In the famed town of Pushkar, its history rooted in Hindu theology, stands the Brahmaji temple, one of the very few shrines (some consider this the only temple) celebrating the holiness of Lord Brahma. Though the current structure dates to the 14th century, the original temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The temple is said to have been built by sage Vishwamitra after Brahma himself chose the location for his temple. The renowned Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara renovated this temple. The current structure is said to have been renovated and refurbished by Maharaja Jawat Raj of Ratlam though the original temple design was retained.

Location Rajasthan, Ajmer, Jaipur

Legend

Brahma came to known that a demon, Vajranash, was wrecking evil on the people here so the Lord intoned a mantra on a lotus flower and killed the demon. During this process the parts of flower fell on three places which came to be known as Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. Brahma then went ahead to perform a yagna to protect this place from evil. The consort of Brahma, Savitri, who was needed to perform the rituals was absent; hence Gayatri, a Gurjar girl, was married to Brahma and performed yagna. Angry at this act, Savithri cursed Brahma saying that he would be worshiped in Pushkar only and no where else.

Architecture

Like the architecture of Somnath temple, the Brahma Temple also is constructed with stone slabs and blocks that were joined together with molten lead. The red shikara (spire) of the temple and symbol of a hamsa (a swan or goose) are exquisite. The shikara is over 200 Meters high. There is a silver turtle in the mandap that is displayed on the floor of the temple facing the Garbhagriha. Brahma's idol is made of marble and was deified by Adi Shankara in 718 A.D.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Culture

Pushkar is a prominent pilgrimage centre, with the Pushkar Lake holding a special place in Hindu religious stories. It is one of the oldest existing cities of India. Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) held in November. Pushkar has around 500 temples out of which 80 are still there. Pushkar is considered as king of pilgrimages and there is a rustic charm to religion, here. The annual Camel Fair is the best representation of the Rajasthani Tradition and Culture. Livestock trading still takes place here. Alcohol, eggs and meat are banned in Pushkar.

Darsan Info

Temple timings - 

Winter: 6:30 AM to 1.30 PM and 3.00 PM to 8:30 PM                                          

Summer : 6:00 AM to 1.30 PM and 3.00 PM to 9:00 PM

It is customary to take a dip in the Pushkar Lake before worshipping Lord Brahma at the Temple.

Only Sanyasis (Ascetic) are allowed to enter the Inner Sanctum and perform the Pooja.

The temple is at 1 KM walk from spots where you would find transportation.

Aarti timings are very peculiar.

Darsan Dresscode

There is no special dress code for visiting the Brahma Temple, though modest and conservative attire is suggested.

Devotees are not supposed to take their belongings inside the sanctum.

Pooja Samagri

The accessibility to good quality pooja articles in today's adulterated world as well as availability of all the items required is a major concern for many devotees. Please check out our P-STORE page for various high quality Pooja Samagri for your Pilgrimage or mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406 or Land Phone :- +91 22 28470990.

Famous Festival

October/ November - Kartik Purnima, Pushkar Camel Fair

Temple Rituals

The priests perfrom the regular pujas and rituals to the deity. Three aartis are held at the temple - 2 hours before sunrise, 40 minutes past sunset and 5 hours after sunset.

Special Rituals

The Brahma Temple is visited by pilgrims after taking a ceremonial bath in the Pushkar lake.It is also a practice that visit to the Brahma temple is followed by worship of his consort Gayatri. Special rites are performed on all poornimas (full moon days) and amavasyas (new moon days)

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Brahma Temple, Pushkar-

Hotel Satyam Palace

Sixth sense

Funky Monkey Cafe

Om baba

Supermarket : Available