Located in the quaint town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, the Varaha Temple is dedicated to one of Lord Vishnu’s most famous incarnations. Lord Varaha is worshipped in the form of a boar deity that presides over this incredible temple. Varaha Temple’s location in Pushkar is of considerable significance too. The town is incredibly holy for both Hindus and Sikhs. As a result, thousands of devotees from across the country visit the Varaha Temple to offer their prayers to the Holy Lord every year.The story behind the presiding deity Lord Varaha is narrated by priests of the temple and locals alike. When the demon Hiranyaksh tried to sink the earth beneath the water as a part of his shenanigans to irk the gods, Lord Vishnu incarnated as a wild boar and saved the earth on its horns. He fought with the evil Hiranyaksha for thousands of years and later brought the earth out of the cosmic ocean, thereby restoring peace and prosperity as it were. As a saviour of the world, Lord Varaha is worshipped by those desiring wealth and wanting to escape the unforgiving cycle of life and death.This temple is often thought to be one of its kind since there are no other notable or significantly large temples of the Varaha form of Lord Vishnu anywhere else in this world. You may visit this place for a truly insightful experience of the ancient Hindu scriptures of Vishnu Purana and Dashavatara Katha.
Devoted to lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh, the new Rangji temple is amongst the most ancient temples in all of Pushkar. The temple is acknowledged for its mesmerizing architectural design including the high rising Gopuram, a composition which is common amongst several South Indian temples followed by an enormous entrance. The temple, through its layout also carries the essence of Mughal architecture as well. Bowing inside the temple, we find it's four corners embedded with Garuda, signifying the presence of Vaikuntha Venkatesh. Among the temple exists sections of other temples, specifically eight in number, that are dedicated to various gods including Goddess Laxmi and Lord Krishna among others.The presence of a priest at the temple is always mandatory and they act as a caretaker of the new Rangji temple. Visitors can also indulge in prayers and 'puja' sessions at the temple which is carried out every day. The serene atmosphere and delightful architecture of the temple have made it one of the most visited places among tourists in the holy town of Pushkar. The temple is particularly crowded with tourists during the Pushkar fair, a holy celebration that is celebrated every year during the Kartik period. All in all, devotees and tourists who find delight in architectural elegance should definitely pay a visit to the charming New Rangji temple. It is family-friendly and takes more than an hour to explore it completely which makes it a promising destination for weekend getaways with family and friends. There are also various eateries and snack shops near the temple place for visitors to enjoy a good meal.
Known as the largest royal place of residence in all of Pushkar, Man Mahal is the place to be if you are looking to go back in time and revisit history. Located a short walk away from the Sarovar Lake, it offers amazing views of the town, in addition to mesmerising sunrises and sunsets. The insides of Man Mahal are also home to a temple, which is of great religious significance. The interiors of Man Mahal boast of the traditional and intricate designs of Rajasthan’s handiwork. Upon visiting Man Mahal, one can get a clear view of not just the lake, but also of all the temples which surround it. Built by Raja Man Singh I of Amber, Man Mahal was used as a retreat not just for Man Singh, but also for his guests when they used to visit Pushkar. Now turned into a retreat for visitors, and most commonly known as the RTDC Hotel Sarovar Pushkar, Man Mahal is one of the few places in this town which not only oozes of the traditional Rajasthani culture, but also offers people a world-class stay. This royal guest house-turned- luxurious heritage hotel is presently run by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. Furthermore, the hotel is known for organising many enjoyable activities for its guests, including camel and jeep safaris, camping arrangements, and more. In addition to top-notch amenities and elegant accommodation, you can also enjoy a sumptuous royal-style dining here. Still retaining the old-world charm, Man Mahal is the best place to be if you wish to take a glimpse into the eras that have gone by.
