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Rajasthan Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is also known as Pushkar Sarovar (lake). It is situated in Pushkar which is a town of the Ajmer district of Rajasthan that is, a state in the western part of India. Pushkar is said to be one amongst the oldest cities in the country. Pushkar Lake is sacred to Hindus. The lake is bounded by 52 series of steps also called bathing ghats. The lake and its ghats have been affirmed as national heritage. Ten of the lake's ghats have been affirmed to be 'Monuments of National Importance'. These ghats are Kota ghat, Varaha ghat, Yag ghat, Gau ghat, Gangaur ghat, Jaipur ghat, Dadhich ghat, Saptarishi ghat, Karni ghat and Gwalior ghat. Hindu scriptures express that the lake is the king among pilgrimages which is also known as Tirtha Raja. The town Pushkar has been recognized as one among the ten most religious places of the world by International Business Times.
History
Pushkar Lake's history goes all the way back to the 4th century BC. Evidence was found through Kushan and Greek coins. Although inscriptions found in Sanchi suggest otherwise. These inscriptions bear witness of the lake from 2nd century BC. It hints that the lake was a pilgrimage even back then. Fa Xian who was a Chinese traveller mentioned in 5th century AD the number of people that visited the Pushkar Lake. It is believed that Lord Brahma killed Vajranabha a demon who was distressing people, using his weapon a lotus, while killing him three petals fell on the ground and became the source of the lake. When Lord Brahma came to Earth he named the town Pushkar, which is derived from the words Pushp meaning flower and Kar meaning hand, denoting the lotus flower's petals that fell from his hand.
Attractions
Pushkar Lake is associated with Brahma the god of the Hindus who is known as the creator of the universe. One can find his famous temple here which is believed to be more than 2000 years old. Also over 500 temples of various Hindu gods are situated near the lake's grounds. Pushkar Fair is an annual fair that is organized in October or November depending on the Hindu calendar. In the fair a camel fair which is the largest of its kind is organized. Over two lakh people and 50,000 camels participate or attend this camel fair alone. The camel fair was introduced by the British to get better taxes. This fair is a colourful fiesta where folk dances, camel races, cattle fair, delicacies and music can all be enjoyed. People can be seen playing the sport Tug of War which is very popular in this region. Pushkar Lake and the town of Pushkar as a whole are very significant in terms of Hindu religion.
How to Reach
Visitors can reach Pushkar by air, rail or road. With Jaipur's Sanganeer Domestic airport and Indira Gandhi International airport being the nearest airports a distance of 144 kilometres and 381 kilometres from the latter has to be covered before one can reach Pushkar. Ajmer's railway station is the nearest railway station to Pushkar which is just 11 kilometres away. Pushkar is well linked to Ajmer by buses and the distance can be covered comfortably.
Best Time to Visit
October to November during Kartik Poornima is when visiting Pushkar is most enjoyable, since there are pilgrims that come to take a holy bath in the lake and festivities of the Pushkar Fair are in full bloom. Taking a bath in the lake during Kartik Poornima is considered by many to be cleansing for the soul and riddance of all sins can be achieved. The weather is also pleasant since it is neither hot nor cold. Moderate temperatures make visiting fruitful as all tourist spots can be visited.
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