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According
to the Padma (Lotus) Purana, Pushkar, 15km
northwest of ajmer, came into existence when Lord
Brahma, the Creator, dropped his lotus flower (pushpa)
to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. At the
three spots where the petals landed, water magically
appeared in the midst of the desert to form three small
blue lakes, and it was on the banks of the largest of
these that Brahma subsequently convened a gathering of
some 900,000 celestial beings - the entire Hindu
pantheon. surrounded by whitewashed temples and bathing
ghats, the lake is today revered as one of India's most
sacred sites : Pushkaraj Maharaj, literally "Pushkar
King of Kings". During the auspicious full-moon phase of
October/ November (the anniversary of the gods' mass
meeting, or yagya), its waters are believed to cleanse
the soul of all impurities, drawing pilgrims from all
over the country. Alongside this annual religious
festival, Rajasthani villagers also buy and sell
livestock at what has become the largest camel market
(unt mela) in the world, when more than 200,000 dealers,
tourists and traders fill the dunes to the west of the
lake.
The legendary colour of the camel mela, combined with
the beautiful desert scenery and heady religious
atmosphere of the temples and ghats have inevitably made
Pushkar a prime tourist destination. |
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Pushkar the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms
away from the city. Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th century
writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts writing during
the era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and
for Brahma Temple. It is said that in a battle Lord Brahma killed the demon
Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to earth and landed in
three places in and Pushkar where Lakes sprang up. the bath at Pushkar is
thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake
on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to
Lord Brahma. The place is famous in His name. So it is blessed by Him in every
way. In olden times the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from
all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma.
According to another legend back in a legendary time Lord Brahma was flying over
the Rajasthan desert on his swan when some petals fell from his hand and drifted
down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers had touched the soft
sands. Just then, Lord Brahma realized that this was the auspicious moment to
perform a fire sacrifice. |
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Pushkar Fair
(Oct.-Nov.) :- A colourful and lively fair, it is one of the
largest cattle fairs in the country held every year at Pushkar on
Kartik Poornima (full moon, October - November) . The 9 day event is
considered to be the most striking animal fair in the world. As the
fair has religious significance too, pilgrims and tradesmen come in
thousands from far and near. Hundreds of horses, camels, cows and
bulls are brought here to be sold. The spectacular fair is
irresistible. Vendor displays their attractive goods and the
villagers go on a shopping spree. Colourfully filled by turbaned men
and odhni-wearing women, the entire atmosphere is electric and the
otherwise serene temple town comes to life.
The Camel & Horse races, parades and other cultural events are
organized, which are full of fun and gaiety. After an eventful day,
as the sun sets down, the entire atmosphere reverbrates with the
ringing bells and prayers in the temples. At night, hundreds of
small oil lamps are lit and placed on green leaves and floated on
the lake after the Arti Puja (prayers). the act of worship is called
'deepdan', and the entire lake is illuminated. The view is simply
mesmerizing and is to be seen to be believed.
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