PUSHKAR INFORMATION
One of the most sacred lakers in india is that of pushkar, which is only
rivalled by the lake of Mansourwar, in Tibet. It is
situated in a narrow valley surrounded by immense mounds of shifting sand;
and a few isolated peaks stand out on its borders with great effect. Its
form is nearly a perfect oval, and at its southern extremity it empties
itself by a narrow canal into an immense marsh. The origin of this lake
is attributed to Lord Brahma.
The story goes that the god, wishing to celebrate sacrifice of Yug,
stopped for that purpose in the valley, having first placed genii at the
entrance of all passes to keep off the evil spirits. Just as he was going
to perform the cermony, he perceived that his wife Saraswati had not accompanied
him; and, as the presence of a woman is necessary, he employed one of the
Apsaras. Saraswati was so grieved at this infidelity that she hid herself
in the mountains to weep, and was transformed into a fountain. Several centuries
after, one of the Purihara Kings of Mundore lost his way while hunting,
and, feeling healed of a disease previously incurable, and recognised the
miraculous property of the spring. Shortly afterwards he returned, and had
a basin dug out to receive the waters, which now from the lake of pushkar.
This lake soon become a favourite resort of pilgrims, and during the midlle
Ag
s
temples and cenotaphs. Gradually quite a town of relegious buildings sprang
up, peopled by Brahmins. The wealthy pilgrims from all parts of India brought
untold riches to Pushkar, and the princes spared no expense to enrich the
holy inhabitations of the sacred town. Padma Purana, elaborately describes
the origin and importance of this lake. It says that Brahma, the Creator
of the Universe, was once contemplating to locate a suitable spot on earth
to perform a 'Yajna' (sacrificial ritual), the lotus fell from his hand
and rebounding, struck the earth at three places within a circuit of kms.
Water issued forth, from all the three places and the Creator called all
the three as Pushkar (lotus) distinguishing them as 'Jyeshtha' (elder),
'Madhya' (central) and 'Kanishtha' (younger).
The festivity advances to the open sandspreads of the Polo Grounds, followed
by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition,
camel acrobatics, camel bands and watching all this, are the gaping spectators.
The camel display amazing foot-work, dancing gracefully to the slightest
direction of their riders.
Colourful bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel
shadows on dusky sands, cast a magic spell. The jubilant, skirt-swirling
Gair dancers, the awe inspiring Fire dance, and dazzling fire-works light
up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.
According to mythology, he performed the 'Yajna' at Jyeshtha Pushkar from
Kartik Shukla Ekadashi to Purnima. Lakhs of devotees assemble and bathe
in the holy waters during this period of the year; but bathing on the last
day which is the full moon (Purnima) day, confers special blessings.
One of the major attractions in Pushkar is the
Pushkar Fair the cattle
fair is held here on this occasion, where other animals like camels and
horses are also bought and sold. It is attended by people from far and wide.
