Legend Of Brahma Temple Pushkar

History
Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology in India. The temple is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar Lake, Rajasthan. Brahma is among the trinity of Hindu Gods, the other two being Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Built in the 14th century, Brahma Temple is an important pilgrim place for Hindus. Other than the Brahma Temple, Pushkar also boasts of dedicated to Lord Mahadev, Lord Varah and Lord Ramvaikunth.

Pushkar is regarded as a holy place as it was here that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses performed a ‘Yagna' (self-mortification) at the lake. According to legends, Brahma's wife Savitri was not present at the Yagna and Brahma married another woman on his impulse. Savitri being displeased by Brahma's act cursed that Brahma would never be worshipped anywhere else. Due to the reason, this is the only known temple in the world, where Lord Brahma is worshipped. Legends have it that the Pushkar Lake appeared when a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma in this valley.

Mythology also states that Lord Brahma killed the demon Vajra Nabha by striking him with His weapon, a lotus flower. The impact of the strike caused the petals to fall in three places. One among the three places was Pushkar where a lake sprung up. The Brahma Temple stands on a high podium, constructed entirely in marble. The entrance of the temple is ornamented by a red spire and an image of ‘Hans' (Goose) symbolic of Brahma. 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 have may silver coins is embellished with many silver coins which are imprinted by the names of the donors. Even, the inner walls of the temple are studded with silver coins. The main shrine houses the life-size image of Lord Brahma with four hands and four faces sitting in a cross legged position. An image of Goddess Gayatri, who is known as the milk Goddess, can be seen on the left of Lord Brahma and that of Goddess Savitri can be seen on his right side. The temple also comprises of an image of Lord Vishnu, life sized dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars (a mythical bird, in gold). The walls of the temple are adorned by beautiful images of Peacock and Goddess Saraswati. From the temple, there is a silver door that leads down to a small cave. This small cave comprises a temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is swarmed by people in large numbers during the Kartika Purnima in the months of October- November. At this time, the town of Pushkar becomes alive with the joyous Pushkar festival. This is also the time which marks the time during which Brahma performed his Yagna. Pilgrims come to pay their homage and get blessings from the Jagat Pita, Lord Brahma.