BRAHMA TEMPLE PUSHKAR
Rajasthan’s well-known religious city, Pushkar is the most amazing and prominent city and is the home of the rare Brahma Temple in the world. It is one of the very few religious temples devoted to Lord Brahma all across the globe. Named the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, this temple addresses the entire city and is the reason behind the rapid boost of Pushkar Tourism in Rajasthan. Construction of this temple dates back to the 14th century while Indian Mythology believes the origin of this temple took place 2000 years back. Settled close to the sacred Pushkar Lake, the temple is a highly prominent landmark of the city with a large no. of tourists flocking here, especially during the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
History –
Brahma Temple Pushkar as written in the sacred scriptures of the Hindu religion, Padma Purana, Lord Brahma once came across a demon named Vajranabha, killing and torturing people. Viewing such atrocities, the Lord slew the demon with a lotus flower (his special weapon). By doing so, some petals of the flower fell at three places on the ground. All those three spots have today turned into the three sacred lakes, which are today known as the Jyestha Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar, and Kanishka Pushkar.
Later when the Lord made his visit to earth, he started with the preparations of a Yajna (fire Sacrifice) at the Jyestha Pushkar Lake, to perform the yajna undisturbed by the demons, Lord Brahma created a chain of hills surrounding it. Though, his wife Savitri was not available for Yajna and was disruptive of the proceedings.
On this, Lord Brahma requested Lord Indra to send him a suitable consort to complete the Yajna. When Gujar’s daughter, named Gayatri was finally sent to take the seat next to Brahma as his wife, Savitri arrived. Feeling disturbed, she cursed Brahma that the lord would never be worshipped by anyone. Later on, she permitted his worship only in Pushkar. This entitled that there’s only Brahma Temple that is worshipped by the devotees on Pushkar Holidays.
Architecture –
Jagatpita Brahma Mandir in Pushkar is a beautiful marble structure, showcasing the Southern style of architecture. It was built on a raised platform; the temple’s entrance is adorned with pillared canopies that have to be reached through marble steps. Once you have made the entrance inside the temple, you will find a pillared outdoor hall (Mandapa). Near it, there’s a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). In its centre, lies the statue of Lord Brahma. Interiors of this holy shrine also contain the images of the Lord of Preservation Vishnu, gilded Garuda, and Dvarapalas. The façade of this structure flaunts a red-coloured spire on the mount of the temple. Along with this is the symbol of a Hamsa to add to the beauty of its exterior.
Aarti and Pooja in Brahma –
Brahma Temple is highly revered by pilgrims from across the country where devotees flock here to attend every spiritual activity. The religious ceremonies in Brahma Temple take place at 3 different times of the day when pilgrims throng to the temple. So, let’s look at when and which ceremony takes place in the temple –
Morning: In the early morning around 5:30 am, the temple priest performs the ceremony of Vastra Dharan which is referred to as Mangala Aarti. Devotees prefer visiting here during the early morning time, as the crowd is significantly less. Many times, pilgrims with esteem and devotion donate vastra (clothes) to the lord.
Noon: After Mangla aarti, another ceremony takes place around 10 or 11 am when prasad is offered to the lord. During this time of the day, local pilgrims visit the temple in large numbers. If anyone wants to donate something to the temple, then they can give it to the committee of the temple.
Afternoon: From 1 pm to 3 pm, the temple remains closed and entry is restricted.
Evening: Afterward, the Sandhya aarti takes place from 7 to 7:30 pm in the late evening which is the must-attend ceremony for believers in Pushkar. The sandhya aarti is performed after sunset by the priests of the temple.
Later by 9 pm, the mandir path gets closed and entry to the temple is restricted.
About the donations –
Many strong believers of Lord Brahma from big families give unlimited donations as per their desire. The number of donations in the temple is used for the betterment of the temple or for good deeds. So, if you are someone willing to donate anything to the temple, then you can directly contact the committee members of the shrine.
Entry timings in the temple:
Summers: 5:30 am to 9 pm (*closed in the afternoon from 1 to 3 pm)
Winters: 5:30 am to 9 pm (*closed in the afternoon from 1 to 3 pm)
Nearby Attractions in Pushkar –
Pushkar Lake –
Located in the sacred town, Pushkar Lake reflects the clear sky and majestic hills offer a beautiful sight. The beautiful lake is surrounded by hills on the three sides and overlooks a vast desert on the fourth. The surrounding hills are home to several interesting sites like the Agasthya caves in snake mountain. According to the legend the water of the lake holds special powers and taking a dip in the lake can wash away sins accumulated over 100 years. The lake is even more charming in the presence of over 500 Hindu temples around the lake.
Savitri Temple
The Savitri Temple in Pushkar is set on Ratnagiri hill, a popular pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Savitri which is very strenuous work to climb on the hilltop and is believed that the harder you work the more Tapas are gained. You will find the idols of both the wives of Lord Brahma named Savitri and Gayatri. As per tradition Goddess Savitri is always worshipped first and then prayers are offered to Goddess Gayatri. The visitors can either trek to the temple gates or take a cable ride which lets you see the awesome view of the city.
Pushkar Desert
Pushkar’s Thar Desert is one of the primary spots that play an important role in enhancing the travel experience. The desert hosts the annual Pushkar fair which is visited by travellers from across the world. The Pushkar desert tourism is heavily promoted through this annual camel fair. It provides a first-hand experience of Rajasthani culture and hospitality. During this time, explorers can also go camping, which is allowed and maintained by desert tourism.
New Rangji Temple –
Dedicated to lord Vaikuntha Venkatesh, the New Rangji Temple is amongst the most ancient temples in Pushkar. The temple is acknowledged for its mesmerizing architectural design including the high-rising Gopuram, a composition common amongst several South Indian temples followed by an enormous entrance. The temple exists a section of other temples, dedicated to various gods including Goddess Laxmi and Lord Krishna.
Gurudwara Singh Sabha –
According to the history, Gurudwara Singh Sabha was visited in the past by the two most famous Sikh Gurus – Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev during their trip to Rajputana States in 1706. They were served by the priest Chetan Das at that time. There is a stone slab inscribed as Gobind Ghat under a kiosk in four different scripts Devanagari, Gurumukhi, Persian, and Roman.
How to reach Pushkar?
Pushkar is located approximately 14 kilometers away from Ajmer City and is well-connected with other major tourist places by roadways or railways. When reaching Pushkar, one can opt for the following alternatives –
By Air – The nearest airport to Pushkar is located in Jaipur from where you can either choose to travel by cab, bus, or board a train to Ajmer.
By Rail Pushkar is easily accessible from Ajmer Railway Station which is well-connected to the other major cities. Though, Ajmer is only 15km away from Pushkar, so you can reach the city without any hassle.
By Road – The well-linked city of Pushkar can easily be accessed from any tourist destination.
Best time to visit –
Well visiting Pushkar during the festival of Holi can let you experience real fun and joy. In order to experience ultimate devotion towards Lord Brahma, plan your Jaipur Pushkar Tour Package during the months of October to November. While the months of Kartik Purnima according to the Hindu Calendar fall in November is the best time to visit here. At this time, a religious festival is organized at the ghats of Pushkar when pilgrims from across the globe throng the city to take bath in the sacred lake of Pushkar. Many other rites & rituals take place at the Brahma Temple during the time of the Pushkar Fair.
