Pushkar the sister city of Ajmer, is only 11 kms away from the city. Accounts of this city can be founded in the 4th century writing of the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien and also in the scripts writing during the era of Muslims invasions. Pushkar is famous for its fairs and festivals and for Brahma Temple. It is said that in a battle Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower whose petals floated down to earth and landed in three places in and Pushkar where Lakes sprang up. the bath at Pushkar is thought to be more important than at any other place. The holy dip in this lake on Kartika Purnima is thought to be salvation giving. Pushkar is very dear to Lord Brahma. The place is famous in His name. So it is blessed by Him in every way. In olden times the people who took a holy dip at Pushkar were relieved from all the sins and went to heaven after their death by the grace of Lord Brahma. According to another legend back in a legendary time Lord Brahma was flying over the Rajasthan desert on his swan when some petals fell from his hand and drifted down. Miraculously, blue lakes sprang up where the flowers had touched the soft sands. Just then, Lord Brahma realized that this was the auspicious moment to perform a fire sacrifice.

According to the Padma (Lotus) Purana, Pushkar, 15km northwest of ajmer, came into existence when Lord Brahma, the Creator, dropped his lotus flower (pushpa) to earth from his hand (kar) to kill a demon. At the three spots where the petals landed, water magically appeared in the midst of the desert to form three small blue lakes, and it was on the banks of the largest of these that Brahma subsequently convened a gathering of some 900,000 celestial beings - the entire Hindu pantheon. surrounded by whitewashed temples and bathing ghats, the lake is today revered as one of India's most sacred sites : Pushkaraj Maharaj, literally "Pushkar King of Kings". During the auspicious full-moon phase of October/ November (the anniversary of the gods' mass meeting, or yagya), its waters are believed to cleanse the soul of all impurities, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. Alongside this annual religious festival, Rajasthani villagers also buy and sell livestock at what has become the largest camel market (unt mela) in the world, when more than 200,000 dealers, tourists and traders fill the dunes to the west of the lake.

The legendary colour of the camel mela, combined with the beautiful desert scenery and heady religious atmosphere of the temples and ghats have inevitably made Pushkar a prime tourist destination.

If Rajasthan is synonymous with forts and palaces, it is also synonymous with fairs and festivals. Few things can match the effervescence, vigor and brightness of traditional fair like the world famous Pushkar. The picturesque lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth-a perfect site for the annual religious and cattle fair, held in the month of October-November. Pushkar is a sacred place for Hindus and has a staggering 400 temples, of which the most important is dedicated to Lord Brahma. According to legend, for five days in a year, all the gods visit Pushkar and bless the devout-hence the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins

Pushkar Sightseen:

Brahma Temple:
This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma - the creator in the vestibule. The temple has marble floors and stairs and coins have been put by the devotees to mark the birth or deaths of the loved ones.

Pushkar Lake:
Pushkar Lake is another important attraction of Pushkar and it has immense significance for the followers of Hinduism. According to the legends, the lake was dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on the same spot latter on which is considered holy. The entire lake is supposed to be surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima in November every year, devotees take holy bath in the lake and a fair is organized, known world over as the Pushkar Fair.

Savitri Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma and located on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. According to the legends when Lord Brahma performed a Yagna (holy fire devoted to gods) along with Gayatri, a local milkmaid, furious Savitri cursed her husband that he would never be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar and that too only once a year. Savitri left for the Ratnagiri Hill after cursing her husband and immolated herself there. There is beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri inside the temple.

Other Important Temples:
Other important temples in Pushkar are 19th century Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva - The Destroyer, with five faces. It is known for the elegance of its structure and ornamentation. Rangaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu - the preserver and built in the South Indian architectural style. There are two massive dwarpals (gatekeepers) structure in front of the main gate and an image of Garuda inside. Another important temple is of Varaha - an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and built in 12th century.

Pushkar Bazaar:
A bustling bazaar, the Pushkar local market offers tourist as well pilgrimage related products. A range of souvenirs could be purchased including the Rajasthani costumes, jewellery, embroidered fabrics, decorative pieces and groovy accessories. The bazaar becomes a hub of activity during the annual Pushkar Fair.

Pushkar Fair:
The most important reason of Pushkar being on the international travel map is Pushkar Fair. The fair is held every year in the month of November during the Kartik Purnima (day of full moon) when hundreds of thousands of people take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake. This is also an occasion to organize the largest camel fair in the world.


PUSHKAR - EXCURSIONS
Roopangarh:
Roopangarh was built by King Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1648. Originally a nine-turreted fort, new additions were continuously made to in the coming years. Difference in the architectural styles can be easily observed in the fort.

Ajmer:
Ajmer is a major city in the North Rajasthan and located just 14 km from Pushkar. The most popular attraction in the city is the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Other attractions are the Anna Sagar Lake, the Nasiyan Temple, and the Arhai Din ka Jhonpra.

Sambhar Lake:
Sambhar Lake is a declared wetland of international importance and a wonderful place for excursion. It is a place where horizons stretch to infinity and water and sky merge in a shimmer of gauzy blue. The lake is considered as the bird watchers paradise and home to around 140 species of avifauna.

PUSHKAR - TRANSPORTATION:
By Air:
Jaipur is the nearest airport at a distance of 145 km. There are regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Aurangabad from this airport.

By Rail:
Nearest railway station is Ajmer with direct trains for Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other major destinations in the region. There are faster trains like Shatabdi Express who connect the Ajmer with Delhi.

By Road:
Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road, which is around 14 km away. Buses in most cases leave Ajmer in the morning from Daulatabad Bus Stand. Jeeps and taxis are also available but on a fairly higher cost. Distances from Pushkar to the major cities in Rajasthan and India are Delhi 403 km, Jaipur 145 km, Udaipur 289 km, Mumbai 285, Agra 377, Jodhpur 214, and Chennai 1992.