Pushkar is a charming small city centered on a sacred lake that has long been a favorite pilgrimage destination for Hindus. However, in the 1960s, Pushkar became a popular stop on the famous Hippie Trail and it continues to attract a huge number of spiritual visitors today. If you're wondering why this travel guide of Pushkar exists, keep reading to learn more about Pushkar Lake, Ghats, temples, history, and the famous Pushkar Festival Mela. This is one of the oldest cities in India, as well as one of the holiest in the world. Despite its lengthy history as a Hindu pilgrimage place, Pushkar has gained in popularity among both Indian and foreign visitors; we'll discover more about this in our Pushkar travel guide.
There are various fascinating legends concerning the history of Pushkar Lake and the town. Several of these hold mythological significance. Lord Vishnu is said to have arrived in Varah Ghat as a hog. Lord Brahma is claimed to have bathed and performed Yajna at the Brahma Ghat, along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Sikh Guru Govind Singh recites the sacred Guru Granth Sahib in Pushkar lake.
In Hindu mythology, Pushkar is known as Adi Tiratha or Tirth-Raj. According to local tradition, Lord Brahma created Pushkar Lake. Vajra Nabha, a demon, killed Brahma's offspring. It is also considered that the lake's mystery water can treat skin ailments.
Ajmer, near Pushkar, is easily accessible by train from major cities in North India. It's 14 km from Pushkar. Pushkar, a Hindu sacred location, also offers a direct rail connection from Haridwar/Rishikesh. Pushkar has direct bus service from all of Rajasthan's major towns and cities.
Pushkar is a religious town, hence there are several temples. Consider how many sources claim the number of temples in this hallowed town. The most noteworthy temple is the Brahma Temple, which is believed to be the only one dedicated to Lord Brahma.
You liked the architecture of the old Rangji temple, which has many distinguishing architectural aspects. In contrast, the new Rangji temple is intended to resemble a South Indian temple. The Savitri temple is popular with international visitors because of its wonderful ascent and views. Pushkar is a sacred place for both Hindus and Sikhs. Pushkar is home to a big Gurudwara known as Gurudwara.
For those who have never heard of or visited this town, it is a Hindu pilgrimage place, which means alcohol and non-vegetarian cuisine are strictly prohibited. However, this does not mean that food has taken a backseat. On the contrary, it is a melting pot of diverse cuisines, making it an ideal choice for gluttons. Pushkar has many fantastic dining alternatives.
I've had some of the best vegetarian street wraps near Varaha Ghat. They are popular among international visitors and are listed as one of Tripadvisor's top restaurants in Pushkar. Wrap sellers tailor them to Indian or Western taste preferences. Most Indians like spicier versions. Pushkar's food is wonderful, fresh, authentic, and affordable!
Pushkar travel blog, featuring places to see, visit, stay, and dine. This is the definitive Pushkar travel guide.
Pushkar is a popular choice for long-term travelers. It's more than just Pushkar's must-see attractions and activities. Pushkar has a really distinct vibe. Discovering Pushkar's soul, in order of importance, these things to do in Pushkar will help you to explore the city.
Many people believe that this is the only Brahma temple in the world. It is the most popular attraction in the holy city, after the lake. The temple authorities claim it is 2000 years old, however the current structure comes from the 14th century. The Ratlam monarch gave money to repair the existing temple. This temple was purportedly razed and reconstructed under the reign of Mughal monarch Aurangzeb. There was a huge outcry earlier this year when one of the priests died, and the state authorities hired an official to supervise the temple's business. Photography is not allowed on temple premises.
Life in Pushkar focuses around Pushkar Lake. It's an artificial lake created in the 12th century by building a dam across a tributary of the Luni River. Hundreds of temples, including the well-known Brahma temple, encircle this holy lake. There are 52 ghats on Pushkar Lake. It is believed that swimming at Pushkar's holy lake will help wash away sins. Taking a holy plunge on Kartik Purnima (based on the Hindu calendar), which falls in November, is highly revered in Hindu culture and draws thousands of believers to the hallowed town. This is also the final day of the Pushkar Fair.
Pushkar Lake has 52 Ghats, each with a unique history. The ghats encircle the lake. None of them were constructed at once, but rather over hundreds of years. What important is the background to each of these. Some of these ghats had different names or were changed throughout time. Man Ghatt, built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Jaipur, was later renamed Jaipur Ghat. Similarly, Gau Ghat was renamed Gandhi Ghat. Each Ghat includes informational stones that explain its name and history. Varah Ghat is Pushkar's most prominent Ghat. It is a hub of activity. Varaha Ghat offers an evening aarti, or prayer service. Aside from that, the most common Ghats are Brahma Ghat and Gau Ghat. Photography on the Ghats is generally restricted, particularly during the Pushkar Fair.
The Old Rangji Temple is located near Varaha Ghat in the bustling market of Pushkar. Admire its grand architecture as it blends several architectural styles, the most famous of which are South Indian temples. The temple was built in the mid-19th century, so it is not that old. It honors Rangji, a form of Lord Vishnu.
The temple may have derived its name from Lord Ranganatha, who is worshiped in various places in South India. What is the best place to locate this temple? Roadside vendors near Varaha Ghat.
The Savitri temple is located on Ratnagiri Hill, one of the highest in the region. Savitri is Lord Brahma's estranged wife, and there is an intriguing mythological story behind the Savitri shrine. Savitri arrived late for Lord Brahma's yagna at Pushkar. He did Yagna with Gayatri, a native Gurjar (shepherd clan) maiden who later became Lord Brahma's second bride. When Savitri arrived at the Yajna site, she became upset and ran to a hilltop to cast a spell on Lord Brahma, claiming that he could only be worshipped in Pushkar. According to common belief, Savitri is worshipped before Gayatri.
The temple can be reached by climbing the steps or by the recently opened Savitri Temple ropeway or cable car. Many people prefer to trek up around sunrise or sunset.
This is a new version of the original Rangji Temple, designed in the classic South Indian architectural style with a large and painted gopuram. It is commonly known as the New Rangji Temple, although its actual name is Shri Ram Vaikunth Temple. According to an account of the temple's history, a wealthy merchant came to the Old Rangji Temple at night and was denied darshan by the watchman.
He got very angry and decided to build a bigger temple, the new Rangji Mandir. Photography is prohibited in the temple. The temple trust allows only Indians to visit and have darshan in the temple. The modern Rangji Mandir is more visible as it is located on the Pushkar Ghat road, but the old Rangji Mandir is not.
Some people call it Pap Mochni, but actually it is Pap Mokshni Mandir. This temple is also known as Gayatri Mandir. It is located on a small hill, from where you can see a panoramic view of the holy city. It can be reached by a dirt track, which requires a 10-15 minute walk uphill. The temple is open only at sunrise and sunset. This temple is covered by the Savitri Mandir, so only a few people visit it every day. There is nothing worth talking about except the scenery and the peace. This place is also an excellent sunset spot in Pushkar.
Pushkar is synonymous with camels, and most tourists enjoy camel safari cart tours. If you are visiting Pushkar during the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Pushkar Mela Ground is a great place to go on a camel safari. Camel carts and camels are available for riding, you can book a camel safari in Pushkar with Rajasthan Tour Taxi.
Jaipur Ghat is also known as Sunset Point in Pushkar. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amer. It was earlier known as Maan Ghat, later it was renamed as Jaipur Ghat. The Sunset Cafe overlooks Pushkar Lake and offers one of the best sunsets in Pushkar. The place often becomes active as visitors and travelers decide to organize fire dances or perform acrobatics among other things. Last time a group of local children danced with the tourists. If you want to have some fun, Sunset Cafe is the best place to relax and unwind in Pushkar.
The Pushkar Gurudwara is known as Gurudwara Singh Sabha. Earlier, it was only a dharamshala or accommodation facility, but a two-story Gurudwara was built here a few years ago. You can also stop at the Gurudwara and ask the person in charge about the significance of Pushkar for Sikhs. Pushkar Lake has a ghat dedicated to Guru Govind Singh, known as Gobind Ghat. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh spent several months here after being expelled from Anandpur by the Mughal king Aurangzeb in the early 18th century.