Pushkar

The bathing ghats along the
          lake in Pushkar

Pushkar, located in central Rajasthan, ranks among India's holiest cities. It is the only city with temples devoted to Brahma, the creator figure of the Hindu's trio of deities (along with Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer). According to legend, the lakes around which Pushkar grew were formed when Brahma slew the demon with Varja Nabh with a lotus blossom. The petals of the lotus floated to earth and formed the lakes of Pushkar. At this site Brahma performed a sacred rite, and a temple was consecrated on this spot, one of the five pilgrimage centers devout Hindus are expected to visit in their lifetime. This same act of creation also accounts for the scarcity of Brahma temples throughout India.  Impatient at waiting for his consort, Savriti, to arrive to complete the vagna or sacred consecration, Brahma hastily married a local maiden, Gayatri. Upon arriving, Savriti flew into a rage, and pronounced that Brahma would henceforth be worshipped only in Pushkar. The city retains its religious tenor to this day, with no meat of any kind consumed in the town. The town itself, in addition to the Brahma temples, is also noted for the largest camel fair in Asia. The proximity to the desert, along with its religious heritage, make it a popular destination for visitors to Rajasthan. The links below explore these two themes. You may also select these sites from the menu above. 

 

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