The origin of Pushkar is described in the Padmapurana. It is said that Brahma came here and performed the sacrifice. Pushkar is also mentioned in the Ramayana. Vishwamitra is said to meditate here. Apsara and Maneka came here to bathe in the holy water. Its description is found in Sanchi Stupa inscriptions. In the article of Pandulean cave, which is believed to be AD 125, Ushamdavatta’s name appears. It was the son-in-law of the famous king Nahapan and had come to Pushkar and donated 3,000 cows and a village. Pushkar is also known as the ‘Rose Garden of Rajasthan’, due to the cultivation of flowers in and around the city. These flowers are exported worldwide. Now Pushkar is more famous for its 9 days fair held in November every year. People come to sell and buy livestock in this fair. Many cultural events also attract tourists from all over the world.
- Pushkar Sarovar (Lake) & Market Walk
Pushkar Sarovar (Lake) is One of the most Sacred lake in Rajasthan State. People from all over India Visit. This lake is related to Lord Brahma. The only temple of Brahma is built here. It is mentioned in detail in the Puranas. It has also been the taphobhoomi of many ancient sages. The world famous Pushkar fair is held here, where people from all over the country and abroad come. Pushkar has also been counted among the Panch Tirthas.
There is a legend about the origin of the lake that water from the hands of Brahmaji fell here when a lotus flower fell, which led to the emergence of this lake. It is also believed that by taking a dip in this lake, sins are destroyed. There are 52 ghats and many temples built around the lake. Gaughat, Varaghat, Brahmaghat, Jaipur Ghats are prominent among them. The view of the sunset from Jaipur Ghat is very amazing.
So when you are in Pushkar this is the top thing to do and you can also enjoy narrow market walk alongside the sarovar.
- Brahma Temple
It Say’s that there is only Brahma ji’s Temple in entire India and it is in Pushkar. There is no mention when Brahma Ji Temple was built and who built it. But it is said that one thousand two hundred years ago, A ruler or arnav dynasty had a dream that there is a temple at this place which need proper maintenance. Then the king revived the old structure of this temple. If you want to feel the vibe of positivity you can visit in the early morning or in the evening at the time of prayer ceremony called AARTI. This temple is not having great architecture but you can find peace inside it.
- Sand Dune Safari
Nearby Pushkar there are some small sand dunes so if you do not have much time to visit Jaisalmer but still want to explore some sand dunes you can visit there. There are lot of small tour operator who provide you Camel, Jeep safari in Sand dunes. I suggest you should take Jeep safari as we do not promote animal use in tourism. Also you can spend a night into these sand dunes in Swiss tents. It is a wonderful experience to spend night under the stars and enjoy cultural programs in night.
- Ajmer visit
Ajmer is the district in which pushkar situated. It is just 15 km far from Pushkar. You can get a Jeep or Local Busses to reach Ajmer. Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmer in the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort “Ajay meru” or the “Invincible Hill “. He established the Chauhan dynasty which continued to rule the country while repeated waves of Turkish invasions swept across India. The Chauhans dominated Ajmer for many years and it was only towards the end of the 12th century that Prithviraj was killed and Ajmer was conquered by Muhammad of Ghor, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193. After independence in 1947, Ajmer retained its position as a centrally administrated state under a Chief Commissioner for some time. Now Ajmer is more famous for Ajmer Dargah is a Sufi shrine which is believed to be one of the holiest places in Rajasthan. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who was a Persian Sufi saint, is enshrined in this place owing to his secular preaching’s. you can also visit the local market, Nasian Jain Temple, Ana Sagar Lake, Akbar’s Palace and museum.
- Hike at Savitri Temple
Temple dedicated to Savitri, wife of Bramha. The temple located on the Ratnagiri hills was built in 1687. It will take 45-60 minutes to reach up to top. According to legends, Brahma was supposed to follow the yagna and at the time his wife Savitri was not present there, he married a local girl, Gayatri. Savitri was enraged by this action and cursed Brahma that people would worship Brahma only in Pushkar. She then went to the top of the hill. An agreement was reached under which it was decided that the first aarti for Savitri would be performed. This tradition is followed on this day and Savitri is worshiped before Gayatri.
- Kishangarh Visit
Kishangarh is 40 km far from Pushkar, it is on the way to Jaipur. Kishangarh State was a princely state of India from 1611 to 1948. It was founded by the Jodhpur prince Kishan Singh in 1609. Prior to Kishan Singh this area was ruled by Raja Samokhan Singh who was a distant relative of Kishan Singh’s family and grandfather of Naubat Khan. It is also called Kishangarh School of Art. While here, you can visit famous artists and buy the popular Kishangarh-style miniature paintings (Bani Thani) that are characterized by the liberal use of green color and portrayal of landscapes.
- Pushkar Camel Fair
In the month of November every year organized pushkar fair which is also famous as Camel fair. The nine-day festival in which camels and horses are traded. People from far villages visit with their animals and stay here to sell their animals with good price. Cultural events and competitions include dances, tug of war between women teams as well as men teams, the “matka phod”, “longest moustache” competition, “bridal competition”, camel races and others.