Need an escape from Jaipur's heat? Head to Ajmer & take a dip in the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake

While there is nothing about Rajasthan that does not reflect its regality, there are several places here that hold as much spiritual prominence as their architectural and historical counterparts! Pushkar Lake in the ever-captivating city of Ajmer, is one such jewel dotting the map of Rajasthan.

Lying about 145 km from the Pink City, this sacred lake attracts devotees from all across the country and it looks the prettiest during the months between October and April. So add Pushkar to your travel itinerary when in Jaipur and immerse yourself in the godliness that exists in the air of this blessed city!

Home to the world's only Brahma Temple!

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Associated with Lord Brahma, Pushkar Lake finds a mention in Hindu theology as one of the supremely sacred Panch-Sarovar and as per stories, the archaeological dating of the lake goes back to the 4th century BC. One of the fascinating stories behind the emergence of this holy river states that when Lord Brahma killed a demon called Vajranabham, three petals from his divine lotus fell on the ground. Then on that very spot, a spring of water gushed forth known as Pushkar.

Further, legends suggest that Lord Brahma performed a yagna at a ghat here and was then cursed by his first wife, who said that he will be worshipped at this spot only! So now it is believed that because of this very reason, Pushkar Lake has the world's only Brahma temple, making it one of the top religious sites in the world and one of the top 5 religious places for Hindus in India!

Knock Knock

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Surrounded by 500 temples and 52 ghats, Pushkar Lake is a significant part of Hindu pilgrimage and is a sight to behold, during the yearly and iconic Pushkar Fair! It is even believed that bathing in this lake on Kartik Poornima (Full Moon Day) absolves devotees of sins and cures bodily ailments too, especially skin diseases.

Honestly, merely reading about this site won't make the cut; you will have to visit the city and this lake in-person to know why it is a preferred spot for tourists and locals alike. So chalk out a plan ASAP and head out with your buddies for a weekend of fun and explorations!