The Hindu Business Line : Moonlight dip

Tomorrow is Karthik Poornima. And many believe that a dip in the Pushkar Lake will bring them eternal salvation and wash away their sins. So the town, which is more famous for its Pushkar Fair, will attract thousands of pilgrims who will come to bathe in the holy waters.

The legend

Legend says the lake was created when a lotus fell from the hand of Lord Brahma at Pushkar.

The lake is situated in picturesque surroundings — nestled amongst hills, blue sky mirrored in the circular lake, and the adjoining white ghats deflecting the morning sunlight back into the waters.

As many as 52 ghats, each representing one week of the year, bring in the worshippers to Pushkar in the belief that every ghat has special powers.

The worshippers come both from neighbouring areas and from faraway lands. Others just come in to soak up the lake’s beauty. As you stand at the top of each ghat you are awestruck by the symmetry.

Checked tiles pave the way to the waters and man, bird and beast jostle for space. But once you reach the ghats, the lake exudes complete peace and tranquillity. Cool breeze rises from the lake, lifting the spirit and leaving one spellbound.

On the banks

Then reality hits you. The priests come soliciting you to conduct a puja on the banks of the Pushkar. The belief being that the puja will bring wealth and peace, and is a way to appease your ancestors. Most pilgrims willingly perform this puja.

After a dip in the lake, a visit to the Pushkar temple is mandatory. What makes it so popular is that it is the place in the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped . A climb up a steep flight of steps takes you to the temple. On either side you will find many souvenir shops.

The temple’s black-and-white marble floor sharply contrasts with the colourful costumes of the local Rajasthanis milling around. The floor is also embedded with hundreds of silver coins displaying the names of donors.

One can shop for flowers, camel dolls made of camel leather, and coloured powder for worship from shops in the vicinity. Everywhere small boards display names of hotels. (All of them claim to be listed in the Lonely Planet!)

An overnight stay at Pushkar is recommended as the sunset and the early morning sunrise are beautiful sights. Time spent dreaming at the lake combined with a visit to the temple and a walk around the town will give you a real feel of the town. The narrow, winding lanes leading to the lake is where you can meet the locals and also sample local food.

Several shops sell jewellery made from camel bone, silver and gold. Camel leather footwear and embroidered goods are available. But you must bargain. Local restaurants serve hot chappatis and vegetables, and thick lassi; some serve Western cuisine too.

Travel and stay

Pushkar is around 15 km from Ajmer or an hour-and-a-half drive from Jaipur. There are many hotels and campsites, including five-star facilities. One can also stay at the simple, yet functional, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Hotel, which is at walking distance from the lake.

More Stories on : Domestic Travel | Tourism | Other States

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
In green company

Coughing fit?

Troubled dolphin waters

Globe-trotting policy!