Mythological literature describes Brahma as having sprung up from the lotus
originating in the navel of Vishnu. Brahma then becomes the source of all
creation, the seed from which issues all space, time and causation. His consort
Saraswati was manifested out of him, and from their union were born all the
creatures of the world. He is the inventor of theatrical art, and music and
dance were revealed by him. He is sometimes depicted with four heads
representing the four Vedas and the four Yugas (great epochs of time), other
times as Visvakarma, the divine architect of the universe. Saraswati is the wife
of Brahma. Literally her name means 'the flowing one'. In the Rig Veda she
represents a river deity and is connected with fertility and purification. She
is considered the personification of all knowledge - arts, sciences, crafts and
skills. She is the goddess of the creative impulse, the source of music, beauty
and eloquence. Artists, writers and other individuals involved in creative
endeavors have for millennia come on pilgrimage to Pushkar to request the
inspiration of Brahma and Saraswati. According to the theory that shrine myths
are often metaphorical expressions of the specific power of a pilgrimage place,
the lake, hill and area of Pushkar have a spirit or presence that awakens and
stimulates the human capacity of creativity.
 

There are five principal temples in Pushkar, all of relatively recent
construction since the earlier buildings were destroyed by the Mugal emperor
Aurangzeb in the late 17th century. Numerous bathing areas, known as ghats,
surround the lake and pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy waters for a
cleansing of both body and soul. During most of the year Pushkar is a sleepy
little town. Each November, however, over 200,000 people arrive with 50,000
cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colorful
festivities