Holy Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India which lies on the shores of Pushkar Lake. The actual date of its foundation is not known but it is believed  that Brahma created it. It is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. There are many legends about its holiness. One of those legends is about the death of Sati who is the wife of Shiva, The Destroyer. When Sati died Shiva cried so much and for so long that her tears created two holy ponds. One is Pushkar and the other is Ketaksha.

There are more than 400 temples in the town. Most of them are not that old because many old temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests. Destroyed temples we rebuilt later. Most famous ones are Brahma and Savitri Temples built during the 14th century .

Brahma Temple is one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar is a very small town and you will definitely hear the chanting ceremonies that come from the temples. The first ceremony begins two hours before sunrise, the second  5 hours after sunset and the last one 40 minutes after sunset. Camera, bag and shoes are not allowed inside the temple, so pay attention!

Savitri Temple is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. This temple is the second most important temple in Pushkar. To enjoy the nice view of Pushkar you have to climb 650 steps to reach it. But the view at the top of Pushkar and the lake is worth the climb. I suggest you do it at sunrise!

Beside these temples there are 52 different ghats, or series of steps, which Hindus use to descend to the lake for ritual bathing. The place floods with pilgrims during the holy month of Karthik. The full moon day is the main day which according to legend is the day when the Hindu Lord Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake.