Pushkar lake is the holy lake which is located in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan. The Pushkar lake is one of the most prominent sacred pilgrimage spots, it is encircled by 52 ghats(bathing spots) and hundreds of temples. According to Hindu religious believes one can attain salvation from all sins and cure skin disease, by dipping in this holy lake. Especially on Kartik Poornima, dipping in the lake is equal to the benefits that one would gather by performing yagya’s for several centuries.
The importance of Pushkar has been mentioned in various famous mythologies like Mahabharata, Ramayana, Buddha and Jain mythology. Pushkar lake is also famous because there are various ceremonies such as pindha shraddha(moksh prayers for the ancestors) are performed at the 52 Ghats.
Every year thousands of devotees visit Pushkar lake. The best time to visit Pushkar is in the month of Oct and Nov, during the time of the Pushkar Fair.
Pushkar Lake History:
There are various beliefs:
One belief is that a demon with the name of Vajra Nabha killed the sons of Lord Brahma and in revenge, Brahma killed the demon. During the fight with Vajra Nabh, 3 petals from Lord Brahma’s lotus fell at 3 different places. Lakes are formed at those 3 spots, named Jyeshtha (Pushkar lake), Madhyama and Kanishtha(located on outskirts of the Pushkar).
Another belief is that Lord Brahma was searching for a place to perform a yagya and he dropped lotus petals to guide him. The petals fall on 3 different spots. Lakes got created at those 3 spots, then Lord Brahma decided to perform yagya at this lake. And at the end of yagya/rituals, Lord Brahma’s wife Savitri cursed him to worshipped at this place only on the earth.
It is said that the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh (1666–1708) has recited the sacred book Guru Granth Sahib on the banks of this holy lake.
It is also said that saint Vishvamitra did ‘tapa’ at Pushkar lake. And Apsara Menaka also came to Pushkar especially to bathe in the holy lake.
In the 12th century, the lake was made as an artificial lake when a dam was built at the Luni river. Many Rajput rulers worked a lot to restore the importance of the lake and its surrounding temples.
Pushkar Lake Ghats
The Pushkar ghats are used for sacred bath and worshipping. A few of the most famous ghats are Varaha Ghat, Brahma Ghat, Dadhich Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Ram Ghat, Saptarishi Ghats, Kota Ghat, Indra Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat and Karni Ghat.
Pushkar Lake Aarti
If you are in Pushkar, you should definitely attend the Pushkar Lake evening aarti. It is so fascinating, it holds everyone’s attention completely as though by magic. The mantra’s chanting with the bells ringing in all the temples around the Ghats, make the whole atmosphere so positive & divine, it’s unforgettable.
Thousands of devotees attend the evening aarti at the time of the sunset at around 7:00 PM during Summers & at around 5:30 PM during winters. The famous ghats to attend the aarti are Brahma Ghat and Varaha Ghat.
Facts about Pushkar Lake:
The Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC.
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