Quick Facts about Pushkar Lake :
| Nature of Lake |
Artificial |
| Source of water |
Luni River |
| 3 Sacred Parts of Pushkar |
Main Pushkar, Middle Pushkar Kanishtha Pushkar |
About Pushkar Lake:
Pushkar Lake is located in Pushkar Town of Ajmer District in Rajasthan State of India. Pushkar Lake is described in many ancient scriptures of Hindu Religion that proves its ancient existence. Lake is an artificially created lake as it is also described in scriptures as Sarover that translates to Pond. Pushkar Lake is fed by Seasonal River Luni that irrigates major part of Rajasthan. Pushkar City is located along this very Lake Pushkar. Pushkar has 52 bathing platforms called Ghats and about 500 temples.
Legend of origin of Pushkar Lake :
As believed by the people; it was created by Lord Brahma, one of the 3 most important Gods of Hindu Religion. It is said that Lord Brahma was once chasing to kill a demon Vajranabha or Vajranash. He used Lotus Flower as his weapon. While killing the demon, some petals from the Lotus Flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma. Thus the name Pushkar came into existence as Pushkar; a Sanskrita word; translates to Pushpa (flower) and Kara (hand).
History of Pushkar Lake :
History of Pushkar Lake could be concluded from scriptures and artefacts or dates mentioned on coins. Inscription at Sanchi describes Lake of 2nd Century BC. Punch Marked coins mention a date of 4th Century BC. Chinese traveller who visited India in 5th Century has described that Lake was a pilgrimage though it didn’t fall on any ancient Trade Routes. NaharRaoParihar , a Rajput Ruler of Mandore restored Lake due to its significance, in 9th Century. In times of Mughal Rulers Jehangir and Aurangzeb, significance of the lake got a blow as Jizya was imposed on Hindus.
Fairs and Festivals at Pushkar :
Though pilgrims from across the country come throughout the year, Pushkar Fair attracts most number of people in whole year. Pushkar Fair is held in October-November along Lake Pushkar. People visit fair and Brahma Temple in October November as it is the Holiest Month according to beliefs.Brahma Temple is sacred temple along Lake as believed by the devotees.
Ghats alsong Pushkar Lake :
Pushkar Lake has 52 bathing platforms on its bank. Some prominent ones are as follows
- Kot Tirth Ghat
- Jaipur Ghat
- Gandhi Ghat
- Varaha Ghat
- Dadhich Ghat
- Saptarishi Ghats
Religious Significance of Lake Pushkar :
Hindu Mythology believes in existence of 5 sacred lakes called Panch Sarovar. Sarovar means a big pond. These are
- Man sarovar
- Bindu Sarovar
- Narayan Sarovar
- Pampa Sarovar
- Pushkar Sarovar
Hence, Pushkar is considered one of the most sacred places in India. It is believed that taking round of the 3 lakes that are; main Pushkar Lake, Middle or Madhya Pushkar Lake and Small or Kanishtha Pushkar Lake during KartikaPurnima would lead one to salvation.
Many scriptures and epic Ramayana and Mahabharata mention several legends regarding Lake Pushkar. Pushkar Lake is considered very sacred in Hinduism. Belief is to the extent that water of Pushkar can heal even Leprosy. Hindu scriptures describe Pushkar Pilgrimage as Tirtha- Raj translates to King of Pilgrimage. Every year, in the month of Kartik or October-November thousands of pilgrims visit the Holy Lake. A holy dip is considered to take one to salvation and help in getting rid of all the sins.