Many a pilgrim has walked a sacred path to the mysterious city of Pushkar for centuries. Pushkar’s importance is attested to by stories from ancient epics and coinage dating back to the second century. The town’s historic vibrations are still felt today, making it one of the most respected pilgrimage destinations. Many a pilgrim has walked a sacred path to the mysterious city of Pushkar for centuries. Pushkar’s importance is attested to by stories from ancient epics and coinage dating back to the second century. The town’s historic vibrations are still felt today, making it one of the most respected pilgrimage destinations.
Nestled on the western side of the Aravalli mountain range, Pushkar has a mythological history as written in the Hindu epics. They tell the story of how the city came to be formed from the hands of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. The legacy of the city is as timeless as creation itself.
The earliest legend speaks of a lotus flower that fell from Lord Brahma’s hand. The fallen flower created the lake and all its spiritual characteristics. Thus, from its Sanskrit description, the lotus lent its name to the city, Pushkar. Tales abound of the divinity of the Creator felt in its waters.
Once, Vajranabha, the demon, was out on a rampage destroying everything in his way. Lord Brahma immediately took it upon himself to quell the dangers of the demon. The Lord’s attack with his weapon, the lotus flower, left the demon slain. The intensity of the combat, however, took its toll on the sacred flower.
As the dust of the devastation settled, petals from the lotus flower fell to the ground creating the three lakes that form the Pushkar Lake. The lakes, dedicated to the Gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva hold great reverence in the minds and hearts of all that want to attain moksha.
To cleanse oneself in the sacred waters of the Pushkar lake is to be forgiven of all one’s sins. The enduring architectural beauty of over five hundred temples dotted along the picturesque bank of the lake brings on a sense of peace. The chants and prayers wafting through the air fill one with devotion.
The bathing ghats resonate with the bustling of pilgrims in various stages of veneration. It is believed that the sacred waters of Pushkar Lake heal diseases. The power of Lord Brahma is bestowed upon those who arrive praying fervently for his blessings. They hail his grace as they wash themselves.
Being one of only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma the Creator, Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is the most important temple along the Pushkar Lake. Its authority is indisputable as referenced in the legend where Lord Brahma arrived on Earth and made a yajna, or ritual, here. The temple resides on that holy ground.
The outer structure of the temple, though slightly modified, shows the distinct red spires and swan motifs. The grandeur of the temple resonates with its significance as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations. The inner sanctum, where the Lord made the yajna, is dedicated to Lord Brahma and, his second wife, Gayathri.
When Lord Brahma wanted to make the yajna, at Pushkar, his wife, Saraswati however, could not be there to conduct a particularly auspicious part. He, therefore, married Gayathri and, as his wife, held the yajna with her. Unbeknownst to them, Saraswati, the Lord’s first wife, was on her way to Pushkar.
What she saw, when she arrived, angered her. She cursed Lord Brahma, that he would be worshipped only at Pushkar. The effects of her actions paved the way for Pushkar to be in the hearts of all pilgrims. Being the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, a yajna held for all the three Gods here at Pushkar is said to absolve all sins.
Referred to as Adi Tirtha, Pushkar Lake is considered to be the most sacred water body. The scriptures suggest that conducting a Parikrama, around all the three lakes dedicated to the Gods, is said to be auspicious. It is also believed that Vishwamitra held a penance at the lake for a thousand years. The legends of the city are heard in the stories from the ancient Puranic scriptures and also from the epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The mystical vibes of Pushkar, lie revered in the minds and hearts of the seekers of salvation.
