Noteworthy functional groups of microorganisms:

Methylotrophic microorganisms[edit]
Methylotrophs belonging to Methylomicrobium, Methylophaga and Bacillus species have been identified in the Lonar Lake sediments.[51] Methane-
oxidizing methylotrophs (methanotrophs) were also detected in the surface scum atop the lake water-column.[37] A novel species of non-methane-
utilizing methylotroph Methylophaga lonarensis was isolated in pure culture from lake sediment microcosms.[52] This haloalkaliphilic bacterium
synthesizes and intracellularly accumulates organic solutes such as ectoine that are of biotechnological interest.[52][53] Methylotrophic methanogenesis
has been reported in Lonar Lake sediments and the primary microorganism (archaeon) that is responsible was identified as being closely related
to Methanolobus oregonensis.[54]

Endolithic microorganisms[edit]
Endolithic bacteria belonging to the phyla Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and endolithic
archaea belonging to the phyla Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota were detected in Lonar basalt rock samples that were retrieved from the crater
walls and the lake-bed. The diversity and richness of endolithic bacteria in these samples were estimated to be higher than that of endolithic archaea.
Most of the detected endolithic prokaryotes were identified as being putative methanotrophs, methanogens, phototrophs, ammonia-oxidizers, nitrogen-
fixers, denitrifiers, dissimilatory sulfate-reducers and metal-reducers.[41]

Nitrogen-fixing microorganisms[edit]
Nonsymbiotic nitrogen-fixing microorganisms such as Halomonas sp., Paracoccus sp., Klebsiella sp., Slackia sp., and Actinopolyspora sp. have been
reported from this lake. All the nitrogen fixers are haloalkaliphilic in nature as they can grow only at pH-11. Some of
the bacteria and actinomycetes isolated from this lake are able to grow on some components of inorganic medium containing martian soil simulant
components.[55]

2020 color change[edit]

Water of Lonar crater lake changing color to pink during June 2020

In early June 2020, the lake turned red/pink in a span of 2–3 days.[56][57][58] Reports by Agharkar Research Institute, National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute and Geological Survey of India suggested that lowered water levels and high salinity caused growth of Halobacterium and
increased Carotenoid levels, which in turn led to color change.[59][60][61]
Religious setting[edit]
Numerous temples surround the lake, most of which stand in ruins today, except for the temple of Daityasudana at the centre of the Lonar town, which
was built in honour of Vishnu killing the asura Lonasura. It is a fine example of early Hindu architecture.
[62]
Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Lakshmi, Parvati, Sarasvati are deities present in other temples found inside the crater.

Daityasudana Temple[edit]
Main article: Daitya Sudan Temple

Side profile of the Daityasudana temple

Daityasudana Temple is a Vishnu temple created by the Chalukya dynasty which ruled Central and Southern Indian subcontinent in the 6th century CE
and 12th century CE. It belongs to the Hemadpanthi class and is built in the form of an irregular star. It features carvings similar to those seen
at Khajuraho temples. The deity of this temple is made of an ore with a high metal content that resembles stone. The ceiling of the temple has carvings.
The exterior walls are also covered with carved figures. The plinth of the temple is about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height and the unfinished roof shows a
pyramidal form for the tower.

The temple of Daityasudana at Lonar is the best example of the Hemadpanthi style. From the standing image of Surya in the principal niche on the
back of the temple, it is conjectured that the temple was originally dedicated to Surya. However, in the present form its Hindu temple of god Vishnu as
Daityasudana. Lonasura is a asura who lived in this place along with his siblings. He was killed by Vishnu as Daityasudana hence is the name.

The temple measures 32 m (105 ft). long by 25.8 m (84.5 ft). broad. It is a tree chamber temple, the inner most being sanctum sanctorum, where the
statue of Vishnu standing atop dead Lonasura is there. The present day idol was made by Bholse rulers of Nagpur after the original was destroyed.
The second chamber is antari where individual pooja are performed, on the roof of this block one created the statues of Vishnu killing Lonasura
and Krishna killing Kamsa, Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu and Krishna and Rukmini. The outermost chamber is sabhamandapa which is meant for
group offerings and performance. This portion as well as the entrance gate does not match the style and construction elements of the temple overall.
The brickwork was added later to the unfinished temple, which was to various destructions in the 10th century CE.

The main entrance of the temple is east facing. The principle niche at the back of the temple has an image of Surya, the sun god, which gives rise to
the speculation that this might have been dedicated to him. The niche on south has an image of Chamunda. The one on left of the temple i.e. north
has Narasimha in it. All of these three niches are built like mini temples in themselves having elaborate pillars, base and decoration.

There are numerous ridges onto the temple with different decoration, images having iconic as well as artistic significance. Many of the images depict
deities and incidents on Hindu Puranas.[63]

Other temples[edit]

 Kamalaja Devi Temple is located beside the lake[8] and also features carved images. Although the water level rises during the rainy season and
falls in summer, the temple is located above the water level.
 Gomukha Temple is located along the rim of the crater. A perennial stream emerges from here and pilgrims visiting the temple bathe in the
stream.[62] It is also called Sita Nahani temple and Dhara.[8]
 Lonar Dhara Mandir, people bathing at Lonar Gaurmukh Temple

 Shankara Ganesha temple, partially submerged in a lake and is noted for rectangular Shiva statue.[8]
 Rama Gaya temple.[8]
 Motha Maruti temple is near the Ambar crater lake, with a statue made of a rock which ia a fragment of a asteroid that created the crater.

Threats to Lonar lake