11 km from Ajmer on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake - an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus.

Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar abounds in temples. Of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country.

The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted form three places. One of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed his Yagna.

The holy lake has 52 ghats and pilgrims taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight. Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kar[tik Purnima in October - November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colorful cattle fair - the Pushkar Fair, is also held during this time.

Dance, music and colorful shops spring up during this fair. Cattle auction and camel races  are also a part of the festivities.

Rajasthan's City Information :- Ajmer :: Alwar :: Bharatpur :: Bikaner ::Bundi :: Jaipur ::Jaisalmer :: Jodhpur :: Kota :: Mount Abu :: Pushkar :: Udaipur

Maps of Rajasthan :-  Map of Ajmer :: Map of Alwar :: Map of Bharatpur :: Map of Bikaner ::Map of Bundi :: Map of Jaipur :: Map of Jaisalmer :: Map of Jodhpur :: Map of Kota :: Map of Mount Abu :: Map of Pushkar :: Map of Udaipur