Pushkar Lake is one of the holiest lakes situated in Rajasthan’s small town of Pushkar. The mythological meaning of this lake goes back thousands of years. It is believed that after the falling petals of Lord Brahma’s lotus, Pushkar Lake Rajasthan was created when the demon Vajra Nabha was killed. Currently, 52 Ghats and over 450 Hindu temples surround the water body. Amongst them all, the Brahma Temple is the most prominent and stands by the shore. Countless devotees come here to wash away their past sins by taking a holy dip.
The 52 Ghats around Pushkar Lake are renowned for their spiritual and religious significance. Each of the Ghats offers an insight into the religious traditions that the Hindus observe. These Ghats have curative properties and there is a strange way to create relations in the divine atmosphere. The Gau Ghat and the Brahma Ghat are two of the more famous Ghats. And it is believed that Brahma Ghat is the place where Yajna was performed by Lord Brahma along with his queen, Goddess Gayatri. The lake that falls under the list of national monuments has a total of 10 Ghats adjacent to it. They are covered by the government of Rajasthan and a few other departments are working towards improving them.
Pushkar Lake is also mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics. This holy body of water has an old-world charm and the glorious vibes of the former period can be witnessed. The Aravalli Range encloses it and provides epic views of the bay (Pushkar). No wonder, in this area, the lake is the epicentre of all religious activities taking place. In the month of Kartika, the Pushkar Fair is held and attracts hordes of visitors and devotees throughout the nation on the bank of Pushkar Lake. A ritual bath in Pushkar Lake on Kartik Poornima will purify the soul, according to the Puranas, and open the doors to salvation.
History
Pushkar Lake’s history dates back to the 4th century BC. As an artificial lake, the development of Pushkar Lake goes back to the 12th century. The Mughal emperor Jahangir built his hunting lodge on the shores of Pushkar Lake in 1615-16. When he was staying in Ajmer, about 20 kilometres from Pushkar, he came to this lodge to hunt. This act violates the local tradition that animals in the areas of the holy lake should not be destroyed. Later, Jahangir’s grandson, Aurangzeb (1618-1707), demolished some of the Pushkar temples that were later restored. Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer’s Rajput rulers made their utmost effort to restore the importance of the lake and its nearby temples. The Pushkar Lake Ghats are also renovated and various rulers including Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber, Daulat Rao Scindia, Maha Rana Pratap etc. are also building temples around it.
Even in the 4th century BC, the archaeological dating of the lake tests the lake existed. It was referred to in several documents in later times, from the inscriptions in Sanchi to the accounts of the Chinese traveller Fa Xian. Many Rajput rulers and local chiefs of Ajmer tried to restore the glory of Pushkar over the course of time. Except during the reign of Akbar, the lake lost importance only during the brief time of Mughal rule.
Significance of Pushkar Lake
One of the most holy places for Hindus is Pushkar Lake and the place is accessed mainly for religious purposes only. The lake is surrounded by about 500 temples of distinct religious significance and 52 Ghats. People come here from all over the world and from all walks of life to take a dip in its holy waters. However, in the month of Kartik (October-November), taking a bath in Pushkar during Kartik Poornima (Full Moon Day) takes on special significance as it is considered to be highly auspicious. It is also considered religiously optimistic to circumambulate the lake along with Hanuman and Krishna Temple in the vicinity.
It is believed that during Kartika, bathing in the lake washes all the sins and absolves the devotees of body ailments, especially skin diseases. Ramayana and Mahabharata refer to Pushkar Lake as Adi-Tirtha, though the lake is one of the most sacred Panch-Sarovar as well. The Lake has been marked as one of the world’s 10 most holy places and one of India’s top five holiest places for Hindus. Also, the site is home to the only Brahma Temple in the world.
The Ghats at Pushkar Lake
One of the most important aspects of pilgrimage in Pushkar is the Ghats or lakeside embankments incorporating the descending stone steps. There were originally twelve Ghats in the Pushkar, but now their number has risen to 52. Each of the Pushkar Ghats has its own individual significance, as it is believed that each Ghat’s waters have distinct healing properties.
In the ghats, the environment and spiritual atmosphere is incredible and provides a close understanding of Hindu beliefs and practises. Two of these 52 ghats have particular significance. While at Brahma Ghat, it is believed that Lord Brahma himself adored and performed a yagna welcoming all celestial beings throughout the Hindu pantheon, the Gau Ghat-where ashes of colossal personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shashtri were immersed.
Attractions Near Pushkar Lake
- Pushkar Lake is one of Rajasthan’s most revered sites and the home of the world’s only Brahma Temple. During different festivals and the popular Pushkar Camel Fair, the lake is also crowded.
- Temples Near Pushkar Lake : There are about 500 temples on the shore of the lake, many of which were demolished during India’s Mughal rule. The Brahma Temple, which is believed to be about 2000 years old, is the most notable of these, although the architecture is 114th century.
- Ghats at Pushkar Lake : At the pool, there are about 52 ghats used by pilgrims to take a bath. But 10 of these are the most prominent, and historical architecture is also significant. These are the Varaha Ghat, the Ghat Dadhich, the Ghats Saptarishi, the Ghat Gwalior, the Ghat Kota, the Ghat Gau, the Ghat Gau, the Ghat Yag, the Ghat Jaipur, the Ghat Karni and the Ghat Gangaur.
- Pushkar Fair : Pushkar Camel Fair is the largest camel fair in Asia, beginning on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day in the bright fortnight and ending on Kartik Poornima, the month of Kartik (October-November) full moon day. During this time, the lake gets too crowded as it is said that taking a bath on Kartik Poornima is very blissful and washes away all your sins.
Best time to visit Pushkar Lake
When the winter season begins, the best time to visit Pushkar Lake is between October and March. The temperature, which is not too cold, is about 22 degrees Celsius. The weather is always fun. With the mercury rising to 45 degrees Celsius, the summers are sweltering. You will also get to see the exuberant Pushkar Fair in winter, which takes place on Kartik Poornima in November.
How To Reach
By Road: Pushkar Lake is located at the centre of Pushkar city. One can easily reach here by hiring taxi or bus from Ajmer.
By Rail: Pushkar Lake is well connected through nearest Ajmer Railway station ( 15 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: Pushkar Lake can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (148 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.