SIGHTSEEING

Taragarh Fort (Akbar’s Fort) 8km: Above the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra, the road turns into a bridle path, leading to the top of the hill on which the remains of a strongly built fort stand. One is rewarded by a fine view of the city, from the Taragarh fort.

The Museum: Akbar’s royal residence is bow the museum that has an excellent collection of Mughal and Rajput armour and some fine sculpture.

Mayo College: In the southeast of the city is one of India’s finest public schools, Mayo College. It was founded in 1875 AD, originally only for the sons of Rajput royalty. Each heir to a state built his own house within the spacious college grounds covering 81 hectares, which also housed his entire retinue along with his English tutor. The college is now open to all is run as a public school tradition.

The Circuit House: The former British Residency, overlooking Ana Sagar lake has been converted as the Circuit House. From here the finest view of the lake can be had. One can also se the cenotaph and shrine of the Arya Samaj movement in north India.

Jagat Pite Shri Brahma Mandir : The temple town of Pushkar is full of religious myths and faiths, and the temple of Lord Brahma- Lord Creation – is its biggest a attraction. This is the only existing temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. It was constructed in the 14th century and stands on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it. A beautifully carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or `garbha griha the marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins with donors’ names engraved on them. Similar coins are also inset in the walls of the temple. Peacocks adorn the temple walls, as they are believed to be the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati –the Goddess of Wisdom and consort of Lord Brahma. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri flanks the four-faced image of Lord Brahma known as Chaumurti. The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway. Steps in a corner, lead to a small cave dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PUSHKAR LAKE
The sanctified Pushkar Lake, believed to have been created by the falling of a lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma, is considered to be as old as creation itself. The Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar together constitute the `Panch Sarovar’ or five sacred lakes of Hindu mythology. This lake is considered to be one of the most sacred spots. It is believed that one dip in the holy waters of this lake, on Kartik Pornima, is equal to performing yagnas for several hundred years.

The placid lake, amidst the hills, has 62 bathing ghats built around it. The water around each Ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is believed to give fertility; Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm; the Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy, and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom. The other important ghats are the Warah Ghat (which is considered very sacred, as Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared there in the form of a boar), the Brahma and Gau Ghat. It is said that a woman taking a dip in the lake absolves herself as well as her husband of all sins. For a complete cleansing of the soul, it is believed that a person should spend at least three twilights here, after having bathed at the three ghats.

NOTE: Photography is prohibited at the ghats of Pushkar, while people are bathing in the lake