Brahma Temple Pushkar
Brahma Temple, Pushkar, also known as Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, is situated at Pushkar in Rajasthan, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake. The most important of Pushkar’s temples is the Brahma temple, which dates to the 14th century. The temple is said to have been built by the sage Vishwamitra after Brahma’s yagna (ritual). It is also believed that Brahma himself chose the location for his temple. The 8th century Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara renovated this temple, while the current medieval structure dates to Maharaja Jawat Raj of Ratlam, who made additions and repairs, though the original temple design is retained.
The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. The temple structure dates to the 14th century CE, with later partial rebuilding. The temple is made of marble and stone slabs. It has a distinct red pinnacle (shikhara) and a hamsa bird motif. The temple sanctum sanctorum holds the image of four-headed Brahma and his consort Gayatri (goddess of vedas). The temple is governed by the Sanyasi (ascetic) sect priesthood.
According to the Hindu scripture Padma Purana, Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha (Vajranash in another version) trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slayed the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground at three places, creating three lakes: the Pushkar Lake or Jyeshta Pushkar (greatest or first Pushkar), the Madya Pushkar (middle Pushkar – now extingt) Lake, and Kanishta Pushkar (lowest or youngest Pushkar – now extingt) lake.
The idol here in the sanctum is a 4 faced Lord Brahma.
Brahma then decided to perform a yajna (fire-sacrifice) at the main Pushkar Lake. To perform his yajna peacefully without being attacked by the demons, he created the hills around the Pushkar — Ratnagiri in the south, Nilgiri in the north, Sanchoora in the west and Suryagiri in the east — and positioned gods there to protect the yajna performance. However, while performing the yajna, his wife Savitri (or Sarasvati in some versions) could not be present at the designated time to perform the essential part of the yajna as she was waiting for her companion goddesses Lakshmi, Parvati and Indrani. As the auspicious Muhurta to perform the Yagya was getting over, Brahma married Gurjar girl, Gayatri and completed the yajna with his new consort sitting beside him, holding the pot of amrita (elixir of life) on her head and giving ahuti (offering to the sacrificial fire).
When Savitri finally arrived at the venue she found Gayatri sitting next to Brahma which was her rightful place. Agitated, she cursed Brahma that he would be never worshipped, but then reduced the curse permitting his worship in Pushkar. Savitri also cursed Indra to be easily defeated in battles, Vishnu to suffer the separation from his wife as a human, the fire-god Agni who was offered the yajna to be all-devouring and the priests officiating the yajna to be poor.
Endowed by the powers of yajna, Gayatri diluted Savitri’s curse, blessing Pushkar to be the king of pilgrimages, Indra would always retain his heaven, Vishnu would be born as the human Rama and finally unite with his consort and the priests would become scholars and be venerated. Thus, the Pushkar temple is regarded the only temple dedicated to Brahma. Savitri, thereafter, moved into the Ratnagiri hill and became a part of it by emerging as a spring known as the Savitri Jharna (stream); a temple in her honour exists here.
There are other Brahma temples in India and in other countries, including Indonesia and Thailand but this one at Pushkar is the only one mentioned in the ancient scriptures.
How to Reach: Pushkar is easily accessible via different transportation modes:
By Train
The nearest railway station to Pushkar is Ajmer Junction, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From Ajmer, Pushkar is a 30-minute drive, and you can easily hire a taxi service from Ajmer to Pushkar with Savaari. Trains like the Shatabdi Express and the Rajdhani Express connect Ajmer to major cities, making it a convenient option for travelers.
By Road
Pushkar is well-connected by road to various cities in Rajasthan and beyond. Regular buses operate from Jaipur, Ajmer, and other nearby towns. If you prefer to drive, Pushkar is about 150 km from Jaipur and 400 km from Delhi. Book a comfortable cab service from Jaipur to Pushkar with Savaari Car Rentals or from nearby cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, etc., for a comfortable experience. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive offers scenic views of the Rajasthani countryside.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Pushkar is the Jaipur International Airport, about 150 km away.
