Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Situated in the northwest of Ajmer, the quiet city of Pushkar is a favourite destination for thousands of people flocking to Rajasthan for tourists and devotees. Located at an elevation of 510 meters, Pushkar is surrounded by small hills on three sides. ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Nag Pahar forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar and is known as ‘Gulab Udyan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Pushkar is a fascinating city of timeless architectural heritage, with an interesting mythological history.
According to legends, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, is believed to be the lotus-fallen land leading to the immediate construction of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. Pushkar is the only temple in the world known for dedicating it to Lord Brahma. People go to Pushkar to attain the salvation of the ultimate pilgrimage of Hindus and they go and pray and address salvation.
History of Pushkar Lake
History of Pushkar LakeThe history of Lake Pushkar dates back to the 4th century BC. However, the creation of Pushkar Lake as an artificial lake began in the 12th century when a dam was built over the Luni River. Guru Govind Singh is said to have given the holy speech of Guru Granth Sahib on the banks of the lake. The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer worked very hard to restore the importance of the lake and its surrounding temples. After that many kings of different regions built ghats on the lake.
Nearby Places :
Pushkar Lake is one of the most iconic sites in Rajasthan and is home to the only Brahma temple in the world. Also, the lake gets crowded during various festivals and famous camel fairs.
Temples near Pushkar Lake:
There are about 500 temples situated on the banks of the lake, many of which were destroyed during the Mughal rule in India. The most important of these is the Brahma temple which is believed to be around 2000 years old, although its architecture dates back to the 114th century.
Ghats of Pushkar Lake:
There are about 52 ghats on the lake which are bathed by pilgrims. But 10 of these are the most famous ghats and they also have important historical architecture. There are Varaha Ghat, Dadhich Ghat, Saptarshi Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau Ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Ganga Ghat.
Pushkar Fair:
Pushkar Camel Fair is the largest camel fair in Asia that begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi, which ends in a bright fortnight on 11th moon day and full moon day in Kartik Purnima – the month of Kartik (October-November) . During this time the lake gets crowded because it is said that bathing on Kartik Purnima is very blissful and everyone’s sins are washed away.
How to reach Pushkar Lake, Pushkar
By Road: Pushkar Lake is located in the city centre of Pushkar. It can be easily reached by taking a taxi or bus from Ajmer.
By Rail: Pushkar Lake is connected to the nearest Ajmer railway station (15 km). Through which it is connected to major cities like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad railway stations.
By Air: Pushkar Lake can be reached from the nearest Jaipur Airport (148 km) which is also well connected by regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.