Pushkar – A town known for its Camel Fair, Brahma Temple and Palaces

By George On

Pushkar is a pilgrim town at an average elevation of 510 meters or 1,670 feet above sea level, in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, India. The town is considered one of the five sacred dhams for a Hindu. (The Hindi word Dham means pilgrimage site)

Pushkar temple
Pushkar Lake

Pushkar is believed to be one of the oldest existing cities in India. The legend is that the town’s creation is associated with Lord Brahma. The town lies on the shores of the famous Pushkar Lake.

It is believed that this Lake was formed from the tears of Lord Shiva. The legend is that when Goddess Sati died, Lord Shiva cried so much that his tears created two ponds: Pushkar Lake and the lake at Ketaksha (which means ‘raining eyes’) in nearby Pakistan. Goddess Sati is the first consort of Lord Shiva.

Many Hindus believe that visiting Pushkara and taking a dip in the holy waters of the Lake is the last step to attain salvation after visiting the other four holy pilgrim sites. Some Hindus believe that taking the dip here is equivalent to 100 years of meditation.

Camels at a watering point at Pushkar Camel Fair.
Brahma temple

There are many temples in this town. Many were damaged centuries back, and some of these were restored. The most famous among such temples is the Brahma Temple, built during the 14th century. Very few Lord Brahma temples exist in the world.

There are around 400 to 500 temples and more than 50 palaces around the lake. Still, the lake appears serene and calm.

How do I Go to the Pilgrimage Town of Pushkar?

Pushkar is located around 14 kilometers northwest of Ajmer Town, the headquarters of Ajmer District. Marwar bus stand to the north of the town is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. Ajmer bus stand is the other major nearby bus stand, which is connected to almost all nearby cities and towns.

Budha Pushkar Halt railway station with station code BPKH, a small station with two platforms, is the nearest station to the town. Ajmer railway station is the nearest major railway station, where almost all trains stop.

The nearest airport, Sanganer Airport at Jaipur, is around 145 kilometers from this town.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Camels at a watering point at Pushkar Camel Fair
Camels at a watering point during the camel fair

This town is also famous for its annual Camel Fair, Pushkar Camel Fair, held in November. The annual trade fair which is also called the Pushkar Festival is one of the largest livestock fairs (mainly camels) in the world.