So, after visiting that beautiful church and praying for few minutes before Jesus, we now had to catch a bus for Pushkar and after some inquiry we were informed that the RSRTC buses ply between Ajmer and Pushkar after every ten minutes from Ajmer bus stand. To reach bus stop we boarded in a city bus who took us to bust stop in ten minutes. Though I had already been to Pushkar around 13 years back, when I visited Ajmer to appear in the Railway Recruitment Board Ajmer’s exam for Junior Engineer after completion of my Engineering.
Aerial View of Pushkar & Pushkar Lake – Courtesy: Google
It was a hot day and we were feeling very uncomfortable due to this heat. As we got down from city bus at bus stop, a bus was ready to leave for Pushkar. We boarded in the bus and our tour from Ajmer to pushkar started, from this bus we saw the famous and huge lake Anasagar of Ajmer. Its indeed a beautiful and scenic lake. After around fifteen minutes run through the Ajmer city the main road leading to Pushkar started. Pushkar is at a distance of around 12 KM’s from Ajmer bus stand and usually it takes approx half an hour to reach there.
Ajmer RSRTC Bus Stop
In Ajmer city, On the way to Pushkar
The way from ajmer to pushkar is very scenic and picturesque, it is a road made by cutting the hills. From the window of bus we were enjoying the beautiful views of the way and simultaneously capturing the pictures. Beautiful curved and twisty road, lush green surroundings, hills and the monkeys romping on the road side hills and trees, in a nut shell this short journey was full of exaltation, excitement, zeal and enthusiasm. But this is the scene of outside the bus but inside the bus we were feeling very hot and were almost soaked with sweat, but our excitement to reach and see Pushkar was challenging that roasting heat.
The picturesque way…..
On the way to Pushkar
The Monkey’s playing on Rocks
Now on trees
Eventually after few minutes the buildings of pushkar visible to us. One thing I would like to cite here that Kavita and Sanskriti were much excited to be in Pushkar because of a special reason apart from spiritual and tourism, and the reason was to see the places and characters and scenes presented in a TV serial airing on Star Plus channel – Diya Aur Baati.This serial is made on the backgrounds of the Pushkar and the entire serial runs around a traditional Rajasthani family living in the city of Pushkar. Entire culture, costumes and language used in the serial presents the feel of Pushkar. This serial is a favorite of both Kavita and Sanskriti, so they had a hope that they would be able to see the shooting, locations and the characters of the serial. This serial is being telecasted even now on star plus and the location as shown in the serial in some Hanuman gali in Pushkar.
With full of zeal we entered in the holy town of Pushkar. As we got out of bus the roasting heat and penetrating sun rays welcomed us in Pushkar as it was the time of afternoon and we were in Rajasthan. At Pushkar bus stop we found a cycle rickshaw and we hired it for forty rupees. Now we were riding on a cycle rickshaw in Pushkar.
Another signboard
We were eagerly looking the surroundings of Pushkar, narrow alleys, old buildings, antique shops, monkeys and above all large number of foreigners everything was unique. Since we had already booked our hotel in Pushkar so we were not worried about searching a hotel, we instructed our rickshawala to take us to Hotel Navaratan Palace.
After Reaching hotel we fulfilled some basic formailities of hotel and rushed towards our room as we were feeling bit tired and also wanted to get rid of the burning heat. Immediately after getting in the room we switched on the air cooler and crumbled on the bed. After few minutes rest I and Kavita were now worried about the health of Sanskriti because she was not recovered yet.
I enquired the hotel manager about any doctor nearby but he told me very depressingly that there is no any doctor nearby and to seek any medical treatment you’ll have to go to the government hospital which is about 4 kilometers from here.
Here one more thing I would like to mention that in Pushkar one has to be completely depend upon cycle rickshaws which are in a very limited quantity or your own foot because none of the other means of travel is allowed to operate in the pushkar town as per local administration. So I was bound to take sanskriti hospital on foot as after tem minutes wait I was not able to find any cycle rickshaw. It was really very hard even for me to walk on my foot four kilometers in an unknown place in hunt of a doctor.
Fortunately the doctor was in and she prescribed a very good treatment for Sanskriti. While returning we got a rickshaw and reach hotel. Immediately I gave the dose of medicines to sanskriti. After half an hours rest she shown first sign of recovery and asked something to eat after a long span of 24 hours. I was very happy that she asked something to eat and I Immediately rushed towards the restaurant to take some dal and rice for her as per her wish. After having little amount of food she laid down on bed and went on sleep. Her fever was getting down and she started recovering rapidly.
Now we got some relief from Sanskriti and we were thinking to go to the holy pond of Pushkar (Pushkar Taal) because it is auspicious to visit Bramha temple only after taking bath in the holy pond. We asked Sanskriti whether she wants to come with us at Pushkar Taal but she denied accompanying us there, so soon we headed towards the Taal taking necessary things in our bag like towel, soap etc. Now it’s the time to give some necessary information about this holy place Pushkar and the Pushkar Taal.
PUSHKAR: Pushkar is a town in the Ajmer District in the state of Rajasthan. It is situated 12 km northwest of Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. According to Hindu theology, the pond at the Katas Raj temple Near choa saidan shah in Chakwal District of Pakistan has a theological association with Lord Shiva; it was formed by the tears of Lord Shiva which he is believed to have shed after the death of his wife, Sati.
The story goes that when Sati died, Lord Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds — one at Pushkar in Ajmer in India and the other at Ketaksha in Pakistan, which literally means raining eyes, in Sanskrit. It is from this name that the word Katas is derived. It is often called “Tirth Raj” – the king of pilgrimage sites – and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists. Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the Shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Bramha with its creation.
Pushkar in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagya. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. Pushkar word may be derived from word ‘Pushkarni’ means- lake. It may be derived from word Pushpa means flower and Kar means hand.
Pushkar Lake: The prime attraction of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar which is considered sacred like the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Pushkar has become a place of Hindu pilgrimage because of this holy lake. Legend has it that this lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale and a lake emerged in that place. It is located in the town of Pushkar amidst the aravali range of hills. The mountain range known as Nag Parbat (“snake mountain”).
Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of theHindus. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC. Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathingghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around KartikPoornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu Temples are situated around the lake precincts.
Legend: There are various legends from Hindu epics Ramayana andMahabharata and thePauranik scriptures which mention the Pushar Lake and the town of Pushkar surrounding it. According to the Hindu scripturePadma Purana, Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slew the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground and thus created the lake. When Brahma came down to the earth, he named the place where the flower (“pushpa”) fell from Brahma’s hand (“kar”) as “Pushkar”. So this was a little description about Pushkar, Pushkar Lake and the legend associated to this lake.
Now coming back to my story: As we approached to the holy pond (Pushkar Taal) we were astonished to see the beauty of this miraculous lake and were stunned for a moment. It was really a fascinating sight. Everywhere around us there was an auspicious aura and our mind and souls went spiritual, spiritual and spiritual. Because of rainy season the water of pond was muddy and looked like tea, but it was deep. I strongly believe that because of its color and appearance the holiness of the pond does not gets affected a bit. So soon we were ready to take a holy deep in the Pushkar Taal.
A child in disguise of Lord Shiva on the way to Pushkar Taal
Steps leading to Pushkar Sarovar
The Pushkar Taal Main Ghat
Another view of ghat and Pushkar Sarovar
The Pushkar Sarovar
The Pushkar Sarovar
Shivam is very much fond of bathing in River and sea so he started taking off his cloths and I was also excited to take a holy dip as soon as possible, so without wasting time we both put our first step in the pond, since it was hot that time so we felt this bath pleasant. Kavita took position to capture the photos. Meanwhile she spoken a panda to perform a pooja for us on the holy banks of Pushkar Taal.
The Pushkar Sarovar…….See the beautiful backgrounds
Sitting on the ghat
The father and son taking holy bath at Pushkar Taal
Amazing na?………….Yes he is none other than shivam
Another beautiful view
Wow………….
A sadhu baba on the Ghat
Monkey’s playing on ghat
A Sign board on the ghat
After we were over from bathing Kavita went to have a holy bath and after she finished, we all set together on a step of the ghat for pooja. After the pooja finished we returned back to our hotel. Now Sanskriti was feeling quite well so we were happy. Now our next destination was the main attraction of Pushkar the Bramha temple and sanskriti was also willing to come with us to Lord Bramha’s temple- The one and only in the World. But alas……………..You’ll have to wait till my next post for Bramha Temple and the other temples of Pushkar.
A very nice, informative post on two holy cities, ‘Ajmer’ and ‘Pushkar’.
These places are so near from here, but we couldn’t go there yet. Your post will be good for us as we are planning a long trip this winter.
…there is a ‘suspense’ – ‘am eager to know.
Have a nice day,
Amitava,
Thank you very much for your encouraging comment. It would be my pleasure if my post could help you planning your trip. Your comment is bit confusing for me, From where these places are so near and which suspense you are talking about?
Thanks.
Hi Mukesh…It will surely help me.
We stay in Gurgaon, which is approx. 300 km from Pushkar…and several times we were in Jaipur but not in Pushkar or Ajmer.
ohho…suspense..you just finished this post as “But alas..” that’s why…
Once again a pure travelogue . Beautiful post specially pictures and camera from Mumbai is performing well. Bathing anywhere in natural water is the action which I want to do in my every journey. Enjoyed your post. Waiting for next part of Brahma Temple
Vishal,
Thanks for your sweet comment. Yes this camera always reminds me about Vishal the great………..You and this camera both are the first ones who have captured the maximum number of images of mine (myself) in my lifetime so far.
Thanks.
Good story mukeshji. Pushkar, the only temple of Brahmaa in the world, seems good. what is the source of water for Pushkar lake ?
i think it is FOG ?
S.S. Ji…..
It is not FOG….Manu has already written about Pushakar & Ajmer….
Thanks
Silent ji,
Its a long time……………I have seen you. Where are you? Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I think rainwater is the only source of this lake, because in one of the Manu’s posts I have seen this sarovar completely draied. No sir its not a FOG. Few posts on Pushkar are already there on ghumakkar.
Thanks.
dear mukesh
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Rastigi ji,
Thank you very much for your motivating comment. Yes, there is a huge intake of foreigners here in Pushkar but I don’t know which thing attracts the foreigners much. Apart from Pushkar I have seen a huge movement of foreigners in Gokarna (Karnataka). Even I am looking for the answer of this mystery since my last visit to Pushkar probably 15 years back. If someone can through some light on this fact I will be very much thankful.
Thanks.
Hi Mukesh ji, thanks for sharing this informative and beautiful post with us, photos are just wonderful. I have travelled to this town twice, but what a bad luck! have not been able to see Pushkar Lake & Brahma Temple so far. I am happy that atleast I could see it through your narrative and lovely pics.
As for Rastogi ji’s question regarding foreigners, there are several reasons, some good some bad. Since Pushkar lies near Jaipur usually foreigners who travel to Jodhpur from Jaipur make a night’s halt at Pushkar to shorten the driving time. Secondly in the recent years, Pushkar has tremendously come into light due to its annual Camel Fair (which you have mentioned above) which attracts people from across the globe due to its being an extravaganza of Indian culture & tradition. Foreigners actually get to see the exact image of India here during fair what they imagine, read in the travel books or hear from somebody. We also visited Pushkar during camel fair. Thirdly sadly this holy land has been notorius for being a haven for drug users, so a lot of foreigner come here to use Opium, Heroin or some other drugs cheaply available here. You generally notice a lot of Hippie styled foreign youngsters in the streets of Pushkar…
Hi Vipin,
Thank you very much for liking the post and commenting in such a wonderful way. Special thanks for providing interesting information on influx of foreigners at some specific places.
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Ritesh,
Thank you very much for your detailed and thoughtful comment. Exact numbers can not be told but yes there are a large number of temples in Pushkar.
Its a fact Ritesh, in Pushkar main market there is no any clinic or doctor available, there are two government hospitals one is homoeopathic and another is Allopathic. Homoeopathic hospital remains closed most of the time so the only source of medical service is the government civil dispensary which is probably four Kilometres from Bramha temple where our hotel was situated.
The fact regarding Langoors was interesting. By the way what is the thing which distinguishes the Monkey’s from Gibbons? Just for the sake of knowledge.
Nice post, Mukeshji. Very good description of places. You visited at right time, after rains, so a lot of water in sarovar. Its always being tell that Bramha Temple at Pushkar is the only bramha temple but there are three famous & old Bramha Temples in north India…1. Pushkar, 2. Khedbramha in Gujrat & 3. Cheench in Banswara, Rajasthan.
Deepika,
Yes, you are right we were fortunate to enjoy the Pushkar taal when it was saturated with water. Thank you very much for providing info on the other temples of Bramha ji.
Thanks for your comment.
Very well written post with a superb pics….
Waiting for next post…
Thanks Abhee for your short but sweet comment.
Dear Mukesh,
Great post about Pushkar.
I am kind of illiterate when it comes to mythology. The post fills in some gaps for me.
Will plan a trip soon.
Regards,
Nirdesh
Nirdesh,
Thanks a ton for your sweet comment.
Very well written post, equally informative.
I would love to visit Pushkar soon with my wife.
Waiting for your next post on this great holy place.
Cheers!
Vinay,
Its great to see you here on ghumakkar after a long period. We always miss you and your posts. When you are coming next on ghumakkar with your new post? Thanks for the comment.
Hi, your review on Pushkar with pix is really nice. Well mostly people travel to Pushkar after Ajmer. I too followed the footsteps.
Having mixed thoughts at Ajmer, I drove to Pushkar, and really enjoyed the scenic surroundings on way.
I took a guide for Rs. 30/- , and he showed me to a way (not known to many) that goes straight to the lake, and the nearby Brahma temple.
I did offer prayers; however I made it very clear in the beginning that one should not force for the money, and whatever I give as per my wish one should agree, no argument…: D
Everything went smoothly; I clicked lot of pix, spent some time at Pushkar, and then started for Jaipur destination after noon. On my way, I was trying to recollect the whole day event, met some nature loving folks who were feeding the (same) monkey (picture above)…. just kidding….: D
Reached Jaipur @8pm, checked in to hotel room….ordered tea first, and then dinner….
Overall Pushkar experience was great. Enjoyed scene sceneries, monkeys doing their daily business, temple premise was neat and clean, good and helpful people, for Rs. 30/- you get a guide who will show you the way, and help you to understand the importance of the place. Prayer and offering for temple maintenance depends on you…. no force no compulsion…..
There is a McDonalds (Drive In) before/after Kishangarh – anyone planning to come from Jaipur or Kishangarh side, and feeling hungry must drive in.
Happy Travelling……
Naina,
Thanks a lot for your detailed comment.
Mukesh Saab, very nice post. I always wanted to visit Pushkar but never found much information about this place except that it is close to Ajmer.
Regards,
pw
Praveen ji,
Thanks for the comment. Pushkar is really worth visiting, I assure you that you’ll enjoy this beautiful place.
Thank you Mukesh for the detailed narrative and the tour of Pushkar Sarovar.
@ Rastogi Jee – Vipin’s 3rd point is the biggest kick. Typically once this cycle starts, you would see a influx a particular kind of folks visiting a certain place whether it is McLeodganj, Kasol, Gokarna (not been there) or Pushkar.
Nandan,
Thanks for your encouraging comment.
Thanks Mukesh for sharing your beautiful experience with us. After UK :-) Uttrakhand , Rajasthan is very close to my heart.
Hotels / food are economical in Rajasthan as compare to other places.
Thanks Maheshji for this lovely comment.
The most economical and quality stay and food that I got in Dwaarka (Gujarat) is not at all comparable with any other place which I have visited so far in my ghumakkari life.
Thanks.
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nice informative post, thanks for sharing.
I, with my family(wife and son) will be at pushkar on 27-28 nov,2012, your post will definitely help us.
are services of pandas necessary there..what was your experience about puja at ghat and temple?
i am really scare about pandas behavior in these holy place specially dhams.
sandeep
Well if you wish to offer some ritual you may need to take a Panda, else it’s totally on you. Straight away say NO. Good thing is no one will bother you again.
However, if you go for rituals, make it very clear, there should be no arguments later, on whatever you are willing to give for service.
Yes, there is a trust which takes donation for maintaining temples around Pushkar Lake, if you wish you can contribute there as per your budget, and take a receipt. Generally Pushkar compared to other pilgrimage is better place.
Happy Travelling!!
thanks naina
…for your suggestions…these tips will surely help us.
sandeep
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I love Pushkar and Ajmer ………..love from Kathmandu / Nepal