The Jagatpati Brahma Mandir is the temple of Hindus located at Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to creator God, Brahma and is the most prominent shrines of Pushkar.
The temple is made of stone stabs and marble. The red-colored shikara is a distinguishing feature of the temple and it also has a hamsa bird motif. Pillared canopies decorate the entrance of the temple. The outdoor hall of the temple is known as the mandapa and the interior of the temple is called the garbha griha. The walls inside the temple are inlaid with thousands of silver coins on which the devotees have written their names which marks as a sign of their offering to Lord Brahma. You will also notice a turtle made of silver which has been displayed on the marble floors of the temple. The central image of Brahma which is called the chaumurti is of a huge size adorning the garbhagriha of the temple. On the left side of the idol of Brahma sits the image of Gayatri and on the right hand side is the image of Savitri. The walls of the temple are decorated with lovely images of peacock and the Sarasvati’s mount. This holy temple of the Hindus is visited by a large number of devotees who come here from great distances of the country to offer their prayers.
History
As per the sacred scripture of Hindu religion; Padma Purana, Lord Brahma once came across a demon named Vajranabha, killing and torturing people. Seeing such atrocity, the Lord slayed the demon with lotus flower (his special weapon). While doing so, some petals from the lotus flower fell at three places on the ground. This resulted into the creation of three sacred lakes, which in today’s times are known as the Jyestha Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar and Kanishta Pushkar.
Later on, when the lord made his visit to earth, he started with the preparations of a yajna (fire sacrifice) at the Jyestha Pushkar Lake. In order to perform the yajna undisturbed by the demons, Lord Brahma created a chain of hills around. However, his wife Savitri was not available for the Yajna, which was disruptive of the proceedings.
On this, Lord Brahma requested Lord Indra to send him a suitable consort to complete the Yajna. When a Gujar’s daughter, named Gayatri was finally sent to take the seat next to Brahma as his wife, Savitri arrived. Feeling agitated, she cursed Brahma that the Lord would never be worshipped by anyone. She later on permitted his worship only in Pushkar. This entitled Brahma temple in Pushkar as the most prominent place to worship the lord.
Architecture of the temple
The famous Brahma temple in Pushkar is an altogether marble structure and sports a Southern style of temple architecture. Built on a raised platform, the temple’s entrance which is decorated of pillared canopies, has to be reached through marble steps.
After making the entrance, comes the pillared outdoor hall also known as Mandapa. Situated further to the Mandapa is the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). At the central position of the Garbhagriha, lies the statue of Lord Brahma seated in a cross legged position. The interiors of the Pushkar Brahma temple also contain the images of the Lord of Preservation (Vishnu), glided Garuda (eagle man) and Dvarapalas (gate-keepers)
From the outside, the structure flaunts a red colored spire (shikara) on the mount of the temple. Along with this is the symbol of a Hamsa (goose or swan) to add to the beauty of its exteriors.
How to Reach Pushkar
Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan is located 14 km away from Ajmer city. In order to reach this pilgrimage city, one can opt for the following alternatives:
By Air: Pushkar does not have an airfield of its own. Thus, if you prefer traveling by air, then Sanganer airport in Jaipur would be the closest stoppage for you. The airport is very well connected to the major cities of India like New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Jaipur city is 142 km away from Pushkar, which can be covered by via bus or hired taxi/cab.
By Rail: The best alternative to reach Pushkar is a rail journey. Pushkar does not have a railway station. However, Ajmer, which is only 15 km away from Pushkar, does have a railway connection. Amjer railway station operates regular trains from the major cities of Rajasthan and India.
By Road: If you happen to travel by road, major roadways and national highways leading to Rajasthan must be your best deal. Pushkar has a good network of roads connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.