Sightseeing in Pushkar (Rajasthan)

> Brahma Temple - A beautiful and one of the most important temples in Pushkar. This temple is the only temple dedicated to Bramha in India. Bramha, the Hindu god of creation, is four headed facing in all four directions, symbolizing his presence everywhere. A four-armed life-sized statue of Bramha is enshrined inside the temple. Another interesting attraction are the coins studded in the floor of the temple, placed by devotees from all over India to commemorate the births and deaths of their loved ones.

> Mahadeva Temple - This temple was built in the 19th century and is well-known for its white marble image of Mahadeva with five faces. Also praiseworthy is the structure and the incredible ornaments with which the statue is adorned.

> Ramavaikunth Temple - In 1920, this temple was built with great taste and delicacy, and is also one of the largest temples in Pushkar. A team of masons from south India were specially called to build the outer gopuram (arch) over the entrance. Another stone gopuram bears beautiful sculpted images of not less than 360 different deities.

> Varah Temple - Being built in the 12th century, the Varah Temple was one of the many temples destroyed by Emperor Aurangzeb. It is said that he particularly detested the life-size image of Varah, the god with the head of a wild boar and the body of a man. Later in 1727, it was reconstructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. The temple has elegant carvings and sculptures, besides the richly ornamented image house.

> Savitri Temple - It is situated on the hill behind the Bramha Temple, and a long series of steps has to be climbed to reach it. It gives a beautiful panoramic view of the Pushkar lake, and the surrounding sand dune villages. According to a legend, while Bramha was performing a sacred ritual his wife Savitri was not present. Since the presence was essential for the ritual, Bramha hastily married a local maiden, Gayatri. When Savitri heard about this, she flew into a rage and cursed Bramha that he would not be worshipped anywhere accept Pushkar.

> Man Mahal - This palace was built by Raja Man Singh I of Ajmer, and used by him on his trips to the holy town of Pushkar. It is the largest royal house in Pushkar. The palace is located on the east of Sarovar, the sacred lake in Pushkar, and gives clear views of the banks and the temples located n that around Sarovar. The traditional guest house has now been turned into a guest house, which is most convenient for visitors.

> Pushkar Palace - The palace was built by the Maharaja of Kishangarh, about 400 years ago. Situated on the edge of the Pushkar lake, it offers a panoramic view of 400 temples, banks, sand dunes and the Aravalli hills.Like Man Mahal, this palace also has been converted into a hotel.

> Pushkar Lake - This lake at Pushkar is called Tirtharaj which means the king of all holy places. Most Hindu temples have a ‘holy’ lake or river, where devotees are supposed to take a dip to purify themselves before entering the temple.

> Pushkar Bazaar - The old bazaar of Pushkar is an interesting maze of narrow lanes and bylanes, with small temples, ashrams and old houses with intricate balconies and archways displays the grandeur and elegance of Rajasthani art and architecture.