As per Hindu scriptures, Pushkara is the son of Varuna, the
Hindu god of ocean, rain, water and the rivers. Pushkara performed intense
austerities to please Shiva and Brahma. They gave a boon each. Brahma blessed
him with residence in the waters in his Kamandalu (water pot). Shiva blessed
him with Jala Tattva Siddhi. By virtue of the boons, Pushkara became the King
of all Thirthas or sacred water bodies and was regarded as the Theerthapalaka
or the keeper of the sacred waters.
Pushkara is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Pushti’ meaning
nourishment and ‘kara’ means one who conducts it. Thus pushkara is the energy
that nourishes. Thus Pushkara in reference to sacred rivers means the one who
energize the rivers and provide spiritual purification.
Pushparaksha is also one of the names of Lord Vishnu and the
meaning of the name is one with lotus eyes.
The famous sacred water body in Tirumala temple is also
known as Swami Pushkarini.