Pushkar Temple: the Abode of Brahma

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Located on the banks of the Pushkar Lake, the Pushkar temple is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. Being the only Brahma temple in India, the Pushkar temple has great significance. Millions of people in the country visit the shrine each year to worship Lord Brahma. Despite being one of the many temples in Pushkar, it is this Brahma temple that enjoys most popularity.

The temple traces its roots back to the 14th century. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed a yagya here along with other gods and goddesses. Incidentally a lotus fell off from the hands of Brahma and fell in the Pushkar valley. This is how the town derived its name, Pushp means flower and Kar means hand.

Soon after the flower fell off the hand of Brahma, the Pushkar Lake appeared miraculously. This is why the divine stature of the lake. The temple stands on a raised platform. This raised platform gives the temple a distinctive edge and adds to its prominence. Beautiful marble steps lead to this raised platform.

The main doorway of the temple features the image of a Hans. As per mythological epics, the Hans were the vehicle of Lord Brahma. This Hans was imbibed on the main doorway to segregate the temple from other temples that were nearby.

One of the most prominent features of the Pushkar temple is the lovely turtle carved in silver. This beautiful silver turtle is perhaps the most adorned feature of the temple. This silver turtle sits facing the sanctum sanctorum.

The flooring of the temple is in black and white cheques. This chequered floor is further adorned with silver coins. These coins were donated by devotes of this temple and are embossed with the name along with the date of birth or anniversary of their loved ones.

A four headed image of the Brahma graces this temple. Lord Brahma rests in a cross-legged position with Savitri on his right and Gayatri on the left side. Mythological legend has it that Savitri was the wife of Lord Brahma. Gayatri is believed to be the local maid whom Brahma married in order to be able to perform the puja. The temple also houses a statue of Lord Vishnu and life-sized dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars (a mythical bird, in gold).

Though the temple has its fair share of devotees flowing in all year long, people from all across the country flock the temple during the Kartika Purnima. As per the Indian calendar, the Kartik Purnima falls in the month of October-November. The Pushkar festival also takes place during this time.

This is the season when the whole town of Pushkar comes to life with joyous activities and festivities. During the Pushkar festival people also take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake and worship Lord Brahma, who is believed to be the creator of this universe. Many people across the country consider this period of Kartik Purnima as highly auspicious. Make sure that you get the bookings one before festival season lest you will be deprived to feel the essence of spiritual beauty.