History of Pushkar Lake
According to the inscriptions found at Sanchi and the records made by Chinese traveller, Fa Xian, the Pushkar Lake existed even in the 2nd century BC. According to a story, a Rajput king, Nahar Rao Parihar of Mandore, dipped his hand into the lake for quenching his thirst. He was surprised to see that the Leukoderma marks on his hand vanished as soon as he dipped it. Astonished by the curative characteristics of the lake, he restored it, and since then, people have been visiting the lake to solve their skin problems.
It is also said that Guru Govind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru recited Guru Granth Sahib on the banks of this lake. During the Mughal rule, the importance of the lake faded a little because of the pilgrim tax and ban on religious processions. However, during Akbar's reign, its revival took place, and the importance was restored.
The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer made endeavours to restore its importance and the surrounding temples. Many other rulers are responsible for the modern additions to the building of ghats and the renovation of temples like -Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber for the Raj Ghat and Man temple, Maha Rana Pratap for the Varaha temple, Daulat Rao Scindia for Kot Tirth Ghat, the Marathas-Anaji Scindia for the Koteshwar Mahadev temple and Govind Rao and the Maratha governor of Ajmer for Shiva Ghat.
Attractions at Pushkar Lake
On the periphery of the Pushkar Lake, there are various temples and ghats that add to the sanctity of the place. They make it a complete paradise for religious people. It is said that around 500 temples surround the lake, some of them had been destroyed and re-built subsequently. The most significant among them is the Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Other temples located near the lake are the Varaha Temple, Savitri Temple and Gayatri temple.
There are 52 ghats near the Pushkar Lake which are an integral part of it. Used for sacred bathing and rituals, ten of these ghats have been declared as the 'Monuments of Sacred Importance'. There are- the Varaha Ghat, the Dadhich Ghat, Saptarishi Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Gangaur Ghat, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat. It is believed that the water of these ghats have medicinal values and can cure all the skin problems. Most of the ghats have been named after the kings who built them. There are a few exceptions like Varaha ghat is named since Vishnu appeared here in the form of a boar. Brahma Ghat is named since Brahma bathed here. The Gau Ghat was renamed as Gandhi Ghat after Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed at this ghat.
Best time to visit Pushkar Lake
The ideal time to visit the Pushkar Lake is between October to March when the winter season arrives. The temperature looms around 22 degrees Celsius which is not too cold. The weather remains pleasant. The summers are sweltering with the mercury rising to 45 degrees Celsius. In winters, you will also get to witness the exuberant Pushkar Fair which is held in November on Kartik Poornima.
Read more about Pushkar Fair
How to Reach Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Fair is located in the middle of the city, near the Brahma Temple. Since the town is small, you can easily explore the town and reach the Pushkar Lake on foot.
Top Tourist Places in Pushkar
Pushkar Cattle Fair
Pushkar Lake
Varaha Temple
Rangji Temple
Apteshwar temple
Merta City
All Tourist Places in Pushkar
Tips
1. Avoid eating non-vegetarian food in Pushkar.2. Be careful while hiring guides as they tend to loot the visitors easily
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