Brahma Temple Pushkar


Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is a Hindu temple situated at Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan, close to the sacred Pushkar Lake to which its legend has an indelible link. This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma – Creator of the Universe, is worshiped. 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.

There are about 400 temples and 52 Ghaats in Pushkar which are located on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. There are five principal temples in Pushkar, all are constructed recently since the earlier buildings were destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The major temples are Rangnath temple, Mahalakshmi temple, Godamba temple.

There are various other temples of God Vishnu, Atmeshvara, Gayatri and Savitri. The Rangnath temple has been built in southern style and is simply magnificent. Its images are almost true of life. This temple has an image of Lord Vishnu, life size dwarpals (door men) and Garuda pillars showing the mythical bird styled in gold.