Location of Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is located in the town of Pushkar near Ajmer city in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India amidst the Aravalli range of hills. The mountain range known as Nag Parbat (“snake mountain”) separates the lake from the city of Ajmer Visit during One Day Pushkar Local Sightseeing By Private Cab
Visiting Timing/ Entry Fees Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the lake. However, visitors are expected to pay a nominal donation at the ghats (steps leading to the lake) for maintenance and cleanliness purposes
Things to Do/ Must See Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats, where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases
Pushkar Lake is also surrounded by many temples and ashrams that are worth visiting. Some of the most famous temples around the lake are:
- Brahma Temple: This is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism. The temple is located near the Pushkar Lake and has a red spire and a white marble statue of Brahma. The temple is also decorated with silver coins and flowers. The temple attracts many devotees who come to worship Brahma and his consort Saraswati
- Varah Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Varah, the boar. The temple is one of the oldest temples in Pushkar and has a black stone idol of Varah holding the earth on his tusks. The temple also has sculptures of other gods and goddesses such as Lakshmi, Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati, and Hanuman
- Savitri Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Brahma. The temple is located on a hilltop and can be reached by a cable car or by climbing 650 steps. The temple offers a splendid view of the sunset over the lake and the town. The temple also has idols of Savitri and other deities
- Apteshwar Temple: This is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located underground near the Brahma Temple and has a lingam that is said to have appeared on its own. The temple also has paintings of Shiva’s family and other gods
Apart from visiting the lake and the temples, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as:
- Shopping: Pushkar is known for its colorful markets that sell various items such as clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, souvenirs, books, and more. Visitors can also buy rose products such as rose water, rose oil, and rose petals that are made from the roses grown in Pushkar
- Eating: Pushkar has many cafes and restaurants that offer delicious food and beverages. Visitors can try local dishes such as dal bati churma, kachori, malpua, lassi, etc. as well as international cuisines such as Italian, Israeli, Chinese, etc. Visitors can also enjoy street food such as chaat, samosa, jalebi, etc
- Camel Safari: Pushkar is famous for its camel fair that takes place every year in November. Visitors can enjoy a camel ride or a camel cart ride around the town and the desert and experience the rural life of Rajasthan. Visitors can also watch various cultural events such as folk dances, music, puppet shows, etc. that take place during the fair
Significance of Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in India by Hindus. According to legend, the lake was created by Lord Brahma when he dropped a lotus flower on the ground while searching for a place to perform a yagna (fire sacrifice). The lake has 52 ghats that represent 52 places where Brahma performed his yagna with his consort Savitri
Pushkar Lake is also associated with many other myths and stories. For instance, it is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as Varah, the boar, at the Varah Ghat to rescue the earth from a demon. It is also believed that Lord Shiva’s lingam emerged on its own at the Apteshwar Ghat. It is also believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited Pushkar and meditated at the Gurudwara Sahib Pushkar
Pushkar Lake is also a site of pilgrimage for many people who come to take a holy dip in its waters and seek blessings from the gods. The lake is especially auspicious during Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the month of Kartik (October–November), when thousands of devotees flock to the lake and perform various rituals and ceremonies. The lake is also the venue of the famous Pushkar Fair, which is one of the largest and most colorful fairs in the world. The fair attracts not only pilgrims but also tourists, traders, and cattle breeders who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the cultural events
FAQ’s
Q: How to reach Pushkar Lake?
A: Pushkar Lake can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 150 km away from Pushkar. The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction, which is about 15 km away from Pushkar. From Ajmer, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Pushkar. Pushkar is also well connected by road to other cities in Rajasthan and India
Q: When is the best time to visit Pushkar Lake?
A: The best time to visit Pushkar Lake is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Pushkar Fair takes place, which adds to the charm and excitement of visiting the lake. However, one can visit Pushkar Lake anytime of the year as it has a spiritual and cultural significance throughout the year
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Pushkar Lake?
A: Visitors are expected to follow some rules and regulations while visiting Pushkar Lake. These include:
Dressing modestly and respectfully as Pushkar Lake is a sacred place for Hindus.
Removing shoes and leather items before entering any temple or ghat around the lake.
Not consuming alcohol, meat, or eggs in Pushkar as it is a vegetarian town.
Not littering or polluting the lake or its surroundings.
Not taking photographs or videos of people bathing or performing rituals at the lake without their permission.
Respecting the local culture and customs and not disturbing the peace and harmony of the place
Conclusion
Pushkar Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural vibes of Rajasthan. The lake offers a serene and scenic view of nature as well as a glimpse of history and mythology. The lake also hosts various events and activities that make it a lively and vibrant place. Pushkar Lake is a place where one can find peace, joy, and enlightenment.
