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Rajasthan
Pilgrimages
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Brahma Temple, Pushkar |
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About
Pushkar Brahma Temple
Though Brahma, the Creator
of the Universe, is one of the Gods of the
Hindu Trinity, yet his importance has virtually
diminished in the hearts of the Hindus of
India. This is so because respect for Brahma
has been beclouded by the respect for Vishnu
(preserver of Universe) and Shiva
(destroyer of universe). Having created the
universe, the work of Brahma is considered
completed, though that of Shiva and Vishnu
is still continuing. As such both these Gods
command more respect from the people.
There is another reason, or perhaps a belief,
associated with this diminishing value of
Lord Brahma. Mythical legend has it that Brahma
once decided to perform a yagna and for this
he needed a place on earth. He was on his
search for a place when the lotus flower in
his hand fell off and landed in Pushkar. Hence,
he announced Pushkar as the venue for the
yagna (Pushp means flower while kar means
hand). However, unfortunately, his wife Savitri
was not present with him at that point of
time. Due to this Brahma married a local maid,
Gayatri who completed the formalities of Yagna
with him. When Savitri arrived at the spot
and discovered Gayatri, she was infuriated.
She cursed Brahma that Pushkar would be the
only place where he will be worshipped by
his devotees in future.
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, being the only
one in the country dedicated to the Creator
of Universe, as such has great significance
amongst the devotees. Thousands of devotees
visit this shrine every year to pray before
Lord Brahma. Though there are numerous other
temples dedicated to different Gods in Pushkar,
yet the place is more renowned as the abode
of Brahma.
The Brahma Temple
The Pushkar Brahma Temple is located on the
banks of the Pushkar Lake. The temple was
originally built in the 14th century and stands
on a raised platform. Marble steps lead upto
the temple that has a red spire and an image
of Hans, the vehicle of Lord Brahma, on the
top of the main doorway to distinguish it
from numerous other temples nearby.
A lovely silver carved turtle can be seen
sitting with its face towards the sanctum
sanctorum. The black and white chequered tiles
floor around the turtle is full of silver
coins donated by the devotees with their name
and the birth and death anniversary date of
their loved ones engraved on it.
The four headed image of Lord Brahma is in
a cross legged position with Savitri on his
right and Gayatri on the left side.
The temple becomes specially important during
the Kartika Purnima in the months of October-
November. This is the time when the sleepy
town of Pushkar comes alive with the joyous
Pushkar festival. It is also the time which
marks the period during which Brahma performed
his Yagna in Pushkar. Numerous people with
deep faith in their hearts take a holy dip
in the water of Pushkar Lake and bow their
head before the Jagat Pita, Lord Brahma. |
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