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Historically, Pushkar always had great strategic importance
and was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his periodic
forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence
of the great Mughuls. One of the first contacts between the
Mughuls and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas
Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently
taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to
the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled
directly by British rather than being part of a princely state.
The architectural heritage of Pushkar is exceptional. The
temples built and rebuilt over centuries offer a look at the
different styles of various years. The city of Pushkar has
over 400 temples in its limits. The only temple in the world
of Brahma- the creator of the universe is here. Every major
deity in the Hindu pantheon of gods is worshipped at Pushkar.
Pushkar Lake is the holiest lake in the country and a bath
in the lake during the kartik full moon is said to rinse out
one of all sins. The fifty -two bathing ghats along the banks
of the lakes are linked to the lunar calendar, with each ghat
having its own miraculous powers. It is one of the most holy
pilgrimage sites in the country. Throughout the year, Pushkar
is the location for innumerable fairs other then the Pushkar
fair. Pushkar is transformed into a riot of colors and celebrations
as thousands of people throng the city to make merry and rejoice.
A glimpse of the festivities reflects the joy and love of
life of the people in rural India.
Exquisite handicrafts and handlooms not only from Rajasthan
but also from the rest of India are on display in the city
reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of people who visit the
city. Pushkar is considered amongst the better and least expensive
shopping destinations in the country today.
The nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is well
connected to all the major cities which include Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai
have also started from Pushkar by Indian Airlines. The nearest
railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, which is on the Broad
Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India.
There are daily trains from Delhi in the morning. Pushkar
is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run
very comfortable deluxe buses from Jaipur. There are buses
from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. Private
cars could also be hired.
TouristPlacesRajasthan.com
provides information on Pushkar
Tours Guide and different Tours Guide around Rajasthan.
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