A name of divinity

Sambhar Lake is steeped in mythology. According to the Mahabharata, it was part of the kingdom of the demon king Vrishparva. The name Sambhar itself is a variation of the name of the tutelary goddess of the Chauhan Rajputs, Maa Shakambhari Devi.

From jewels to salt

Around the sixth century, the region that now cradles Sambhar Lake was a dense forest. It was here that the benevolent goddess Shakambhari, a form of Durga, graced the land. Her divine presence transformed the forest into a vast plain adorned with precious jewels. Subsequently, at the request of the inhabitants who dreaded the greed and strife that such a possession would beget, she further worked her magic. The silver plain metamorphosed into a serene lake, aptly named Sambhar.

Worth its weight

Sambhar Salt Lake plays a pivotal role in Rajasthan’s economy. It is the primary source of salt production in the state, contributing around 196,000 tonnes of clean salt annually. This accounts for approximately 9% of India’s total salt production.

There’s more to the salt

During the winter, the serene Sambhar Lake becomes a haven for pink flamingos and migratory birds from distant lands, gracing the stark landscape with their elegant presence. The expansive salt lake bed, reminiscent of the Rann of Kutch, provides a perfect setting for stargazing and marvelling at celestial wonders.

Further away, you can also visit the Devyani Temple, a serene sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The nearby Devyani Kund, also known as Chota Pushkar, holds great spiritual significance for the locals. Adjacent to the Devyani Kund, ancient Shiva temples, including the Baba Jageshwar Temple, offer a glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of the region.