Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization

Tripoto
28th Nov 2014
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 1/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Cerveza
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 2/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
The Outsider
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 3/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
The mystic sound
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 4/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Insalata Mista
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 5/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Rangoli
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 6/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Window Shopping
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 7/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
'that which is not'.
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 8/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Bazaar
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 9/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Gypsies
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 10/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Unconditional Love
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 11/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Varah Ghat
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 12/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Varah Temple
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 13/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Dharmapala
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 14/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Restro view
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 15/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Walking Window
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 16/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Sign Board
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 17/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Krishna School of Music
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 18/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Rangji Temple
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 19/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Rangji Temple
Photo of Pushkar, Harmony in Disorganization 20/20 by Lohit Lodhwal
Ananta spa

The beauty of our culture is that it is disorganized. With all the surface disharmony, there is something deep which holds things together. It is not the government, the law, or the infrastructure which holds society together in India. There is something in people which still keeps things rolling. With the level of poverty that people face in India, still maintaining some sanity, going on with their activities and celebrating their festivals takes a different kind of in-built mechanism which was put in by the culture.

Around Pushkar

Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 14 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas,that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.

Location:

Pushkar is a town in Ajmer district in Rajasthan, India. It is situated 14 km northwest of Ajmer, 150 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital and 400 km from Delhi.

History

Pushkar is one of the oldest towns of India. It is one of the five significant pilgrimage centers for devout Hindus. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. It is believed that Brahma(the creator) performed penance here for 60,000 years. Pushkar in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar.

Pushkar is already mentioned in ancient and most important Indian epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata. This fact, along with archaeological traces being found, prove that the city existed already in fourth century BC.

Lake

According to Hindu mythology, at the time of beginning of universe a blue lotus flower sprang from the navel of lord Vishnu. Brahma took birth from that lotus. Brahma then threw a lotus flower to select suitable spot for the sacrifice (yajna). Lotus fell at particular place and water spurted from there giving it a shape of pious Pushkar Lake; which is even today revered as the supreme place of pilgrimage for Hindus. According to the legends, the lake is believed to have miraculous heading and purifying water.

The Lake surrounded by 52 ghats is the place where devotes and tourist gather. Most of the ghats are around three hundred years old and are enclosed by innumerable small temples . Various ghats were built by former rulers which include Jaipur Ghat, Bhartpur Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Jodhpur Ghat, Kota Ghat, Sikar Ghat along with Gau Ghat, Varah Ghat where pilgrims take holy dip for salvation.

Stay-

Due to the high number of visitors to Pushkar, it has a very diverse range of different types of accommodation – from luxury heritage hotels, through to cosy and comfortable guesthouses to backpacker’s budget choices.

Eat

Due to large number of tourists from all over the world visiting Pushkar, the town can offer a wide variety of food in multiple restaurants. Not only you can eat excellent Indian food, try local delicacies, but many kinds of European and Asian cuisine are easily available, for those who enjoy Indian music, but not particularly Indian food. IMPORTANT- in Pushkar, as it is considered to be holy place, serving and consuming meat is not allowed, HOWEVER non-vegetarian dishes are easily available in city of Ajmer which is only 15 minutes drive from Pushkar centre.

Yoga and Meditation-

Imagine waking up to the sound of music,in a town the name of which is synonymous with spirituality and welcoming the sun with Yoga - an ancient Indian form of exercise which is based on an awakening of mind and body through physical exercise and practiced breathing.
Spiritual gurus will organise programmes to educate the participants on stress relief techniques and promoting a luminous, peaceful state of mind through yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.
Basking in the morning glory with the powerful reverberations of "Om" and the rhythm of your breaths synchronising with nature,filling the atmosphere and your heart with tranquility like you have never experienced before - That is one experience you cannot afford to miss

Camel Safari –

Prepare to be serenaded through the desert on an adventurous camel safari as the sun bows down its mighty presence on the beautiful sand dunes of pushkar creating silhouettes that will sway to the sound of the music that awaits you right in the middle of the mighty Thar.
Guided camel safaris with veterans who know every square and inch of the region will ferry festival goers to the beautiful and isolated sand dunes every evening where the artists will mesmerize you with performances under a star studded sky.

The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. It is believed that Brahma himself chose the location for his temple. Very few temples of Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world.
Photo of Brahma Temple, Brahma Temple Road, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Lohit Lodhwal
Temple is dedicated to Savitri – Brahma’s wife and located on the highest hill above the Pushkar. Climbing 702 steps might sound challenging, but magnificent view over the city and lake worth the effort. The legend states that Savitri did not appear on time for yajna (sacrifice) performed by Brahma at Pushkar, so he had chosen the local girl called Gayatri to accompany him. Gayatri became second wife of Brahma, although annoyed Savitri forced on Brahma that she will always be worshiped before Gayatri. This tradition is still being followed while worshiping.
Photo of Savitri Temple, Kharekhari Road, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India by Lohit Lodhwal
This ancient temple dated back to 12th century is dedicated to third of the incarnations of god Vishnu – the Boar. It is considered as the largest, oldest and most beautiful temple of Pushkar and situated near the lake. The myth says that the Lord Vishnu came to earth in order to kill the demon Hirnayaksh who stole the Vedas from the Gods. Lord Vishnu took the shape of Varah (wild boar) and killed the demon thus bestowing liberation to the world.
Photo of VARAH TEMPLE by Lohit Lodhwal
Ananta Resorts, a 5-star luxury spa resort spread in 9 acres area, off Pushkar is a home to the only temple in the world of Lord Brahma - the Hindu God of Creation, Somewhere along the crowded, busy and challenging oasis of life, there lies this sanctuary of bliss. Ananta Resorts expertly combines a luxuriant ambiance with welcoming human touch, to rejuvenate your all senses.
Photo of Ananta Resorts by Lohit Lodhwal
Situated in the main main market in pushkar, out of the blue offers an amazing panaromic lake view from the roof top and a great view of holy town itself. The restaurant offers a variety of Indian, Mediterranean, European and international cuisine for at fair prices.
Photo of Out of the Blue by Lohit Lodhwal
This Bohemian feel café is always full of travellers who have only amazing things to say about this happy little place . The restaurant has built quite a reputation for its fresh burgers, Sandwiches, Pan Cake, Pizza, Pasta and Coffee. Good food during the day and crazier times by the night.
Photo of Baba Restoran cafe by Lohit Lodhwal
Pushkar is one of the most famous places in Rajasthan to shop for different kinds of handicraft produced traditionally in this region. There are many bustling and vibrant shopping arcades in Pushkar that enthrall visitors such as Sarafa Bazar, Kedalganj Bazaar, and Baza Bazar. Enjoy ample of shopping experience including Textiles, Clothes, Ethnic Jewelry, Leather Goods, Puppets, Brass Utensils, Pottery, Embroidered Beads, Bangles, Miniature Paintings and much more.
Photo of Bazar by Lohit Lodhwal
Photo of Bazar by Lohit Lodhwal