CAMELS AND HOLY SITES

Pushkar is one of Hinduism's holiest sites. It is the ONLY place in the whole world there is a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. Hinduism has many gods and goddesses, millions, in fact. There are many temples all over the world for these gods and goddesses. But only ONE for Lord Braham. And it is in Pushkar. Timed to coincide with the full moon, the fair draws pilgrims to the many temples surrounding Lake Pushkar.

We left the hotel right after breakfast and boarded the ever present tuk-tuk brigade. This time we would walk to the Lord Brahma Temple, through the fair stalls. Along the way, our guide Naveen, would tell us about the wares, foods, interesting factoids particular to many Indians. There are so many different tribes and groups here, including many many gypsies and Muslims, attracted to a place to sell their wares and services. It was extremely interesting. We saw young boys offering tattoos, with needles that had been used many times! And a very primative tattoo apparatus. The foods were so varied. Pushkar itself is 100% vegetarian and alcohol free. The hotels build away from the town to attract the visitors who want to drink and or eat meat. Cows, bulls, pigs, and a few other animals wander freely thru the market. People feel they can increase their good Karma by feeding the cows, especially, since Lord Brahma, Creator of the Universe, made the cow sacred. We stopped by a woman and bought some of her grass and helped her feed some cows who had gathered.

The Temple area was very crowded with the devout climbing the steps to worship Lord Brahma. Pilgims come all year round, but this is the busiest time because of the fair. We left our shoes and packs AND cameras with a guard and proceded to climb the marble steps to the top. There were Indian Police in high numbers. People streamed by the temple port hole that had the god in it, and gave "sweets" and small bits of rice too. There were a lot of yellow jacketss attracted by the rotting food, but no bother. We got in the procession and just followed along. It actually was pretty amazing to just watch the families, people from all walks of life in India stream by and pray to their supreme diety.