Pushkar is a town settled in the middle of towering and ancient Aravalli hills, around 14 kilometers from Ajmer in Rajasthan. Pushkar is considered to be one of the holiest and quintessential for Hindu pilgrims. The aura of the town is revolved around the famous Pushkar Lake or Sarovar and its 52 Ghats.
The most prominent legend says that the Pushkar Lake was created by Lord Brahma when a lotus dropped from his hand fell into the vale thus creating the lake. The fabric of the town can be seen in the spiritual, hobo, and carefree lifestyle of the residents as well as the tourist visiting the Lake. The roads and the narrow streets of Pushkar reveal the ancientness of the town.
The pilgrims across the country visit Pushkar and take a dip in the holy Lake to cleanse the sin and it is also believed that the water in the lake has medicinal value that cures one of skin diseases. A dip in this holy water from any of the Ghats of Pushkar during the eve of Kartik Poornima is considered auspicious.
Although, Lord Brahma is one of the three major gods of the Hindu pantheon, along with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, but not as widely worshipped. In that sense too, Pushkar is the most important place for Brahma worship. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is among the few and the most prominent temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Ghats of Pushkar
Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 Ghats (Ghats of Pushkar) wherein teeming pilgrims take a holy bath to cleanse the soul. Ten of the 52 Ghats in Pushkar have been designated as ‘Monuments of National Importance.’ Varaha Ghat, The Dadhich Ghat, Saptarish Ghats, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau (renamed Gandhi Ghat), Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat, and Gangaur Ghat are some of the most well-known.
Some of the Ghats like Varaha Ghat and Gandhi Ghat are more famous than the others due to their mythological and historical significance.
The Varaha Ghat is named after the third incarnation of Bhagwaan Vishnu (Varaha: boar). According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu appeared here in his 3rd incarnation a boar to protect the sacrifices from evil Obstruction and Lord Brahma requested Varaha to reside in and protect the holy place of Pushkar.
Gandhi Ghat: This ghat is one of the most famous ghats in Pushkar. It was originally named Gau Ghat but, renamed after Mahatma Gandhi’s mortal remains were immersed at this Ghat.
Irrespective of the aforementioned, the best way to experience the divines of this holy place is by visiting the Ghats. The Ghats of Pushkar is the seat of one’s deepest spiritual thoughts.
While strolling around the Ghats you can hear the fine blend of music from Nagara or Naghara (drum) and the ceremonial sound of ringing bells of Maha Aarthi which would take your mind and soul to further relaxation.
Sitting at the Ghats of Pushkar witnessing the arrival of sun and sun setting is something ineffable.
Read more: Wikipedia
