Pushkar, located in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, is counted among the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites of India. This religious city surrounded by Aravali hills has its own identity in the country and the world due to Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple and the famous Pushkar Fair. According to Rajasthan Tourism, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and has more than 500 temples.
Pushkar made of lotus flower
The history of Pushkar is related to mythological beliefs related to Lord Brahma. According to the legend, Lord Brahma used a lotus to kill a demon and where the lotus petals fell on the earth, sacred water sources were formed. Pushkar is also considered to have been built among these. According to another belief, Lord Brahma decided to perform a yagya here and hence this place was considered extremely sacred.
Pushkar Lake is called 'Tirtharaj' i.e. king of pilgrimages in Hindu religion. There are 52 ghats and a large number of temples around the lake. There is a religious belief that bathing in the holy lake removes one's sins and one gets special results of the pilgrimage.
Why is Brahma Temple so special?
The biggest religious identity of Pushkar is Jagatpita Brahma Temple. Rajasthan Tourism describes it as the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. However, it is more accurate to call it one of the most prominent and famous temples of Lord Brahma, as smaller temples dedicated to Brahma also exist in other places in the world. According to the Incredible India portal of the Government of India, Pushkar Temple is the oldest and most prominent among some Brahma temples in the world.
The present form of the temple is mainly believed to be associated with the medieval period and has undergone renovation several times in its history. According to Indian archaeological records, the temple has undergone repairs and reconstruction in different periods. A four-faced statue of Lord Brahma is present in the temple. The red peak, marble stairs and swan shape are its special identity.
Recognition of Savitri's curse
The most popular story related to the establishment of Brahma Temple is related to Lord Brahma and Mother Savitri. It is believed that during the Yagya in Pushkar, Brahma's wife Savitri could not reach on time. Seeing the auspicious time for the Yagya approaching, Brahma completed the Yagya by marrying a girl named Gayatri.
When Savitri reached there, she saw Brahma with his second wife and got angry and cursed him that he would not be worshiped anywhere else on earth. Later, only Pushkar was considered an exception to this curse. This religious belief is linked to the uniqueness of the Brahma temple in Pushkar.
World famous identity of Pushkar fair
The religious importance of Pushkar increases during Kartik Purnima. During this time, the famous Pushkar Fair is organized, in which along with religious events, animal fair and cultural programs are also the center of attraction. Tourists and devotees from all over the country and abroad reach here.
In this way, Pushkar is not just a religious city, but a unique confluence of mythological beliefs, ancient temples, sacred lake and folk culture. The rarity of the temple of Lord Brahma and the religious importance of Pushkar Lake give it a special place among the major pilgrimage destinations not only in Rajasthan but in India.