Brahma Temple Pushkar is the one of very few and prominent abode of Lord Brahma in the world. Accompanied by holy Pushkar Lake, Brahma temple is a simple shrine with amazing myths around it.
Located near Ajmer, less than 50 kms, Pushkar town is world famous for the Lord Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, it’s colorful market and Camel Mela which happens every year. The temple is believed to be 2000 years old, though the present one is constructed in 14th century. This simple marble and stone slab temple looks beautiful with it’s red colored Shikharas and colorful mandap pillars. Lord Brahma is sitting here with his second consort Goddess Gayatri. Kartik Poornima brings huge pilgrimage to the place.
Mythological Legend
Per Padma Purana, demon Vajra Nash, aka Vajra Nabha was harassing and killing people. To rescue his children Lord Brahma came to earth and killed the demon. In the fight, petals of Lord Brahma’s lotus fallen down at three places creating three lakes – Pushkar Lake i.e. Jyeshtha Pushkar, Madhya Pushkar and Kanishtha Pushkar. Pushp means flower and Kar means hand. Flower from god’s hand is Pushkar!
Lord Brahma decided to perform Yajna rituals (fire sacrifice) and he created four hills around the lake for protection from demons – Ratnagiri, Nilgiri, Sanchoora and Surya Giri.
Savitri, also known as Saraswati, Lord Brahma’s consort couldn’t reach in time for the yajna. To comply with the auspicious time, Lord Brahma married a gurjar girl Gayatri and started the rituals. When arrived, Savitri got angry to see another lady in her place. Angry Savitri went to Ratnagiri hill after cursing everyone. Savitri temple with Savitri Jharna, a water stream is worshipped today also.
Brahma Temple Pushkar is said to be built by Vishwamitra followed by Adi Shankaracharya’s renovation in 8th century. Pushkar has been rebuilt after destructions by muslim invaders. Current temple was constructed by Maharaja Jawat Raj of Ratlam in 14th century.
King of all the tirthas / sacred hindu places, Pushkar presents amazing flavour of spirituality, Rajasthani culture and tourism.