The five holy lakes in Hinduism are spread across India and one is outside India. The five holy lakes are:
- Pushkar in Rajasthan
- Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet
- Narayan Sarovar in Gujarat
- Pampa Sarovar in Hampi
- Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur, Gujarat
Pushkar in Rajasthan
- The Pushkar Lake is associated with Brahma.
- Brahma, the creator, in Hinduism performed an yajna here.
- The lake was formed when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Brahma.
- The greatness of it is mentioned in the Padma Purana.
- The lake is mentioned in the Ramayana. Sage Vishwamitra performed austerities here. Bhagavan Sri Ram is believed to have performed the Shradh of his father Dasharata here.
- An important temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is located here.
- It is also one among the Pancha Teerth in Hinduism.
- Taking holy dip here washes away sins of this and previous births.
- There are 52 ghats and numerous temples around Pushkar Lake.
- The annual fair here is held from Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadasi to Purnima. The five days attracts thousands of visitors the lake.
Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet
- Manasarovar is located near Kailash, the abode of Shiva. This is makes it holy.
- The popular belief is that the lake had its origin in the mind of Brahma. Hence the name – mana – sarovar.
- The popular belief is that Goddess Parvati bathes her daily.
- The spot near the lake is also a Shaktipeetah. The left of hand of Goddess Sati fell here.
Narayan Sarovar Kutch, Gujarat
- The lake as the name indicates is associated with Lord Vishnu.
- Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu had taken bath in the lake.
- A temple dedicated to Adi Narayan is located here.
- A mela is organized here for three days starting from Kartik Purnima. The annual ritual is attended by Sadhus, holy men and thousands of devotees.
- Sindhu River meets sea here.
Pampa Lake near Hampi
- Pampa Sarovar in Hampi is associated with the Ramayana.
- The place is believed to be the Kishkindha (kingdom of monkeys) mentioned in the epic.
- Sabari, the old woman who had the darshan of Sri Ram in Ramayana, is believed to have lived in a cave located here.
Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur, Gujarat
- Kardam Rishi performed intense Tapas here for several years.
- The place is also associated with Parashuram, the sixth avatar of Bhagavan Vishnu.
Parashuram performed the Shradh of his mother Renuka here.