Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. The Hindu scriptures describe it as "Tirtha-Guru" – the perceptor of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma, whose most prominent temple stands in Pushkar. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC.
Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts.
Tourism and deforestation in the surroundings have taken a heavy toll on the lake, adversely affecting its water quality, reducing the water levels and destroying the fish population. As part of conservation measures, the government is undertaking de-silting, de-weeding, water treatment, and afforestation as well as mass awareness programme.
History
The lake at Pushkar has an incredible historical and religious significance. It finds mention in several sacred Hindu Texts and sources and is primarily associated with Lord Brahma, who is considered as the creator out of the Trinity of Gods-Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. According to most versions of the legend associated with the lake, when Lord Brahma killed demon Vajranabha, three petals of His divine lotus fell at three parts, creating springs in their place, known as Pushkar. Later on, Brahma also performed a yagna at the place. However, at the end of this ritual, he got cursed by his first wife that, he will be worshipped at this spot only.
The archeological dating of the lake measures that lake existed even in the 4th century BC. In later periods it was referred to in many sources- from the inscriptions at Sanchi to records of Chinese Traveler Fa Xian. Over the period of time many Rajput rulers and local chiefs of Ajmer tried to restore the glory of Pushkar. The lake lost significance only during the brief period of Mughal rule except during the reign of Akbar.
Attractions Near Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is one of the most revered sites in Rajasthan and home to the only Brahma Temple of the World. Also the lake gets crowded during various festivals and the famous Pushkar Camel Fair.
Temples Near Pushkar Lake : There are about 500 temples located at the shore of the lake of which many were destroyed during the Mughal rule in India. The most important of these is the Brahma Temple which is believed to be about 2000 years old though the architecture is of 114th century.
Ghats at Pushkar Lake : There are about 52 ghats at the lake which is used by pilgrims to take bath. But 10 of these are most famous and are important historical architecture too. These are the Varaha Ghat, the Dadhich Ghat, Saptarishi Ghats, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Gangaur Ghat.
Pushkar Fair : Pushkar Camel Fair is Asia’s largest camel fair which commences on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day in the bright fortnight and ends on Kartik Poornima – the full Moon day in the month of Kartik (October– November) . The lake becomes too crowded during this time as it is said that taking bath on Kartik Poornima is very blissful and wash away all you sins.
Lakes & Rivers to visit in Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country is known for its architectural magnificence and is steeped in history. But at the same time, there is abundance of scenic beauty in the region as well. Be it the expansive Thar Desert, Aravali mountain range, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks…tourists feel nature’s bounty in the region. Adding to this opulent list are the numerous lakes in the state. Though most of the lakes of Rajasthan are artificial, it is still the life source for the people living here and also adds to the beauty of the region. Some of the beautiful and amazing lakes of Rajasthan includes Ana Sagar Lake, Balsamand Lake, Foy Sagar Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Maota Lake and many more. Here is a travel guide to some of the beautiful lakes in Rajasthan.