Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, India, is known for its religious and spiritual significance. It is home to over 500 temples, many of which are ancient and have a rich history. But the most famous and important attraction in Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake, which is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. The lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (steps leading to the water), where pilgrims come to take a dip and perform rituals, especially during the Kartik Poornima festival in October-November, when the famous Pushkar Fair is also held. Visit during One Day Pushkar Local Sightseeing By Private Cab
One of the most sacred and prominent ghats in Pushkar is the Brahma Ghat, which is dedicated to Brahma and located below the Brahma Temple. In this article, we will explore the overview, location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQ’s and conclusion of this sacred bathing place.
Overview of Brahma Ghat
The Brahma Ghat is one of the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake, which are named after various gods and saints. The Brahma Ghat is situated near the Brahma Temple, which is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Brahma. The ghat is also close to the main market and the railway station of Pushkar. The ghat has a flight of steps leading to the water, where pilgrims can bathe and offer prayers to Brahma. The ghat also has a small shrine of Brahma on its bank.
The ghat is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM in summers and from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM in winters. There is no entry fee for visiting the ghat, but donations are accepted at various places inside the ghat. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the ghat premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the ghat.
Location of Brahma Ghat
The Brahma Ghat is located in Pushkar town, which is about 10 km northwest of Ajmer city in Rajasthan state. Pushkar town is one of the oldest towns in India and has a rich history and heritage. It is also known as the “City of Temples” or “Tirth Raj” (the king of pilgrimage sites). Pushkar town is situated at an elevation of 530 meters above sea level and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Timing/Entry Fees Brahma Ghat
The Brahma Ghat is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM in summers and from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM in winters. The ghat remains closed from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM for lunch break. There is no entry fee for visiting the ghat, but donations are accepted at various places inside the ghat.
How to Reach Brahma Ghat
The nearest airport to Pushkar is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 150 km away from Pushkar. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pushkar. The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction Railway Station, which is about 10 km away from Pushkar. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Pushkar. There are also regular buses available from Ajmer to Pushkar. Alternatively, one can also drive to Pushkar by taking the National Highway 48 or 58.
To reach the Brahma Ghat from Pushkar town, one can either walk for about 15 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw for about Rs.20-30 per person.
Things to Do/Must See Brahma Ghat
Apart from visiting the Brahma Ghat, there are many other things to do and see in Pushkar. Some of them are:
- Visit the Brahma Temple, which is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. The temple is located near the Brahma Ghat and has a distinctive red spire and a swan motif. The temple has an idol of four-headed Brahma and his consort Gayatri inside its sanctum sanctorum.
- Take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake, which is believed to have been created by Brahma himself. The lake has 52 ghats (steps) where pilgrims can bathe and perform rituals. The lake also has many temples and shrines around it.
- Visit other temples in Pushkar, such as Savitri Temple (dedicated to Brahma’s first wife), Varaha Temple (dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation), Rangji Temple (dedicated to Ranganatha), Apteshwar Temple (dedicated to Shiva), and many more.
- Enjoy the annual Pushkar Fair or Camel Fair, which is held in November every year along with the Kartik Poornima festival. It is one of the largest and most colorful fairs in India, where thousands of camels, horses, cattle and other animals are traded and exhibited. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
- Explore the local markets and shops in Pushkar, where one can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, books and more. One can also try the local cuisine, such as dal bati churma, malpua, kachori, lassi and more.
- Experience the spiritual and cultural vibe of Pushkar, which is known for its ashrams, yoga centers, meditation camps and festivals. One can also interact with the local people, who are friendly and hospitable.
Significance of Brahma Ghat
The Brahma Ghat is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is one of the most sacred and prominent ghats of Pushkar Lake, which is associated with the mythology of Brahma’s yagna (sacrifice) and his curse from his first wife Savitri (Saraswati). The ghat is also named after Brahma, who is considered to be the source of all creation and the first among the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
- It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, as it is believed that bathing in this ghat on Kartik Poornima (full moon day in October-November) is equivalent to attaining liberation. A dip in this ghat is said to wash away one’s sins and grant salvation.
- It is also one of the best viewpoints in Pushkar, as it offers stunning views of the Pushkar Lake, the town and the surrounding landscape. One can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from this ghat and witness the beauty of nature.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Brahma Ghat considered to be sacred?
A: Brahma Ghat is considered to be sacred because it is believed to have been created by Brahma himself when he performed a yagna (sacrifice) on the bank of the Pushkar Lake. The ghat is also associated with the legend of Brahma’s curse from his first wife Savitri (Saraswati), who was angry with him for marrying another woman Gayatri without her consent. The ghat is also named after Brahma, who is the creator god in Hinduism.
Q: What is the best time to visit Brahma Ghat?
A: The best time to visit Brahma Ghat is during the Kartik Poornima festival in October-November, when thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to Pushkar to worship Brahma and take a dip in the lake. The ghat is decorated with lights and flowers, and a grand aarti (worship) is performed at night. Another good time to visit Brahma Ghat is during the Pushkar Fair or Camel Fair in November, when thousands of camels, horses, cattle and other animals are traded and exhibited at the fairgrounds near the ghat. The fair also features cultural events, competitions, folk dances, music and handicrafts.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Brahma Ghat?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Brahma Ghat are:
One has to remove their shoes before entering the ghat premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the ghat.
One has to refrain from taking photographs or videos inside the ghat.
One has to follow the instructions of the priests and staff.
Conclusion
The Brahma Ghat is a sacred bathing place in Pushkar that attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. It is a place where one can witness the glory and grace of Lord Brahma, who is the creator of the universe. It is also a place where one can experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Pushkar, which is a town full of temples,
