Pushkar Lake
Location
The Pushkar Lake is situated in Pushkar, 11 Km from Ajmer, in
Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit
Winter season from October to March is the best time to visit
Pushkar.
Major Attractions
The Pushkar fair, Brahma temple and Ghats around the lake.
About the Lake
The pious Pushkar Lake is one of the most sacred water bodies for
Hindus. The lake is said to be formed when some petals from the hand
held lotus of Brahma fell on the ground. This led to formation of a
large hollow space, which later got converted into a lake. Brahma,
in Hinduism, is considered the creator of the universe. It is also
said that a bath in the lake will free the soul from all kind of
impurities. There are innumerable temples surounding the lake.
Pushkar fair is organised on the banks of this lake. The Pushkar
fair is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindus. The Pushkar
lake is surrounded on 3 sides by hills and by desert on the fourth
side. Beauty of the lake leaves a mesmerising effect on the
visitors.
Attractions
Pushkar Fair
One of the most celebrated Hindu festival, Pushkar fair is the
prime attraction of the lake. The fair is celebrated on the ocassion
of Kartik Purnima, during the month of October-November. The fair
lasts for 7 days and many cutural activities like cattle fair,
puppet show, dance and music show are arranged. It is believed that
gods from heaven come down to earth to take a bath in the lake
during the festival. So it is very auspicious to bath in the lake
during this period.
Brahma Temple
The Brahma Temple is world's only temple dedicated to lord Brahma.
There is a story that says that lord Brahma came to Pushkar to
perform some rituals. His wife was also needed at the same. So at
the last moment Brahma married a local girl for the ritual. When his
wife came to know about it, she cursed Brahma that he won't be
worshipped anywhere in the world except at Pushkar. Being the only
temple of Brahma, this temple has a special religious importance.
Ghats
The ghats are also of special importance. There are 52 Ghats around
the lake. These ghats had been constructed by the rulers of
different states of Rajasthan. The major ones are Gau Ghat, Brahma
Ghat and Varah Ghat. Also called Main Ghat, Gau Ghat is the place
from which ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled into the lake.
Brahma Ghat is believed to be the spot where Brahma himself is said
to have worshipped. Similarly other ghats are said to have special
powers. The Naga Kund is belived to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives
beauty and charm, Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and
a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.
How to reach
Air
The nearest airport is the 130 Km distant Jaipur Airport.
Rail
The nearest major railhead is Ajmer, 11 Km from Pushkar.
Road
The roadways network in Rajasthan connects Ajmer to other cities of
state. Some of the major cities distances are: Jaipur-140 Km,
Jodhpur-210 Km, Udaipur-280 Km, Ahmedabad-533 Km, Mumbai-1080 Km,
Agra-395 Km and New Delhi-392 Km.
