Pushkar Lake

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 Hindu scriptures describe it as "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma, whose most prominent temple stands in Pushkar. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC. 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. 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. Tourism and deforestation in the surroundings have taken a heavy toll on the lake, adversely affecting its water quality, reducing the water levels and destroying the fish population. As part of conservation measures, the government is undertaking de-silting, de-weeding, water treatment, and afforestation as well as mass awareness programme.

History of Pushkar Lake
The history of Pushkar Lake dates back to 4th Century BC. Though the creation of Pushkar Lake as an artificial lake started in 12th century when a dam was built over the Luni river. Guru Govind Singh is said to have given sacred speech of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Bank of the Lake.
The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer made great efforts to restore the importance of the lake and its surrounding temples. After that many kings of the Different area built ghats over the lake.

The Ghats at Pushkar Lake
The Ghats or lakeside embankments incorporating the descending stone steps are one of the most important parts of pilgrimage at Pushkar. Originally there were twelve Ghats at the Pushkar, but now their number has been increased to 52. Each of the Ghat at Pushkar hold their own individual significance since it is believed that waters of each Ghat have different curative properties.

The ambience and spiritual atmosphere at the ghats is amazing and offers a close understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices. Out of these 52 ghats, two of them have special significance. The Gau Ghat-where ashes of towering personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shashtri were immersed while at Brahma Ghat, it is believed that Lord Brahma himself worshipped and performed a yagna inviting all celestial beings across the Hindu pantheon.

Pushkar Tourist Attractions

Pushkar an important pilgrimage centre is a puny village close to Ajmer near the desert and Nag Pahar Mountains. There is the Pushkar Lake and several bathing ghats for Hindu rituals. Pushkar Cattle Fair is held here annually in the month of October-November. The place has 400 big and small temples.

Pushkar has many temples around a hillock. The sun set and sun rise hold attraction for many. The popular temples are the 14 century Brahma temple, Savitri temple and Gayatri temple. Apteshwar temple has historical importance. Varaha Temple is in depilated state but people come and pay respects here. Mahadeva temple is held very pious. Pap Mochi temple is for forgiveness of sins committed knowingly and unknowingly. There is a yoga garden as well. Pushkar cooking art centre attracts tourists to the eating culture of the land. People enjoy camel safari. Oren is visited because it is an observatory. Tourists are seen taking long strolls here.

Malpua a sweet dish is liberally served here. It is prepared from flour cow’s milk butter and sugar. It is like a sweet chapatti with holes. Dal baati churma and Lassi is very popular. Vikas Handicraft has given a touch of Rajasthan to the paper made gift items for home and office use. It is a good place to shop. Incense sticks have pleasant smell. Pushkar markets are well maintained based on tourist demands and sell ethnic attire and things of western taste.

Pushkar is well connected by road to other parts of India. Ajmer 11 km away is the closest railway station and Jaipur 130 km away is the nearest airport. Friends travel services is very well established tour and travel agency in Delhi India. Its network is very well laid out. It takes care of reservation, booking of hotels and conveyance all through the itinerary. It has received commendable certification from government of India and other allied associations.

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