Pushkar - The Sacred Lake of Hinduism

 

Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. The beautiful lake is surrounded by hills on three sides and overlooking vast desert on the fourth. The surrounding hills are home to many interesting sites like the “Agasthya” caves in snake mountain. Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. The auspicious event draws thousands and thousands of devotees every year who come to the lake to seek salvation. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts. The name “Pushkar” is especially famous because of the grand Holy Dips, Pushkar Camel Fair, Camel Safari, Sightseeing and Shopping that is held in Pushkar...

 

 

Pushkar has 52 beautiful ghats(steps leading into the lake) where pilgrims can take sacred baths and attain salvation. These ghats hold extreme religious importance in the Hindu texts and mythology. Thousands of devotees who visit Pushkar consider the water of the lake to be pure and soul-cleansing. Especially during the time of the Pushkar Fair, it becomes the most sought-after activity to do in Pushkar for Indians and foreigners tourists.

 

 

The annual camel fair held during Kartik Poornima is celebrated just like a festival in Pushkar. The fair has now become a tourist attraction with several traditional activities and events organized by the tourism department in addition to camel trading. The beautifully clad camel can be seen walking the ramp, dancing, racing and taking part in beauty contests. The musicians trained in classic Rajasthani ragas, acrobats and snake charmers entertain the masses. You can also enjoy folk and fusion music concerts, heritage walks, arts and crafts exhibitions at the fair.

 

 

Tourists can witness the beautiful vistas of Aravalli hills on a thrilling camel ride. The safari takes you around the majestic sand dunes of Rajasthan. It provides an ethereal experience of seeing the desert unfold before your eyes. Visitors can enjoy the enchanting panorama of the sunset and sunrise while being seated on top of a camel. The camels are beautifully decorated like a bride with designer saddles and shimmering pieces of clothing.

 

 

Pushkar is dotted with places of immense religious and historical importance. Some of the most iconic sites to visit in Pushkar includes Brahma Temple, Pushkar Palace, Gurudwara Sahib and the Savitri Temple. The Brahma temple is an example of extravagant Rajasthani architecture. A trek uphill to reach the Savitri temple will be a thrilling experience. The Pushkar palace will provide you with a glimpse of the Regality of Rajput rulers.

 

 

If you're a fan of traditional Indian artefacts, here you will explore the authentic culture of Rajasthan in local bazaars as well as in showrooms. Some of the must-buy things in Pushkar bazaars include brass utensils, beautifully clad puppets, traditional Rajasthani jewellery, embroidered clothes, wooden artefacts and glass paintings. Shopping hotspots in Pushkar include the Sarafa Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar. The Sarafa bazaar features bead bangles, leather products, garments and also some beautifully designed camel covers. On the other side, the Sadar bazaar houses an excellent collection of books, Rajasthani costumes, footwears and showpieces for your living room.

 

The best time to bask in the splendor of the beautiful Pushkar lake is from November to March. During the this time, the weather is halcyon and you can fully enjoy your trip. Days are pleasant and chilly winds blow over the town during the night. The vibrant culture and festivities of Pushkar stay throughout the year. During the Kartik Poornima which falls in October-November, you can also witness the grandeur and spiritual augustness of the Pushkar Fair near the lake.

 

Pushkar Lake is located at the centre of Pushkar city. One can easily reach here by hiring taxi or bus from Ajmer. The distance between Pushkar lake and Pushkar bus stand is about 800 m. Pushkar Lake is well connected through nearest Ajmer Railway station (15 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai and Jaipur. The nearest Jaipur Airport (148 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi and Mumbai.