Top 5 Attractions in Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is a favoured destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.
According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar Tour Packages to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.
Pushkar Lake:
Pushkar Lake is said to be as old as creation itself because of the legend that it was created when a lotus fell from the hands of Lord Brahma, the creator deity. Hindu mythology describes the five lakes: Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, and Pushkar Sarovar. The holiest of all of them is believed to be Pushkar Lake. Devotees believe that bathing in the lake on Kartik Poornima (during the Pushkar Fair) will atone for sins and cure all skin problems. This artificial lake was created by building a dam hidden away in the Aravalli range, surrounded by a desert and hills.
The lake contains 52 bathing ghats (steps that go into the water), and it is said that the water at each ghat has unique healing potential. Over 500 temples may be seen along the shores of Pushkar Attractions, indicating that it is a well-liked pilgrimage site.
- Location: Pushkar Lake
- Timings: All day long
- Entry Fee: None
Brahma Temple:
The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, close to the well-known Pushkar Lake, honours Lord Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation. Although the existing structure comes from the 14th century, the original construction is roughly 2000 years old. Pushkar is home to more than 500 temples, many of which are quite old, but the Brahma temple is the most prominent one. After coming to earth to carry out a yajna, according to mythology, Brahma built his temple here. Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara renovated the temple in the eighth century. However, Maharaja Jawat Raj of Ratlam is credited with repairing and making minor modifications to the existing structure. The Lord Brahma and Gayatri, his second wife, are honoured in the temple’s.
Marble and stone stabs are used to construct the temple. The temple has a striking hamsa (bird) theme, and its scarlet pinnacle (shikhara) may be spotted from a distance. A celebration honouring Brahma is held in the town on Kartik Poornima during Pushkar Festival. After taking a bath and purifying oneself in the famous Pushkar Lake, devout pilgrims go to the temple. One of the top 10 most spiritual locations in the world, the Brahma Temple is regarded as one of the five holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
- Location: Ganahera
- Timings: Summers – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Winters – 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM; Closed – 1:30 to 3:00 PM;
- Entry Fee: None
Savitri temple:
This temple is situated on a mountain just behind the Brahma temple and is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s first wife, Goddess Savitri. One may get a panoramic view of the lake, nearby temples, and dunes while acclimating to the long flight of steps leading to the temple. Savitri cursed Brahma for marrying Gayatri while beginning his yagna at Pushkar; that’s why there is only one Brahma Temple in Pushkar.
The goddesses Savitri and Gayatri’s idols are kept at the temple. You can go through Ratnagiri Hill to reach the temple as the route goes through many hills. This trip is particularly crucial from a religious perspective since it is seen as a form of atonement for our sins.
- Location: Ratnagiri Hill
- Distance from Pushkar: 1.3kms
- Timings: Morning – 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Evening – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM;
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Tips: Experience a scintillating sunrise and sunset from the hilltop and also enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city.
Old Rangji Temple
Located in the Chotti Basti near Pushkar lake, Rangji Temple is a fine example of South Indian architecture. The walls at the temple are adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and people. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranga, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu There are small arches too around the temple that have decorative inscriptions. There is also a stupa on the temple premises. Don’t forget to include this temple in your list of top places to visit in Pushkar!
- Location: Chotti Basti
- Timings: 6:00 Am to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: None
Gurdwara Singh Sabha
The Gurdwara Singh Sabha is one of the most popular places to visit in Pushkar and an important religious site for the Sikh community here. This gurdwara is one of the most beautiful ones in Pushkar. Legend has it that two of the important gurus of the Sikh community, Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev, had rested here while travelling to Pushkar. It is mandatory to cover your head while visiting the premises of the gurdwara.
They give you a shawl or a cloth to cover your head free of cost. Inside the gurdwara, you can listen to the soulful prayer songs sung by the members of the community. On Sundays, they have langar (free kitchen) where they serve delicious vegetarian food to everyone who visits the gurdwara.
- Location: Near Pushkar Bypass
- Timings: All day long
- Entry Fee: None
- Tips: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the premises of the gurdwara.
