Brahma Temple In Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

Brahma Temple In Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Entrance of Brahma Temple In Pushkar

Brahma Temple In Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan:

History :

Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology in India. The temple is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar Lake, Rajasthan. Brahma is among the trinity of Hindu Gods, the other two being Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Built in the 14th century, Brahma Temple is an important pilgrim place for Hindus. Other than the Brahma Temple, Pushkar also boasts of dedicated to Lord Mahadev, Lord Varah and Lord Ramvaikunth.

Pushkar is regarded as a holy place as it was here that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses performed a ‘Yagna’ (self-mortification) at the lake. According to legends, Brahma’s wife Savitri was not present at the Yagna and Brahma married another woman on his impulse. Savitri being displeased by Brahma’s act cursed that Brahma would never be worshipped anywhere else. Due to the reason, this is the only known temple in the world, where Lord Brahma is worshipped.

Legends have it that the Pushkar Lake appeared when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma in this valley. Mythology also states that Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabha by striking him with His weapon, a lotus flower. The impact of the strike caused the petals to fall in three places. One among the three places was Pushkar where a lake sprung up.

The Brahma Temple stands on a high podium, constructed entirely in marble. The entrance of the temple is ornamented by a red spire and an image of ‘Hans’ (Goose) symbolic of Brahma. A lovely silver carved turtle can be seen sitting with its face towards the sanctum. The black and white chequered tiles floor around the turtle have may silver coins is embellished with many silver coins which are imprinted by the names of the donors. Even, the inner walls of the temple are studded with silver coins.

The main shrine houses the life-size image of Lord Brahma with four hands and four faces sitting in a cross legged position. An image of Goddess Gayatri, who is known as the milk Goddess, can be seen on the left of Lord Brahma and that of Goddess Savitri can be seen on his right side. The temple also comprises of an image of Lord Vishnu, life sized dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars (a mythical bird, in gold). The walls of the temple are adorned by beautiful images of Peacock and Goddess Saraswati. From the temple, there is a silver door that leads down to a small cave. This small cave comprises a temple of Lord Shiva.

The temple is swarmed by people in large numbers during the Kartika Purnima in the months of October- November. At this time, the town of Pushkar becomes alive with the joyous Pushkar festival. This is also the time which marks the time during which Brahma performed his Yagna. Pilgrims come to pay their homage and get blessings from the Jagat Pita, Lord Brahma.

 Best time to visit :

The best time to visit Pushkar is in the winter months and especially during October/November when the city is abuzz with activity for the Pushkar Fair.

 Trivia :

Savitri Temple is another famous temple at Pushkar located in the rear of the Brahma Temple. The Savitri Temple overlooking the lake is indeed a treat to the eyes especially during dawn. The exquisite landscape from the Pop Mochani Temple is worth watching.

 Timing:

The temple is open for worship between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm during winter and 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during summer, with an interval in afternoon between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm when the temple is closed. Three aratis are held in the temple: Sandhya arati in the evening about 40 minutes after sunset, Ratri Shayan arati (night-sleep arati) about 5 hours past sunset and Mangala arati in the morning, about 2 hours before sunrise.

Getting there :

By Air

The nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Recently, flights to Dubai has also started from Pushkar by Indian Airlines.

By Bus

Pushkar is 11 km from main Ajmer bus stand. Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Jaipur. There are buses from Jaipur to Ajmer every 15 minutes, some nonstop. The roads are very good, and it takes around 2 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi.

By Train

The nearest railway station for Pushkar is Ajmer, which is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning (Shatabdi Exp) and evening (Intercity Exp).

Gettig Around

Pushkar is a relatively small town and easy enough to get around on foot There are no auto-rickshaw in the town center. A bicycle is best to get around.

Shopping

Pushkar main bazaar is a tangle of narrow lanes lined with an assortments of interesting small shops.

Particularly good buys include silver and beaded jewellery, embroidered fabrics, bed and cushion covers. Rajasthani puppets and fusion music. Its also great place to but books. There's is a excellent range of second hand novels in various language available.

Things to do

Each year, up to 200,000 people flock to Pushkar for the Camel Fair, bringing with them some 50,000 camels and cattle for several days of pilgrimage, horse dealing, camel racing and colorful festivities.

The Rajasthan tourist office has promoted the fair as an international attraction by adding Rajasthan dance programs and other cultural events and by putting up a huge ten city for the Indian and foreign visitor.

Places to See

Temples :

Pushkar boasts temples, through few are as ancient pilgrimage site many were destroyed by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is what is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. It's marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway is the Hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. The Rangji Temple chosen is also important.

The one - hour trek up to the hilltop temple overlooking the lake is best made early in the morning; the view is magnificent.

Ghats :

Numerous ghats run down to the lake, and pilgrims are constantly bathing in the lake's holy waters. If you wish to join them, do it with respect - remove your shoes, don't smoke and don't take photographs. This is not Varanasi and the pilgrim here can be very touchy about insensitive instruction by non - Hindus.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Area :55.76 sq.km.

Altitude :486 meters

Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer :38.1degree C 27.7 degree C

Winter :23.3 degree C 05.5 degree C

Rainfall :38 to 51 cm.

Clothing : Summer Light Tropical

Winter: Woolen

Best Season :July-March

Languages :Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi.