Historical Geography of Ancient India c10.290

c10.290

Puṣkara.—It is modern Pokhar in Ajmere. It is a holy place (Skanda Purāṇa, Ch. I, 19-23). Puṣkara which is seven miles north of Ajmeer, is a celebrated place of pilgrimage of the Hindus. It contains a tank the water of which is very holy. According to Hindu tradition the greatest sinner by simply bathing in it goes to heaven. There are five principal temples at this place, those dedicated to Brahmā, Sāvitrī, Badrinārāyaṇa, Varāha and Śiva. The Brahma Purāṇa (Ch. 102) refers to Sāvitrītirtha which is situated on a hill frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims. The Padma Purāṇa (Uttarakhaṇḍa, vv. 35-38) mentions it. The town is picturesquely situated on the lake with hills on three sides (Rajputana District Gazetteers—Ajmer-Merwara, by Watson, pp. 18-20). The Bṛhatsaṃhitā (XVI, 31) and the Yoginītantra (2. 4; 2. 6) mention it.