Spirituality
in India is the lifeblood of the nation. When it comes to sanctity, every
single grain of sand and every single piece of stone are considered to be
sacred, with some mythical beliefs attached to them. To others, specially to
the Westerners, it may be a matter of superstition but here in India, it's a
way of life. An aspect that needs to be understood and not merely looked at.
Lake That Purifies
Pushkar in Rajasthan, 135 km from capital Jaipur, is held in high regard by
the Hindu community all across India. And it's the sanctity of the place
that drives tourists and locals here from every nook of the world. The holy
Pushkar Lake captures the true essence of what Pushkar is all about.
Thousands of devotees, from all around the country, pour into the place to
take a dip into the lake. It is a strong belief among devotees that a dip in
the divine waters purges one's body and soul of all sins of the past.
Rishis, maha rishis and tantrics can all be seen at the site of the lake.
Ghats of the lake are an interesting sight to behold.
Legends
Legend has it that Pushkar came into being out of a flower. Brahma, who
forms the Hindu Trinity with Vishnu and Shiva, dropped a lotus on earth to
ascertain a place for his Yagna (A holy sacrifice). The flower fell in
Pushkar and that is how the city was created. Pushkar is the only place in
the world that houses a Brahma Temple. Story goes that Brahma wished to
perform Yagna at the most auspicious time. His consort Savitri, whose
presence was mandatory at the site, kept him waiting. Brahma was irritated
and thus he married a milkmaid called Gayitri and installed her in place of
Savitri. Savitri, at the sight of it. Was infuriated and cursed that Brahma
would not be worshipped anywhere on earth. But as other gods made pleas she
was persuaded that he would be worshipped only in Pushkar and nowhere else.
Therefore, Pushkar has the only Brahma Temple.
Other Attractions
The tiny town of Pushkar is a treasure trove of culture that it captures in
its lake, temple and fairs. The Pushkar Fair is a grand event roping in
legions of tourists and locals from far and near. It is the very place where
the largest camel fair in world is organised in the months of October and
November. Camel races, trading of camels, cultural programmes, turban tying
competitions etc. are a part of the fair. Beautifully embellished camels
with silver bells and bangles around their ankles add much to the excitement
of the scene.
The only Brahma Temple in the world has fascinating legends associated with
it. It's the only place in the whole world where Brahma is worshipped as a
presiding deity. Locals can be seen with offerings of jewellery and money at
the temple. Priests and saints can also be seen chanting holy prayers,
creating an aura of mystique about the place.
Getting There
Jaipur, at a distance of 135 km, is the closest airport from here. The
airport has flights connecting to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Jodhpur and Udaipur. Ajmer is the nearest railhead, with daily trains from
Delhi. From Jaipur and Ajmer, there are regular government buses plying to
the city of Pushkar. Taxis can also be hired.
