History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Worship, Pushkar Fair, Kartika Purnima, Interesting & Unknown Facts and Travel Guide of Lord Brahma Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar- the pilgrimage city of Rajasthan, located at just 15 km northwest of Ajmer and surrounded by sacred hills, Ratnagiri in south, Nilgiri in north, Sachoora in west and Suryagiri in east. Pushkar city is famous across the world for the temple of Hindu creator God - Lord Brahma or Jagatpita, one of the Tridev along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. In India there are very few temple of Lord Brahma, this is one of them and most popular and sacred one. There is lake, called Pushkar Lake nearby the temple, which has indelible link with its legend. Firstly Devotees take holy bath in this sacred lake and then only do darshan in the temple.
The current structure of the temple was built in 14th century, in which some of its portion was rebuilt later. But originally this temple is here near Pushkar lake from the thousands of year and reconstructed many times. It is believed that great sage Vishvamitra had built this temple after completion of Yagya performed by Lord Brahma. Then in 8th century it is renovated by great sage Adi Sankaracharya. This temple is known for its brilliant architecture where marbles and stone slabs have been used in making of the temple. The temple has red pinnacle and pattern of Hansa bird (mount of Lord Brahma), both are eye catching features of the temple. The pinnacle’s height is about 70 feet. A silver turtle is there in mandap of the temple, which is facing Garbhgruh (inner hall) of the temple. The idol of Lord Brahma is with four faces and four hands, sitting in a crossed leg position. Four arms of the Lord Brahma holds the Kamandalu (pot), Akshamala (rosary), the Pustaka (book) and Kurka (Kusha Grass). They represent the casual water from which universe arise, time, knowledge and system of sacrifice adopted for the maintenance of various life forms in universe.
Along with Lord Brahma, Goddess Gayatri( lord Brahma’s consort) and Goddess Sarswati are also worshiped here. Special rituals are performed on all poornimas (full moon night) and amavasyas (no moon night). But once in a year on Karthik poornima, the full moon night of the Hindu month of Karthik, there is a religious festival is held on the honor of the Lord Brahma. Hundreds of visitors and tourists come to Pushkar and take bath in Pushkar Lake. Many rites are held at the temple on this day. The world famous Pushkar Camel Fair is also held on the same day where millions of visitors across the world reach here.
As per the sacred text Padma Purana, Lord Brahma killed the demon named Vajranabha or Vajranash with lotus flower who was killing and torturing people. At this time, some petals from the lotus flower fell at three places on the ground here at Pushkar. Which resulted into the creation of three sacred lakes, named as the Jyestha Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar and Kanishta Pushkar.
As Pushpa – flower was fallen down here from the Kar – Hand of Lord Brahma, this place named as Pushkar from the ancient time.
Then Lord Brahma decided to perform the Yagya here at Pushkar lake, but Savitri – wife of Brahma was not able to reach at Yagya to proceedings certain rituals. Thus Lord Brahma requested Lord Indra to find a suitable consort to complete the Yagna. Lord Indra had found out the Gujar’s daughter, named Gayatri who had passed all purity check and perform rituals in Yagya as wife of Brahma. While Savitri had seen this, she became much stressed and cursed Brahma that the Lord would never be worshipped by anyone. But then later on she permitted his worship only in Pushkar. Thus, Brahma temple in Pushkar becomes the most prominent place to worship the lord Brahma.
Best time to visit Brahma Temple Pushkar, Rajasthan
October or November, during Kartika month of Hindu calendar, is best time to visit and feel the spiritual aura here. Religious festival is organized in honour of the Lord Brahma and millions of pilgrims take holy dip in the sacred lake of Pushkar. Also throughout the year, devotee and tourist reach here. The Kartik Poornima festival also marks the start of the world famous Pushkar Camel fair or Pushkar fair where thousands of international tourist reach here.
How to Reach Pushkar Brahma Temple, Rajasthan, India
As Pushkar is major pilgrimage destination of India and at just 15 km away from Ajmer city, thus easily reachable via Road, Air and Rail network. Sanganer airport in Jaipur is nearest airport from Pushkar at 150 kms. Ajmer railway station is at just 15 km from Pushkar, from where you can find train to all major cities of India. Pushkar has a good road network which is connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner etc.
