Pushkar is a celebrated place of pilgrimage since an early time. The earliest literary reference to Pushkar is found in Chapter (Chitrasala Poona edition) of the "Sabha Parva" of the Mahabharata where the military expedition of Nakula, one of the Pandavas is described. It is said that the Pandavas here after conquering Darshan turned westwards and thereafter proceeded southwards conquering the tribes of Sibis, Trigartas, Ambasthas, Malva, Parichakarpatas and Madyamakeyas, after vanquishing them they again turned back and went northwards to Pushkar. Another literary reference to Pushkar is interesting to archaeologists. According to Padma Purana there are three localities : Jyestha Pushkar (Older Pushkar), Madhya Pushkar (Middle Pushkar), and Kanishtha Pushkar (Younger Pushkar). Presently there is a location called Budhi Pushkar not far from the town of Pushkar and it is not unlikely that this may be Jyestha Pushkar mentioned in the Padma Purana. it would be interesting to thoroughly explore the surrounding area of the tirtha-kshetra to trace if there is any ancient habitation at this place. The time of its origin is unknown, one can find it mentioned in the oldest religious reference of the Hindus. The lake at Pushkar is the most sacred lake in India. It can be compared with the Mansarovar lake. The book will be of interest to the scholars as well as all lovers of the history of Indian religions.
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