Pushkar Lake

A holy lake ringed by 52 ghats and hundreds of temples, born, legend says, from a lotus petal dropped by Lord Brahma.

Ghats

Temples Nearby

~500

Depth

9–10 metres

Known As

Thirtharaj

Best Time

Kartik Poornima (Oct/Nov)

The Lake Born of a Lotus

Pushkar Lake owes its name and its sanctity to a well-known Hindu legend. Lord Brahma, troubled that he had no earthly place where he could be worshipped, was advised by Lord Shiva to slay the demon Vajranabha. As Brahma killed the demon, three lotus petals fell from his hand to the ground below, and at each spot a spring of water appeared. The Sanskrit words 'Pushpa' (flower) and 'Kar' (hand) combined to give the town and its lake the name Pushkar — literally, 'from the hand, a flower'.

The sacred waters are actually made up of three linked lakes, known as Jyeshta Pushkar, Madhya Pushkar and Kanishta Pushkar, together forming the semi-circular lake seen today, roughly 9 to 10 metres deep at its centre. Surrounding the water are 52 bathing ghats, stone steps leading down to the lake where pilgrims perform ritual baths. Among the most significant are Gou Ghat, Brahma Ghat, Kapalmochan Ghat and Yag Ghat, each tied to its own legend and ritual significance.

Because of its association with Brahma's own act of creation, Pushkar Lake has earned the title 'Thirtharaj', or king of pilgrimage sites, and is considered one of the holiest bodies of water in India. It is encircled by close to 500 temples, making the town one of the densest concentrations of shrines in the country. The lake sees its largest crowds during Kartik Poornima, the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (typically October or November), when tens of thousands of pilgrims arrive to bathe in its waters, believing it washes away sins and grants spiritual merit.

52 Ghats and a World-Famous Camel Fair

Around 52 ghats, or stepped bathing areas, ring Pushkar Lake, each historically built or sponsored by different Rajput rulers and noble families, and many still associated with specific regional communities. Hindu tradition holds that bathing here during Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, cleanses sins and can be as spiritually significant as bathing in the Ganges. That same period each year hosts the Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the largest livestock fairs in the world, drawing tens of thousands of camels, horses, and cattle traders alongside a growing number of tourists for its camel races, folk performances, and open-air markets. In keeping with the town's sacred status, Pushkar has long enforced a ban on meat, eggs, and alcohol within municipal limits, a rule still broadly observed by restaurants and hotels catering to visitors.

Practical Notes

Ghats

52 stepped bathing ghats surround the lake, each with its own historical sponsor and community association.

Kartik Purnima

The most auspicious time to bathe in the lake, believed to cleanse sins; it coincides with the camel fair.

Pushkar Camel Fair

One of the world's largest livestock fairs, held annually around Kartik Purnima with camel races and folk festivities.

No Meat or Alcohol

Pushkar's municipal limits prohibit the sale of meat, eggs, and alcohol out of respect for its sacred status.

Why Visit

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Legendary Origins

Formed, legend says, from Lord Brahma's own lotus petals

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52 Sacred Ghats

Stone steps for ritual bathing, each with its own story

🏛️

Temple City

Nearly 500 temples encircle the lake

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Kartik Poornima

Witness one of India's largest pilgrim gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Pushkar Lake get its name?+

Legend says lotus petals fell from Brahma's hand while slaying a demon, and springs appeared at each spot; "Pushkar" combines the Sanskrit words for flower and hand.

What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?+

One of the largest livestock fairs in the world, held annually around Kartik Purnima, featuring camel trading, races, and folk performances.

How many ghats are around Pushkar Lake?+

Around 52 stepped ghats surround the lake, each historically sponsored by different rulers or communities.

Is alcohol allowed in Pushkar?+

No, the sale of meat, eggs, and alcohol is prohibited within Pushkar's municipal limits due to its sacred status.

When is the best time to visit Pushkar Lake?+

Kartik Purnima is considered the most auspicious and lively time, coinciding with the camel fair and festival bathing rituals.