Pushkar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Pushkar | type = city | latd = 26.5 | longd = 74.55
locator_position = right | state_name = Rajasthan
district = Ajmer
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altitude = 510
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 14,789| population_density =
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Pushkar (Hindi: पुष्कर) is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. In Hindu mythology it is said 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. It is situated at 14 Km North West from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at [http://www.bali-indonesia.com/attractions/temples.htm Besakih in Bali] , Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, village asotra near balotra city of barmer district in rajasthan INDIA and Prambanan in Indonesia.

Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from overdevelopment of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area [ [http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/lsdeb/ls10/ses4/0230079204.htm Prof. Rasa Singh Rawat's questions in Parliament about what the Government is doing to reverse ecological damage, 30 July 1992] [http://publib.upol.cz/~obd/fulltext/biolog37/biolog37-12.pdf "Environmental Degradation at Pushkar Valley", paper by Praveen Mathur and Nimit R. Chowdhary, 1999] [http://www.cpcb.nic.in/annual_report2000-01-26.htm Central Pollution Control Board 2000 - 2001 Annual Report - pollution in Pushkar Lake] .]

Geography

Pushkar is located at coord|26.5|N|74.55|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Pushkar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Pushkar] ] It has an average elevation of 510 metres (1673 feet).

History

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation.

The Ramayan mentions Pushkar and says that Vishvamitra performed tapa here. It further says that the Apsara Menaka came to Pushkara to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.

A Pratihara ruler of Mandore, Nahadarava, restored this tirtha in the seventh century. He got the place cleared and the lake restored by making an embankment on the side of the river Luni. He rebuilt old palaces and built twelve dhrnashalas (resting places) and ghats on three sides of the lake.

The sage Parasara is said to have been born here. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1000 years. Pushkarana Brahamanas may also have originated here.

Places to see

*Pushkar Lake
*Jagat Pita Shri Brahma temple
*Varaha temple
*Apteshwar Mahadev temple
*Savitri temple
*Temple of Rangji (New and Old) or Shri Vaikunthnathji
*Man Mahal
* Gurudwara Singh Sabha (Pushkar)

Fairs
*Pushkar Fair
*Nagaur Fair
*Tejaji fair

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Pushkar had a population of 14,789. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Pushkar has an average literacy rate of 69%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 60%. In Pushkar, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Access

The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport at Jaipur at distance of 146 km from Pushkar. Pushkar is well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Ajmer.

See also

*Pushkar Lake
*Pushkar Camel Fair

References

External links

* [http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/destinations/ajmer_pushkar/pushkar.htm Tourism Department of Rajasthan]