Pushkar Lake and Ghats
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar Lake, also called Pushkar Sarovar, is a sacred lake in the town of Pushkar. The Hindu scriptures call it the 'Tirtha-Guru', the preceptor of all pilgrimage places by water, and it is tied to the legend of Brahma. The lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats, the steps where pilgrims bathe and pray, and the evening Maha Aarti at Varah Ghat is a major draw. The lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BCE, according to one source.
What to see and do
- Walk the ghats around the lake, past temples and old havelis
- See pilgrims bathe and pray at the water's edge
- Watch the evening Maha Aarti at Varah Ghat, with lamps and chants
- See the sunset over the water, from the western side
Ideal for
- Pilgrims who want a holy dip and a prayer
- Visitors who enjoy a quiet, atmospheric evening walk
- Photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset
Good to know
- Footwear is taken off at the ghats, so the stone can be hot at midday
- Priests may offer a ritual (a puja with flowers) for a fee, so agree a price first, or politely decline
- Photography near people bathing is discouraged, so ask before taking pictures
- Dress modestly, and keep your belongings safe in the crowd
- The Pushkar Fair and Kartik Purnima in November are extremely crowded
Spiritual significance
Pushkar Lake is one of the holiest lakes in India, and a bath here on Kartik Purnima is said to carry great merit. For many visitors, an evening on the ghats is the best part of Pushkar.
Why it matters
- The 'Tirtha-Guru': called the preceptor of all pilgrimage places
- 52 ghats: a long ring of steps around the water
- The evening aarti: lamps and chants at Varah Ghat