Perhaps one of the major tourist destinations in India which attract both Indians and foreigners equally, Pushkar lake is perched amidst the Aravalli ranges in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 500 temples, it is regarded as the sacred lake for the Hindus in India where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a holy bath. According to Hindu theology, there are five sacred lakes collectively called Panch-Sarovar namely- Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar. Amongst these, Pushkar Sarovar or Lake is the most significant. The pure and pious aura of the place is amusing and is a must visit place if you want to know the gist of Hindu religion.

Located in the oldest city of Pushkar which is often called as 'Tirtha-Raj' or the king of pilgrimage, the existence of the lake takes us back to the 2nd century BC. The lake witnesses millions of devotees flocking here because of the belief that the famed waters of the Pushkar wash away the sins of the whole life. The scriptures also mention that doing a parikrama of the three lakes- the main Pushkar, Madya Pushkar where there are a Hanuman temple and an old Banyan tree, and Kanistha Pushkar where a Krishna temple exists during the Kartik Poornima day would be highly auspicious. On the holiest day of Kartik Poornima, a dip in the lake is considered equal to the benefits accrued by performing yagnas (fire-sacrifices) for several centuries. The nearby temples like the Brahma Temple increase the sanctity and purity of the ambience. The Pushkar Lake holds an utmost religious significance for Hindus and is a perfect example of strong belief in their religion.

Attractions at Pushkar Lake

On the periphery of the Pushkar Lake, there are various temples and ghats that add to the sanctity of the place. They make it a complete paradise for religious people. It is said that around 500 temples surround the lake, some of them had been destroyed and re-built subsequently. The most significant among them is the Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Other temples located near the lake are the Varaha Temple, Savitri Temple and Gayatri temple.

There are 52 ghats near the Pushkar Lake which are an integral part of it. Used for sacred bathing and rituals, ten of these ghats have been declared as the 'Monuments of Sacred Importance'. There are- the Varaha Ghat, the Dadhich Ghat, Saptarishi Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Gangaur Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat. It is believed that the water of these ghats have medicinal values and can cure all the skin problems. Most of the ghats have been named after the kings who built them. There are a few exceptions like Varaha ghat is named since Vishnu appeared here in the form of a boar. Brahma Ghat is named since Brahma bathed here. The Gau Ghat was renamed as Gandhi Ghat after Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed at this ghat.

Best Time To Visit Pushkar Lake

The ideal time to visit the Pushkar Lake is between October to March when the winter season arrives. The temperature looms around 22 degrees Celsius which is not too cold. The weather remains pleasant. The summers are sweltering with the mercury rising to 45 degrees Celsius. In winters, you will also get to witness the exuberant Pushkar Fair which is held in November on Kartik Poornima.

How to Reach Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Fair is located in the middle of the city, near the Brahma Temple. Since the town is small, you can easily explore the town and reach the Pushkar Lake on foot.