Pushkar Travel Guide

 

Pushkar is one of the most ancient cities of India. Located in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district in midst of Aravali range, Pushkar is often called tirtha-raj, which literally means the king of pilgrim sites. It is also among the five pilgrim sites or dhams for people following Hinduism. There are several temples in Pushkar and the most famous temple is the Brahma temple, which is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma in the world. Pushkar is also famous for the Pushkar Lake, which has 52 ghats. Pilgrims from across the country visit the lake to take a dip in its holy water. The sacred Pushkar Lake resounds with the chants and hymns from the 400 blue colored temples located on its banks. Pushkar is also called ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, because of the flower farming in and around the city.

Located in Pushkar, the Pushkar Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions. According to the legends, the lake was created when Brahma dropped his lotus at this site. The sacred Pushkar Lake is believed to be holy by Hindus. It is called Tirtha Raj, which means the king of Pilgrimage place. The sacred water of this lake is believed to wash away the sins. The lake’s water is believed to have curative and medicinal properties. More than 500 temples are present around the lake.

Pushkar Lake, Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Pushkar Lake in Ajmer Rajasthan is termed as Thirth Raj or the king of all pilgrimage spots across India. The lake is one of the most sacred water bodies for the Hindus pilgrims. Tourist come here especially to take holy deep in lake as it is believed that the water can purify one from all the sins, troubles and ailments. This whole water reservoir is encircled by 52 ghats and 500 temples. As per our Hindu mythology it is said that this lake is outcome of fallen petals of Brahmas lotus when he was demolishing the demon Vajra Nabha.

Vraha Temple, Pushkar, Ajmmer, Rajasthan
Literally this temple was built in the 12th century but the temple was demolished during Mughal period by Emperor Aurangzeb. It was again rebuilt in the 18th century by Raja Sawai Man Singh II. This unique temple is dedicated to preserver of the universe called Lord Vishnu in Hindu Mythology. Lord Visnu took on Avtar to slay demons and kill all evil to preserve peace on the earth. He has taken nine such avtars, one of which is Vraha.

Dargah Sharif

The world-famous Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the most frequently-visited pilgrimage point in Ajmer. The complex houses numerous monuments; important attractions within the Dargah include two imposing gates called Buland Darwaza, the mausoleum where Moinuddin Chishti's tomb is placed. There is also a mosque and a huge cauldron where believers donate money, which is then used to feed the poor and needy.

A popular custom at the Dargah is to make offerings in the form of flowers and a chaddar (a cloth wrap) which is placed over the holy saint’s tomb by pilgrims seeking blessings from the Holy Spirit. It is also believed that one can make a wish come true by tying a thread at the shrine, which has to be taken off once the wish comes true.

A large number of pilgrims visit the Dargah to make offerings in the name of the Sufi saint who dedicated his life to the betterment of society. Adding to the ambience of the Dargah complex is the impeccable Mughal architecture, the spellbinding qawwalis and the divine scent of incense sticks all around.

An event that reveals the true harmonious character the Dargah is the annual Urs, a six-day festival which is held during Rajab, the seventh month of the lunar calendar each year.

 

Taragarh Fort

A historic fort that was established by the Chauhan Dynasty, the Taragarh Fort is perched on the Aravallis and offers a bird's eye view of the city of Ajmer.

Taragarh Fort is claimed to be the first hill fort in Asia, and is very impressive with its solid rectangular shape and rock-strong 4.5 metre walls. It enjoys close connectivity to the Dargah Sharif and is located at walking distance from Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra.

 

Anasagar Lake

An artificial lake which was brought to life in the 12th century, Anasagar Lake is named after Anaji Chauhan, Prithviraj Chauhan's grandfather. The scenic lake is adjoined by Daulat Bagh, another important tourist attraction in Ajmer.

Ideal for the more laid back, a jetty or paddleboat ride around the Anasagar Lake would be a good option. While touring Anasagar Lake, be sure to visit the island in the centre of the lake which is popular for evening strolls.

 

Magazine Museum

This is the city museum of Ajmer; a historic palace which was once the royal home of Prince Salim. If you wish to dig deeper into the history and culture of Rajasthan, a visit to the Magazine Museum must be on your itinerary.

It showcases a variety of ancient sculptures that take you through the history of the Mughals and Rajputs who once reigned here. One can also see the different types of armour used during the Mughal rule at the Magazine Museum.

 

 

Whatsapp