Credits: Rod Waddington
- Location: Pushkar lake is situated in Pushkar, in Ajmer City of the state of Rajasthan, 305001
- Timings: The lake is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. One can visit the lake for a total duration of 3 hours.
- Distance from Pushkar bus stand: The distance between Pushkar lake and Pushkar bus stand is about 800 m. It takes around eleven minutes to reach the lake walking from the Pushkar bus stand.
History of Pushkar Lake
Credits: patrick colgan
The lake boasts of a rich cultural and religious history. It finds mention in years old sacred Hindu texts. The lake is primarily associated with Brahma. The legend has it that when Lord Brahma killed Asura Vajranabha, three petals fell off his divine lotus flower and fell at three parts.
In every part, a spring was created in their place, which is known as Pushkar. According to the legend, later Brahma is also performed Yagna at the site. However, at the end of Yagna, Brahma’s wife inflicted a curse on him that people will only worship him at this place.
The archaeological dating of the lake suggests it existed even in the 4th century. It also finds mention in other historical sources- like inscriptions on Sanchi pillars and records of foreign travellers. The lake saw a down period during Mughal reign but later regained its glory and prestige as an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
Significance of Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is held in high historical and cultural regard in Ajmer. It is an important heritage site for the followers of the Hindu religion. The place is mostly used for religious practices. The water of the lake is sacred to pilgrims coming from all over India to take a bath in the lake. Being surrounded by 500 temples and 52 holy ghats, the lake is revered for its sanctity and high religious value.
The Pushkar lake is known for a unique tradition. On the evening of the full moon night known as ‘Kartik Poornima’ during the October to November transition duration (month of Kartik according to Hindu calendar), taking a bath in the lake is considered to be especially significant.
It is believed that all the sins and misgivings of a person are washed away in the lake water on this occasion. Also, the lake is considered auspicious because the sacred temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Krishna are located nearby.
Ghats at Pushkar Lake
Credits: Nagarjun
Fifty-two bathing ghats brimming with sacred water surround the Pushkar lake. Various temples and places of worship adorn most ghats at Pushkar lake. Ten of these ghats that have other ghats linked to them have been deemed ‘Monuments of National Importance.`` The names of these ghats are Saptarishi Ghats, Gwalior Ghat, Varaha Ghat, Dadhich Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Karni Ghat, and Gangaur Ghat.
Because of the rare belief of local people that the water around each ghat has a curative property, the ghats attract numerous people from all over the world. These beliefs come from the stories and folklore surrounding the ghats. These stories are also often the source of the names of these ghats. For instance, the Varaha Ghat is named so because Lord Vishnu emerged out of its waters as a boar, the Brahma Ghat is named so because it is believed that Lord Brahma bathed in it.
The Ghats are visited by many people; hence, there is a specific set of rules that need to be followed while exploring them. These rules include being respectful to all rituals, beliefs and sages in the vicinity, and remaining barefoot while on the ghats. One is expected to follow these rules to maintain the religious sanctity of the ghats.
Pushkar Fair at Pushkar Lake
Credits: Pnp!
The Pushkar fair, also known as ‘Kartik fair’ is an annual livestock festival that takes place on the banks of the Pushkar lake every year. Thousands of folks rush to the lakeside on this occasion to witness the numerous cultural events that take place during this day.
These events include tug of war competition, longest moustache contests, pot-shattering ('matki phod') contest, a bridal contest among many others. The lake bustles with happiness, laughter and energy during this day as it gets flooded by religious and cultural enthusiasts.
Livestock is at the centre of this festival. The festival is famous not only do the traders showcase and exchange their livestock including camels, cows, goats, horses, but also because of the camel races one gets to see. The festival is started with a camel parade where camels decorated with the rural handlooms, textiles and jewellery are sold later in the festival.
Places to Stay Near Pushkar Lake
1. Pushkar Lake Palace
Located near Brahma Ghat, Badi Basti in Pushkar, this beautiful, pet-friendly restaurant offers a mesmerising view of the Pushkar Lake. Having extremely homely and cosy rooms and impressive interiors, this 2-star hotel provides guests with free wifi, free parking and free breakfast.
2. Hotel Kanhaia Haveli
This exquisite 2-star hotel with comfortable rooms decorated with perched balconies is situated at Choti Basti, near Mali Mandir. The hotel is adorned with a roof-top restaurant that serves the most delicious local cuisines. The perks of staying in this hotel include free wifi and free vehicle parking.
3. Moustache Pushkar
Located at the Brahma temple road, near Narsingh Mandir, this quaint little hotel is jewelled by bewitching interiors inspired by the culture of Rajasthan. With modern air-conditioned rooms and open lawns, this hotel provides guests with free parking and wifi.
4. Elephant Pushkar
Located at the Main Market, in Badi Basti, this amazing 3-star restaurant is decked with plush interiors, a great restaurant, and a fitness centre. The service provided at this hotel is beyond excellence, and the staff here is extremely polite. The hotel has a unique modern vibe to it that cannot otherwise be matched by other hotels in the vicinity.
Places to Eat Near Pushkar Lake
1. Cafe Lake View Pushkar
Situated at Sadaf Bazar 187, in Badri Ghat, this little restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Pushkar Lake. Boasting of both international and local cuisines, the restaurant becomes all the better because of its quick service and courteous staff.
2. Pawan Restaurant
Located at Narsingh Ghat in Choti Basti, this vegetarian restaurant offers a varied range of dishes for the more religiously inclined population of the visitors. Along with its soothing interiors, the restaurant is famous for its low prices and extremely delicious meals.
3. Raju Terrace Garden Restaurant
This roof-top restaurant located at Main Bazar in Badi Basti offers one the chance to enjoy great views of the Pushkar Lake while eating the most delicious food. This multicuisine restaurant is always vibrant, with live music and bright lights.
4. Honey Dew Cafe and Restaurant
This cozy cafe located at Kapra Bazar in Badi Basti offers the best food one can taste here. With the glowing ambience and comfortable furniture, this vegetarian-friendly restaurant is the perfect place to spend your evening in with loved ones.
Tips Before Visiting Pushkar Lake
- Carry drinking water with you and also put on some sunglasses and a hat for protection against the scorching sun.
- If you’re travelling during day time, wear something light with bright colours. During the night, when the atmosphere gets a little chilly, warm clothes will keep you cosy.
- If you’re planning a camel safari, carry dry food with you since you may have to travel through remotely located villages where won’t find places to eat.
- If you’re carrying your phone with you, remember to take a power bank as well.
- Be prepared for a hike in charges of various packages in the peak season of October-November.
