Pushkar Lake is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. Located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, this lake is surrounded by more than 500 temples and 52 ghats, making it one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. But Pushkar Lake is not just a place of worship. It is also a place of beauty, culture, and adventure.
Whether you want to take a dip in its holy waters, explore its ancient temples, shop at its colorful markets, or experience its vibrant festivals, Pushkar Lake has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pushkar Lake, its history, significance, attractions, and how to plan your trip to this amazing destination.
History and Legend of Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake has a fascinating history and legend that dates back to the time of creation. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the god of creation, was looking for a place to perform a religious ceremony. He dropped a lotus flower from his hand, and wherever the petals fell, a lake was formed. One of these lakes was Pushkar Lake, which is also known as Pushkar Sarovar or Lotus Lake.
Pushkar Lake is also the only place where Lord Brahma is worshipped. There is a temple dedicated to him near the lake, which is the only one of its kind in India. The legend goes that Lord Brahma wanted to perform a yagna (fire sacrifice) at Pushkar Lake, but he needed his wife Savitri to join him. However, Savitri was late, and Brahma decided to marry a local girl named Gayatri to complete the ceremony. When Savitri arrived and saw this, she was furious and cursed Brahma that he would be worshipped only at Pushkar.
The history and legend of Pushkar Lake are supported by various ancient texts and sources, such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranas, the inscriptions at Sanchi, and the records of Chinese traveler Fa Xian. Pushkar Lake is also considered one of the five sacred lakes in Hinduism, along with Man Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, and Pampa Sarovar.
Significance and Rituals of Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is not just a historical site, but also a spiritual one. It is believed that bathing in the waters of Pushkar Lake can wash away one’s sins and grant salvation. It is also said that taking a dip in the lake can cure various diseases, especially skin problems. Many devotees also circumambulate the lake and visit the temples and ghats around it to seek blessings from different gods and goddesses.
The most auspicious time to visit Pushkar Lake is during Kartik Poornima, which is the full moon day in the month of Kartik (October-November). This is when the famous Pushkar Fair takes place, which is one of the largest and oldest cattle fairs in the world. Thousands of people from all over India and abroad come to Pushkar Lake to take part in this festival, which showcases camel races, folk dances, music, contests, and other cultural activities. The fair also coincides with the birthday of Lord Brahma, which adds to the religious fervor of the occasion.
Attractions and Activities at Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is not only a holy site but also a scenic one. The lake offers stunning views of the hills, desert, and sky, and is a perfect place for boating and photography. You can also enjoy shopping at the colorful markets and bazaars that sell local handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, souvenirs, etc. You can find some unique items here, such as silver jewelry, palazzos, bangles, bandhani sarees, artifacts made of mud and lovely dupattas.
If you want to explore more attractions and activities at or near Pushkar Lake, here are some suggestions:
Visit the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, which is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. It is located near the lake and has a distinctive architecture and design. The temple has a red spire, a white marble statue of Brahma, and a silver turtle on the floor. The temple is also decorated with colorful flags and flowers during festivals and occasions.
Visit the other temples and ghats that surround the lake, such as the Varah Temple, the Savitri Temple, the Rangji Temple, the Mahadeva Temple, etc. Each of these temples and ghats has a different religious significance and story behind it. You can also witness the evening aarti or prayer ceremony at the lake, which is a mesmerizing sight.
Explore the nearby attractions, such as Man Mahal, Rangji Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Rose Garden, Kishangarh, Merta City, etc. Man Mahal is a royal palace built by Raja Man Singh of Amber in the 16th century. It is now converted into a hotel and offers a splendid view of the lake. Rangji Temple is a unique temple that combines the styles of South Indian, Rajput, and Mughal architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a high-rising gopuram or tower. Mahadeva Temple is a 19th-century temple that has a beautiful white marble shivling or lingam inside it.
It is one of the most revered temples in Pushkar. Rose Garden is a place where you can see and smell the roses that are grown in Pushkar. Pushkar is known for its rose cultivation and export, and you can buy rose products such as rose water, rose oil, rose jam, etc. here. Kishangarh is a town near Pushkar that is famous for its miniature paintings and marble industry. You can visit the Kishangarh Fort, the Phool Mahal Palace, and the Kishangarh School of Art here.
Merta City is another town near Pushkar that has a historical and cultural significance. It is the birthplace of Meera Bai, a 16th-century poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna. You can visit the Meera Bai Temple, the Aurangzeb Mosque, and the Bhanwal Matta Temple here.
You may also like to read: 10 things to do in Pushkar
Experience the culture and vibrancy of Rajasthan at the Pushkar Fair, which is one of the largest and oldest cattle fairs in the world. Thousands of people from all over India and abroad come to Pushkar Lake to take part in this festival, which showcases camel races, folk dances, music, contests, and other cultural activities. The fair also coincides with the birthday of Lord Brahma, which adds to the religious fervor of the occasion. You can also enjoy camping, hot air ballooning, quad biking, and other adventure activities at the fair.
How to Reach and Plan Your Trip to Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is easily accessible from major cities by air, rail, or road. Here are some information on how to reach Pushkar Lake from different modes of transportation:
By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar Lake is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 150 km away. You can take a flight to Jaipur from any major city in India or abroad, and then take a taxi, bus, or train to Pushkar.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Pushkar Lake is Ajmer Junction, which is about 15 km away. You can take a train to Ajmer from any major city in India, and then take a taxi, bus, or tuk-tuk to Pushkar.
By Road: Pushkar Lake is well-connected by road from various cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can take a bus, car, or bike to Pushkar from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi, etc.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Pushkar Lake is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Pushkar Fair takes place, which is a major attraction for tourists. However, if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy a peaceful time at the lake, you can also visit during the monsoon season (July-September), when the lake is full and greenery surrounds it.
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Best Places To Eat Near Pushkar Lake
Here are some of the best restaurants near Pushkar Lake, based on the search results:
Amigo Mango Garden Restaurant:
This restaurant is located near Jaipur Ghat, Sunset Road, and offers a variety of cuisines, such as Italian, French, Indian, Spanish, and Israeli. It has a cozy and colorful ambiance, and serves delicious dishes like pizza, pasta, falafel, hummus, etc. It also has a rooftop terrace that offers a beautiful view of the lake and the sunset.
Doctor Alone Restaurant & Cafe:
This restaurant is located near Gurjar Ghat, Badi Basti, and specializes in Israeli cuisine. It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and serves tasty dishes like falafel, ziva, shakshuka, etc. It also has a garden area where you can enjoy live music and bonfire.
The Lake Cafe:
This cafe is located near Kota Ghat, Raj Gopal Complex, and offers a range of cafe-style food, such as sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc. It has a modern and elegant decor, and serves fresh and healthy food. It also has a rooftop area that offers a panoramic view of the lake and the hills.
Desert Rose Cafe:
This cafe is located near Hotel Gulaab Niwaas Palace, and offers a variety of pizza options. It has a cozy and rustic ambiance, and serves thin-crust pizzas with different toppings and sauces. It also has a garden area where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Sunset Cafe:
This cafe is located near Pushkar Lake, and offers a mix of Indian and international cuisine. It has a casual and lively ambiance, and serves dishes like curry, dal, pasta, etc. It also has a lakeside seating area that offers a stunning view of the lake and the sunset.
Pushkar Lake is a sacred and scenic destination in Rajasthan that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for pilgrims and tourists alike. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the spirituality, culture, or adventure of Pushkar, you will find something that suits your taste and interest at Pushkar Lake.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and plan your trip to Pushkar Lake today and discover the beauty and charm of this amazing place.
