For a devout Hindu Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre, for one
visit to this holy place in a lifetime is highly prescribed. Brahma forms
the great Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each symbolising
the lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma the creator
is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each holding a book
of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and his consort is Savitri.
According to the legend Pushkar means a pond created by flower, was formed
when Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth to determine a place for
his yagna, a holy sacrifice. The story goes that Brahma wanted to perform
the yagna at the most auspicious time but his consort Savitri whose presence
at the yagna was vital for its performance kept him waiting. Irritated
by this Brahma married Gayatri, a milkmaid and installed her instead.
Savitri on seeing someone else in her place was infuriated and cursed
Brahma that he would be forgotten by people on earth and never worshiped.
She relented on pleas from other Gods that he could only be worshiped
in Pushkar, hence there are no Brahma Temples elsewhere.
Pushkar
is a much loved tourist destination, many who visit there just fall in love
with the place and overstay. Situated on the edge on the desert it is separated
from Ajmer by the Nag Parbat (the snake hill). The town has very distinct tourist
excitement with narrow lanes lined with shops selling various accessories and
rooftop restaurants. Despite its high tourist profile the town maintains some
mystical charm. 
