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Its form is
nearly a perfect oval, and at its southern extremity it
empties itself by a narrow canal into an immense marsh. The
origin of this lake is attributed to Lord Brahma.The story
goes that the god, wishing to celebrate sacrifice of Yug,
stopped for that purpose in the valley, having first placed
genii at the entrance of all passes to keep off the evil
spirits. Just as he was going to perform the cermony, he
perceived that his wife Saraswati had not accompanied him;
and, as the presence of a woman is necessary, he employed one
of the Apsaras. Saraswati was so grieved at this infidelity
that she hid herself in the mountains to weep, and was
transformed into a fountain. Several centuries after, one of
the Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting, and,
feeling healed of a disease previously incurable, and
recognised the miraculous property of the spring. Shortly
afterwards he returned, and had a basin dug out to receive the
waters, which now from the lake of pushkar.
This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and
during the midlle Ages temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite
a town of relegious buildings sprang up, peopled by Brahmins.
The wealthy pilgrims from all parts of India brought untold
riches to Pushkar, and the princes spared no expense to enrich
the holy inhabitations of the sacred town.
People consider the water of the Pushkar lake to be
very sacred and the ritual of taking dips in the holy water is
believed to bestow salvation. The holy dip is most auspicious
on Kartik purnima. Even before sunrise, people descend the
ghats, aided by the pandas [Brahmin priests] to take the
sacred bath. Offerings of coconut, flowers, and cash are made
to the lake and the priests.
Padma Purana, elaborately describes the origin and
importance of this lake. It says that Brahma, the Creator of
the Universe, was once contemplating to locate a suitable spot
on earth to perform a 'Yajna' (sacrificial ritual), the lotus
fell from his hand and rebounding, struck the earth at three
places within a circuit of kms. Water issued forth, from all
the three places and the Creator called all the three as
Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha' (elder),
'Madhya' (central) and 'Kanishtha' (younger).
General Information
Area : 25-sq-kms
Population: 18,000
Location : 11-km From Aimer, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: 25 Bathing Ghats, Cattle Fair
Significance: Houses The Only Brahma Temple In India.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-October To Mid-March.
Camel Fair Tours
The world-famous Fair is held in the sacred and peaceful town
of Pushkar, 11 kms. north-west of Ajmer. It transforms into a
spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of
Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attraction draws people from
all over the globe to the ancient and secluded environment of
Pushkar town. Pushkar Fair is perhaps the largest cattle fair
in the world. Rajasthan which is enriched by cattle wealth is
the home to many recognized breeds of cattle.
A large number of cattle converge here and brisk trading takes
place. The fair is predominantly a rural gathering and is
overwhelming in its magnitude and visual impact. Vendors
peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside
stalls.
Evenings at the fair have their own charm. Folk Dramas, Music
and Dances are organized for the entertainment of the
tourists. The camels, horse and donkey races are great crowd
pullers and enthrall the tourists
A unique blend of color, rhythm and melody. The Camel Festival
begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels,
Ships-Of-The-Desert, in the red sandstone backdrop of the
Junagarh Fort.
The festivity advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo
Grounds, followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting
design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics, camel
bands and watching all this, are the gaping spectators. The
camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully to the
slightest direction of their riders.
Colourful bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long,
lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The
jubilant, skirt-swirling Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire
dance, and dazzling fire-works light up the fortified desert
city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha
Pushkar from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of
devotees assemble and bathe in the holy waters during this
period of the year; but bathing on the last day which is the
full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings.
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the Pushkar Fair
the cattle fair is held here on this occasion, where other
animals like camels and horses are also bought and sold. It is
attended by people from far and wide.
In recent years, an exclusive accommodation-Tourist Village,
has also been erected for foreign tourists. Competitions are
organized for them and cultural programmes are held
acquainting them with the Rajasthani way of life and culture.
Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and
small; the most celebrated one being that of Brahma, the
Creator of the Universe. |
