Ever wondered why Brahma considered the creator of the world (according to Hindu mythology) is only worshipped in one place in the whole world? For that we take you to Pushkar, a city that’s entwined with mythology! One of India’s oldest cities, this sleepy hamlet in Rajasthan comes alive during the month of Kartik (November) with its worldwide famous Pushkar Fair!

But there’s a lot to Pushkar apart from the fair… a temple town it is considered one of the five sacred dhams for Hindus, others being Puri, Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. Indian Mythology claims that if after visiting all other Hindu pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for Pooja, then salvation is not achieved.

According to Hindu Mythology when the demon Vajra Nabha killed Lord Brahma’s children, the latter retaliated by striking him with his weapon, a lotus flower. While the demon died on its impact, one of the petals from the lotus fell on the earth; the Pushkar Lake is at the very same spot.
Meaning lotus flower, Pushkar is famous for its lake where devotees from across India visit during the month of Kartik to wash away their sins.  It is said that later when Lord Brahma performed a yagna to protect the place from demons, his consort Saraswati who was needed to be by his side at the time, failed to be there at the needed hour. God Brahma in order to carry on with the yagna married a girl  named Gayatri and continued with Yagna. So upset was Saraswati when she heard about it, she cursed Lord Brahma that henceforth he wouldn’t be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar.
Of the 500 odd temples here, the Brahma Temple where Lord Brahma is worshipped is the most significant for pilgrims and tourists visiting Pushkar. Here one can find a life sized idol of the Lord. Its beautiful structure and red spire clearly distinguish it from the other temples here. The temple is also known for an  idol of Brahma having four hands and four faces,each face looking in a different direction symbolizing  the supervision of the Lord over the whole creation.
Other important temples here include the Savitri Temple, atop the Ratnagiri Hill; it too houses a magnificent statue of Goddess Savitri, a wife of Lord Brahma. The Gayatri Temple is where another consort of Lord Brahma is worshipped.
Also found here is an interesting Varah Temple, dedicated to the Varah avatar of Lord Vishnu – the head of a boar and the body of a man. While the original that was built in the 12th century was destroyed by Emperor Aurangzeb, the same was renovated and reconstructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. According to mythology Lord Vishnu assumed this avatar to protect the world from the Hirnayaksh and defeated the demon,making this avatar of  Lord Vishnu a revered figure amongst Hindus.
Another brilliant temple here is the Mahadeva Temple, a beautiful temple dating back to the 19th century, noted for its image of Mahadeva in white marble. It has been famously described by a British traveler as “By far the most remarkable, for the elegance of its structure and the nature of its ornaments, of all the temples Pushkar boasts of”…
Not only the largest but also  boasting of some of the most intricate works of art, the Ramavaikunth Temple here built in 1920 is said to have sculptures of nearly 360 different deities! The Chamunda temple is of major religious significance as it is one of the 51 Shakti peeths. According to mythology, the Panchkund Shiva temple was said to have been built by the five Pandava brothers.
Apart from the temples, the Pushkar Lake which is said to have been around from the time the earth was created and the bathing ghats that surround the lake are of major importance. While the waters are said to cleanse away the sins of a person, many also believe it to have mystical powers to cure skin diseases.
Besides the lake having religious significance, the lake surrounded by hills also adds to the beauty of the city. These hills are also believed to be the abode of the great sage Agasthya, while some  people even believe that Kalidasa chose to compose his masterpiece ‘Shakuntalam’ here.
Come October / November, and this sleepy town  transforms into one of India’s most happening places during the Pushkar Fair, when people from other towns around the area as well as other parts of India come visiting. This is the time Pushkar gets anywhere from 4000 to 6000 tourists visiting it every day.
Adding to the festivities, dance and cultural programs here is the colorful Camel Fair, said to be the largest camel fair in the world. Here camels are dressed with beads and bangles and displayed to prospective buyers, the camel races adding to the excitement that already prevails here.
If typical Rajasthani culture is what you’re on the lookout for, then this is the place to be! While nights are filled with song and dance by locals dressed in traditional attire and fine jewellery; this is also a perfect time to catch up on some shopping. From bags to handicrafts, exquisite jewellery or fabrics one can find it all here. Puskar is a delight for shoppers.
No trip to Pushkar is complete without trying out the amazing camel safaris here, also a great way to explore the rugged Thar Desert.
Welcoming all with special warmth, while other destinations in Rajasthan are mostly about the palaces, havelis, and reliving the glory of the bygone days, here’s one that offers typical Rajasthani culture. For life beyond its palaces and havelis in Rajasthan, try Pushkar!