Many people consider Pushkar one of the holiest cities in the world, dedicated to Lord Brahma.
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Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com. Let’s read about the oldest pilgrimage sifgt of Hinduism- Pushkar.
Introduction
People widely follow Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world. Our Hindus text suggests us to go for pilgrimage and holy place visits to resolve all our sins and attain moksha.
As a Hindu and a traveler by choice, I chose to explore another pilgrimage site to align my energies with divinity. I set out to visit Pushkar, the oldest teerthsthal (pilgrimage) in Hindu culture.
Infact, we all know Hinduism is based on the teachings and legends of trinity of gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Undoubtedly, I have written lot of blogs on Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and their various temples. Today, I am going to shed light on Lord Brahma.
Who is Lord Brahma?
People revere Lord Brahma as the creator of the universe. They also regard him as one of the trinity of gods in Hinduism, calling him Pitamah (the father of all). Our Sacred text suggests that he is the origin of all life forms, including humans, animals, plants, and even the smallest creatures. Depicted with four heads representing the four Vedas, four hands, and seated on a lotus, he embodies divine knowledge and the essence of creation.
Apparently, it is believed he is cursed not to be worshipped. When I visited Pushkar, I learned with amazement that even in his temple, devotees refrain from offering him bhog or prasad. His own wife, Savitri Devi, also cursed him in this temple. Let’s explore further to uncover more about it.
Why do Lord Brahma not worshipped?
As per Hindu texts, Lord Brahma created the universe and then the first woman, Shatrupa. Enchanted by her charm and beauty, he became infatuated and couldn’t stop gazing at her. Wherever she went, his gaze followed, and a new head appeared in each direction to continue watching her. As a result, disturbed Shatrupa fell into a pit, but even there, a head appeared above her. Correspondingly, sad Shatrupa prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Angered by Brahma’s behavior, Lord Shiva severed his fifth head and cursed him to never be worshipped.
As per the Shiv Purana, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once argued over who was supreme. To resolve the conflict, Lord Shiva appeared as a pillar of light and asked them to find its beginning and end. I have explained this story in detail in my blog on the Shivlinga.
However, Lord Brahma lied about finding the end of the pillar to Lord Vishnu. Angered by this, Lord Shiva severed Brahma’s fifth head and cursed him to not be worshipped.
Why is Pushkar famous?
Do you know Pushkar is the only place where Lord Brahma is worshipped ? There is no single temple devoted to him except this one. Pushkar is situated at a height of 510 metres in Alwar District of Rajansthan. It is surrounded by hillocks (Arawali range) on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain, forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar.
Story behind Pushkar
During my travels, I met local guides and few locals who shared fascinating insights. I was thrilled to learn the story behind the name Pushkar. Pushp means flower in Hindi, and Kar refers to hands. During Kartik Mas, in the last five days of the month (Panch bhiku), Lord Brahma prayed here and dropped a flower from his hands on this spot. That’s how the place got its name.
Pushkar Sarovar/Pushkar lake
A pilgrimage to Pushkar feels incomplete without a dip in the holy lake. Pushkar Sarovar is also known as teerth of Satya Yuga where Maa Ganga is teerth of Kalyuga. Even, Lord Rama also performed puja here at Pushkar Lake to pay homage to his ancestors.
Certainly, as per Hindu scriptures, Pushkar Lake holds a special place, known as ‘Tirtha Raj’—the king of all pilgrimage sites associated with water bodies. For me, the serene beauty of this sacred lake is something you can feel in your soul.
Meanwhile, 52 bathing ghats surround the lake, each telling its own unique story. Authorities have recognized ghats like Varaha, Dadhich, Gau, and Saptarishi as treasures of historical significance and protected them as ‘Monuments of National Importance.’
What’s truly touching is the way the royal families of Rajasthan have lovingly preserved these sacred spaces, ensuring that their spiritual significance remains alive for all who visit, just as it has for generations before us.
While exploring the area, I learned an interesting story about Lord Brahma. He once decided to perform a yagna/havana here. In Hindu tradition, it is essential for a husband to sit alongside his wife for a havana. Upon this, Lord Brahma asked his wife, Savitri Devi, to get ready, but she took too long. Impatient, he created a manas girl named Gayatri from the mouth of Gau Mata (the holy cow). Therefore, he married her and performed the havana with her.
Consequently, this made her angry, Savitri Devi cursed him, declaring that he would not be widely worshipped. Since then, his temple worship remains confined to this lake.
Timings of Pushkar Lake
9 AM to 6 PM
Brahma Temple
Brahma temple holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. It is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Infact, marble walls and silver coins and intricated wall carvings decorate this temple beautifully. In addition to, its red spire and the image of a swan, sacred to Lord Brahma, make it easily recognizable and aweful for the visitor.
Also, chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma along with Gayatri devi (his wife) is housed in the inner sanctum. A marble statue of the Surya dev (lord Sun) stands sentinel at the temple. Interestingly, Surya dev is shown wearing ancient warrior’s boots. While entering the temple, I witnessed statues of Indradev and Kuberdev on both the sides. Besides, one can pay homage at Shivalaya and Mata Durga in the vicinity of temple.
The statue of Lord Brahma and Gayatri Devi is placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is believed that no one should offer flowers, akshat, roli, dhoop, diya, or aarti to the idol here. However, worship rituals can be performed at the Pushkar Lake, also known as the holy Pushkar Sarovar.
Timings of Brahma Temple
Morning : 6.30 AM to 1.30 PM
Evening : 3.30 PM to 8.30 PM
How to reach Brahma Temple
By Air : One can travel by Air and get down at Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, nearest at a distance of 146 km away from Pushkar.
By Road : Brahma Temple is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Pushkar Bus Station. Moreover, Pushkar is well connected to the National Highways of Rajasthan. One cna avail the services of buses ply from Pushkar to the major cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer.
By Train : Pushkar Terminus Railway Station is connected to the Ajmer Railway Station, located at a distance of 8 km away from Brhama Temple.
Varaha Temple
The Varaha temple is 600 mtrs away form Pushkar lake. Additionally, it is the largest and most ancient temple of Pushkar. King Anaji Chauhan constructed this temple in 12th century. Indeed, temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu – Varaha Awatar. It is one of the most visited temples in Pushkar after Brahma Temple.
As per Hindu texts, Lord Vishnu took form of a Varaha (a wild boar) to dig out the Earth from cosmic ocean. It was thrown by demon named Hiranyaksha. I have written blog on Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, you can read more in it.
Inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, I marveled at the 2-foot white idol of Lord Varaha. The intricate sculptures, elegant carvings, life-sized statues of doormen, and gold-styled pillars adorned with Lord Garuda, the mythical bird, added a majestic charm to the sacred space.
Timings of Varaha Temple
Morning : 6 AM to 12 PM
Evening : 4 PM to 8 PM
How to reach Varaha Temple
By Air : One can come to Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, nearest at a distance of 146 km away from Pushkar.
By Road : Varaha Temple is located at a distance of 500 mtrs from Pushkar Bus Station and 600 mtrs from Pushkar Lake. Moreover, Pushkar is well connected to the National Highways of Rajasthan. One cna avail the services of buses ply from Pushkar to the major cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer.
By Train : Pushkar Terminus Railway Station is connected to the Ajmer Railway Station, located at a distance of 8 km away from Brhama Temple.
Old Rangji Temple
Rangji Temple is a Hindu Temple situated near Pushkar Lake. Alongwith, Rangji Temple is one of the famous temples of Pushkar and also one of the top places to visit in Pushkar.
Further, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ranga, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was built by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal (Hyderabad) in 1823. Even so, this temple reflects a mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture. I was awestruck by the high-rising Gopuram that reflects south Indian architecture, results in adding more charm to the whole temple.
Clearly, this temple, a treasure trove of divinity and devotion, houses the principal shrine of Vaikuntha Venkatesh, surrounded by eight other temples dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and various deities. Stepping into the sanctum sanctorum, one feels the divine presence of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex also honours Lord Krishna, Goddamaji, and Sri Ramanujacharya, each with their own sacred space. What captivated me most was the image of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s revered mount, standing as a symbol of unwavering devotion.
Timings of old Rangji Temple, Pushkar
6 AM to 7 PM
How to reach Rangji Temple
Rangji Temple is located at the distance of 500 m away from Pushkar Bus Stand. One can reach by taking Autorikshaw or taxi.
Savitri Devi Temple
Savitri Temple is Hindu temple most visited after Brahma Temple at Pushkar. In addition, it is located on the top of Ratnagiri Hill behind Brahma Temple in Pushkar.
Particularly, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the first wife of Lord Brahma. Apparently, it was built in 1687 CE and later restored by Bangar family in early 20th century. One can have darshana of both the idols of Savitri devi and Gayatri Devi.
Also, the aarti is performed first in Savitri Temple and then in Brahma Temple.
I took ropeway to reach the temple at an elevation of about 750 feet. Many devotees also take 650 steps to reach the divine Savitri temple. Interstingly, Do you know it is the second most significant temple in Pushkar?
I was awestruck by the beauty of the Savitri Temple throgh ropeway. It offers stunning views of the tranquil Pushkar Lake, the vibrant town, and the charming nearby villages—a perfect spot to soak in Pushkar’s serenity.
For me, it’s more than just a scenic spot—it’s a place where the soul finds solace amidst the beauty of Pushkar’s timeless charm.
Timings of Savitri Temple
Morning : 5 AM to 12 PM
Evening: 4 PM to 9 PM
Ropeway Timings: 7. 30 AM to 8 PM.
How to reach Savitri Devi Temple
Savitri Devi temple is 3 km away from Pushkar Bus Station. One can avail the services of local buses, taxis and auto rickshaws to reach there.
Travel tips for visiting Pushkar
Timings
Firstly, best time to visit Pushkar is during October-November. As it is Kartik Mas, especially around Kartik Purnima, when the Pushkar Camel Fair takes place. The temple and town are vibrant and full of energy during this time.
Modest clothing
Secondly, it is advised to wear modest clothing in the temples of Pushkar as it’s a sacred place. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
Holy dip at Pushkar lake
Undoubtedly, it is a mandatory ritual to take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake before entering the divine Brahma temple. It’s a customary ritual believed to cleanse the soul.
Photography norms
Especially, photography is not allowed inside the temple premises, so enjoy the moment and respect the sanctity of the place.
Comfortable shoes
Infact, Savitri mata temple is situated on an elevated platform and requires climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around.
Besides, do not forget to explore the Pushkar Lake, Savitri Temple (accessible by ropeway), and the colorful local bazaars. Don’t miss the evening aarti at the ghats for a spiritual experience.
Lastly, Pushkar is well-connected by road from Ajmer (15 km away). Hire a taxi or take a local bus. The nearest railway station is Ajmer Junction, and the closest airport is in Jaipur (about 150 km).
Deliciously amazing food of Pushkar
My top suggestion is to not miss the delicious food and vibrant shopping experience in Pushkar. Savor local delicacies like dal baati churma and the world-famous malpua from nearby eateries for a true taste of Rajasthan.
Shopping fun at Pushkar
Indulge in amazing shopping for traditional Rajasthani jewelry, clothes, and handicrafts in the local markets. However, I was amazed to see good number of shops selling swords, knives amd shields.
Respect to the place and it’s people
I believe in giving respect to the place we are visiting. Always show respect to the culture and people of the place. At the end, we all make our culture rich and prosperous.
So, never indulge in any kind of shameful behaviour by consuming alcohol or any other toxicated objects. Be mindful of the rituals and practices performed by priests and devotees.
These tips will ensure a smooth and fulfilling visit to the enchanting town of Pushkar.
Conclusion
Visiting Pushkar and the Brahma Temple takes you deep into India’s spiritual heritage. The serene Pushkar Lake, vibrant ghats, and sacred surroundings create a perfect space for devotion and reflection. The Brahma Temple, with its rich mythology and unique architecture, connects you to the creator of the universe. As one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, it offers a chance to witness a unique aspect of Hindu traditions. Pushkar blends spirituality, history, and the colorful culture of Rajasthan. Whether you seek blessings or a peaceful retreat, Pushkar leaves you with unforgettable memories.
Have a mindful and memorable journey to Pushkar.
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