Religion in Pushkar

The chief religion in Pushkar is Hinduism. The little town of Pushkar is at a distance of 13km from Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is one of the main pilgrimage spots in India. The Hindu deity, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, is the principle deity in Pushkar. The only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India is located in Pushkar. Religion plays an important role in the shaping the culture of the people of Pushkar.

Religion in Pushkar concentrates around the temples and ghats that form parts of Pushkar culture. The religious offerings to the Hindu deities in Pushkar or the pujas assume considerable significance during the Pushkar fair that is held every year in November. Other deities, apart from Brahma are also offered pujas by the devotees.

The religious practice of 'Darshana' or viewing the idol of the deity is religiously followed by the devotees. The devotees pray seeking the blessings of the deity in the temple. The puja offerings and religious rites are performed by the priests of the Pushkar temples. A small monetary donation called the 'Dakshina' is given to the priest in acknowledgment of their services.

The religious offerings made to the deities in the temples of Pushkar include flowers, garlands, food items, etc. The flowers and garlands are considered to be blessed by the gods after touching the idols. The food items, mainly sweets, are considered to be 'Prasada' that are consumed by the devotees. The water that is used to wash the feet of the deities and the sadhus in Pushkar is also considered to be holy.

A pilgrimage to Pushkar is incomplete without a dip in the Pushkar Lake. The waters of the lake are considered to be sacred by the pilgrims. A dip in the lake washes away the sins of people and is an integral part of the religion in Pushkar.

Pushkar being a sacred place of pilgrimage in india, the importance of religion and religious practices rank very high in the lives of the people who live in Pushkar. Apart from the localites, devotees and religious-minded people from all over the world come to Pushkar to seek the blessings of the deities and to cleanse their sins in the holy water of Pushkar Lake.