghats. Annually, lakhs of Hindus visit these ghats for Shraadh Puja. Till a few months back, there was no water in the lake as the government had ordered for its dredging to make it deeper.

One has to cross several lanes leading to the Main Temple. After climbing few stairs, as one enters the compound, one can see the idol of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma possessed the supernatural power to give birth to living beings. HE had four heads which can see the entire world from all four sides. After offering prayers at the temple while going for parikrama, one comes across the Savitri Temple located in the rear side. It is believed that when Lord Brahma had to perform Yagna, he was asked to sit with his wife Goddess Gayatri. But, the Goddess couldn’t reach the venue on time so a woman name Savitri was made to sit with Him and perform the Yagna. There is Gayatri temple across the lake which can be reached only through the boat. As one moves forward, one will come across the Lord Shiva temple located a few stairs down the earth. There is a small Shivling in the enclosed space.

Pushkar happens to be a favorite among foreign tourists. Most of them settle in the local community houses, lodges or guest houses near the temple compound.

The Annual Pushkar Animal Fair is organized in the month of Kaarthik for five days. Camels from far and distant are brought here for sale. The other animals auctioned are ass, cattle etc. Tourists from abroad also throng to get a glimpse of once in the year event. Various programmes are organized like tug of war, matka-phod and longest moustache contest. Kaarthik Purnima- the Full Moon day (the last day) of the month is one day when innumerable crowd verge to take holy dip in the lake. It is believed taking dip on this day will help them achieve salvation and remove sins of life.