Pushkar: The Town

According to the stories, the town of Pushkar was created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower... and the lake appeared out of the desert. Here people come from all around to pay homage to the holy site, to Lord Brahma and to bathe in the holy water of the Pushkar lake.

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Pushkar is also unique in that it boasts one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. The myth tells us that when Lord Brahma couldn't find his wife, Savitri, for a special ritual, he married another woman to stand in her place for the procedure. Savitri, annoyed, cursed Brahma never to be worshipped anywhere else other than Pushkar. It supposedly worked apart from a few smaller temples in the south somewhere. I guess that they didn't get the memo.

Left: Ladies burning incense in the walls of the temple for Lord Brahma.

Above: A view of the lake from the edge.

Right: I am not sure why, but this spot seems to be where everyone burns little tidbits. I am sure that there is an explanation, but I was too busy taking pictures to pay close attention. It was such a beautiful, dreamy scene, I got lost in the smoke and flames of the incense I guess.

November 23, 2004
Pushkar is a holy Hindu city established by none other than lord Brahma himself. He dropped a lotus flower on the desert and out sprang a beautiful spring and lake and the rest came after of course. Every year around this time, thousands of hindu pilgrams come to pushkar to bathe in the lake and be forgiven of their past sins... and all their future sins too... I might add. We arrived relatively early in the bathing process... the pilgrims were just starting to arrive in the beautiful town which reminded me a little of a dirtier version of Chefchouen in Morrocco. It was painted blue and white all over and had that dry white washed look about it. Of course, it also had thousands of cows and dogs and buffalo and camels walking around the streets.

Left: A conference at the temple for Lord Brahma. I am not sure what is being discussed, but it looks serious for certain!

Right: Coming to Pushkar is an important pilgrimage for many a man and woman. This man has established a little corner of the temple for intense pray and reflection.

Left: Less intense, this guy seems to be perfectly comfortable reclining against the Pepsi sign. I am not sure if this man is a Sadhu, but there were many of these holy men about willing to share their experiences... and a few are also eager to share some of their smoking treats. I saw more than a few foreign tourists who had embraced the spiritual life ... at least for the few weeks while they were in Pushkar.

Right: Women sell their fruit along the cobblestone and dirt streets of Pushkar. During the Camel fair and the population of Pushkar explodes with animal traders, holy pilgrims, and of course a few vendors who help make the entire experience possible.

Left: Powder dyes-- I think that these dyes are used to make the amazingly beautiful saris that decorate the streets of India with color every single day.

Right: A beautiful and mysterious staircase. I just loved the way that the stairs were bathed in this amazing blue. I love a culture that isn't afraid of color... and a lot of it.

Left: These young girls were brought to the lake early in the afternoon. Their main task was to wait till just before sunset and then light candles all along the circumference of the lake. It took them a while, but I certainly think their effort was worth it! It was beautiful seeing all the candles lit up and glowing at the edges of the lake. Once they were finished, a few fireworks shot in the air. They know how to start a festival in Pushkar!

Right: Young vendors of tasty Indian treats. I don't know what they were selling, but they seemed to be having fun doing it.

Left: A family, come to the fair. I love the spectacular outfits.

Right: A woman, enjoys the warmth of the sun in her bright yellow duppatta.

Left: A cow, striking a pose near the lake. It was as if he wanted his photo taken I think.

Left: The town of Pushkar is colorful, colorful clothes, and colorful buildings. Everything shines in the warmth of the Indian sun. It is a nice place to take a stroll.

Right: Ladies, on the way to the temple with their bags of goodies to offer Lord Brahma, I am sure.

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