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.
