According to Hindu scriptures and Puranas, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) are considered the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe, respectively. However, you might often wonder why Vishnu and Shiva have numerous temples worldwide and are worshipped at home. In contrast, Brahma is rarely worshipped, and there is only one temple dedicated to him, located in Pushkar. So, if you haven’t visited the Brahma Temple in Pushkar yet and are unaware of the temple’s history and religious and spiritual importance, you must go through the entire article.
Where is Brahma Temple in Pushkar?
The temple is strategically located near the Pushkar Lake in Pushkar town which is 10 km from Ajmer and 150 kilometres from the state capital, Jaipur. The place is well connected to all the means of transportation. You can find frequent trains and buses operating from all the major cities in Rajasthan.
Why is Brahma Temple Famous?
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is not just a place of worship but holds spiritual and historical importance. It gave you a glimpse of the spiritual heritage of India. The major reason for which the temple is famous is that it is the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world. The religious story of the temple is written below. Also, according to the Padma Purana, Brahmaji resided at this spot for 10,000 years and created the universe. After that, he performed a Yagna, for five days. During this sacrifice, Savitri arrived. Even today, devotees only offer their prayers to Brahmaji from a distance.
Apart from the spiritual and historical importance of the temple, it is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple has a distinct architecture which includes a red spire and a white marble base. The most noteworthy feature of the temple is the iconic image of Lord Brahma with four faces. It is said that the four faces represent the four Vedas.
History of Brahma Temple in Pushkar
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the rarest temples in the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped as a deity. As per the local legends, the temple was built by demon king, Vajranabh. It is said that Lord Brahma performed a Yagna at this spot. The temple was surrounded by Pushkar Lake which according to Hindu mythology believed that it has been created by Brahma’s Lotus flower which fell on earth. Devotees before doing darshan in the temple dip into the holy lake, as they believe that it cleanses their sins.
However, the present structure of the temple was rebuilt by the Maratha ruler, Rao Jodha, in the 14th century. The temple history shows that the temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries.
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The Religious Significance of the Temple
According to Hindu scriptures, the worship of Lord Brahma is forbidden due to the curse of Goddess Savitri. Once Lord Brahma, when holding a lotus flower in his hand and riding in his vehicle, the swan, was searching for a suitable place for a fire sacrifice. At that moment, the lotus flower fell from his hand. As the flower touched the ground, a spring emerged, and from this spring, three ponds were formed. The places where these three springs formed came to be known as Brahma Pushkar, Vishnu Pushkar, and Shiva Pushkar. Seeing this, Brahma Ji decided to conduct the Yagna at this location. To perform the Yagna, it was essential for Brahmaji to have his wife.
However, Savitri was not present there and the auspicious time to perform Yagna was getting delayed. As a result, Brahmaji married a beautiful woman who was present at that time and completed the Yagna with her. When goddess Savitri came to know that Brahmaji was married to another lady, she cursed Brahmaji that despite being the creator of the universe he would not be worshipped in the entire creation. This is why; the Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world.
According to the Puranas, Savitri went to the hills near Pushkar to perform penance after her anger moderated. It is believed that Goddess Savitri resides in the temple and continues to bless and protect the devotees.
What is the Dress Code of the Temple?
Visitors must adhere to the dress code guidelines of the temple as it is connected to the respect of the deity worshipped, and the local customs and traditions of the temple. Women should avoid wearing revealing or flashy attires, they should opt for long skirts or pants, and tops that cover the shoulders. Men can wear long pants or dhotis and shirts with sleeves. Also, as in every Hindu temple, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering to the temple premises, hence, one must wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off.
Brahma Temple Pushkar Darshan Timings
The temple is open for all days in a week. Darshan timings in the temple are:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
You can experience heavy crowds if visiting the temple during the Pushkar Camel Fair, so to ensure a peaceful darshan either you arrive early in the morning or postpone your darshan to another time.
Nearby Tourist Places
There are several other tourist places near the temple. So, if you are visiting the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, you must not miss to explore the other tourist attractions as well:
- Savitri Temple: The temple is nestled on a hill overlooking Pushkar. The deity worshipped in the temple is Brahma’s first wife, Savitri.
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah: The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most significant Sufi shrines in the world. It is believed that whoever came to the sacred place, their wishes come true. It is situated about 10 km from Pushkar.
- Rangji Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Rangji, an incarnation of Vishnu. The South Indian Architectural style of the temple attracts the tourist the most.
- Varaha Temple: This is another temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Pushkar. Here boar incarnation of the deity worshipped. The ancient architecture and intricate carvings are the notable features of the temple.
- Pushkar Camel Fair: The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the biggest and most renowned camel fairs in India. It features camel trading, cultural performances, and a vibrant marketplace.
- Aptaeshwar Temple: The temple is located near the Pushkar Lake. Lord Shiva is the deity worshipped in the temple.
How many Brahma temples are in the World?
In India, there are some other Brahma temples, but they do not hold religious importance and are not as famous as the Brahma Mandir in Pushkar Rajasthan. Very few people know about these temples.
- Asotra Brahma Temple, Barmer
- Adi Brahma Temple, Khokhan, Kullu Valley
- Brahma Temple, Kumbakonam
- Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Tirupattur
- Brahma Karmali Mandir, Panaji
Read more: Complete History, Aarti Timings, and Tourist Places Near Birla Mandir Jaipur