푸쉬카르 (2001) Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

 ■ 푸쉬카르 (2001년) Pushkar 

우주 창조의 신 브라흐마가 타르 사막이 시작되는 이 황량한 땅에서 물이 솟아나게 하여 이루어진 호수.  브라흐마의 축복을 받으려면 여기 푸쉬카르 호수로 가 보시라.  인도에서 Brahma temple은 여기 밖에 없다. 매년 푸쉬카르 가축시장(PUSHKAR FAIR)이 열리는 곳이기도하다.

 

pushkar, india2001

 

 

이른 아침, 푸쉬카르 호수가 내려다 보이는 언덕에 올랐다.

 

 

 

브라흐마의 축복을 받는 데에 300루피인가 400루피를 요구했다.

 

새똥 범벅인 가트의 층계는 신성시하여 맨발로 걸어야 한다.

 

 

 

 

일몰풍경도 아름다웠지만, 뒷골목 전통음식 가게들도 인상적이었던 푸쉬카르.

 

11kms from Ajmer on the edge of the Thar Desert lies a tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake, which is an important pilgrimage for the Hindus.

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).

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.

Pushkar has 52 bathing ghats and many temples, big and small; the most celebrated one being that of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.