The only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is in this Indian state

Religious structures around the Pushkar Lake. Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

It is indeed surprising that creator Brahma has just one temple dedicated to him! Though some people opine that Brahma has a few other temples in his honour, the temple in Rajasthan’s Pushkar is believed to be the sole place of worship for Brahma’s devotees.

How did Pushkar Temple come into existence?

A demon named Varjranabha was creating havoc. In order to eliminate him, Brahma used his weapon (the lotus). It is believed that the petals of the lotus fell on earth at three places thereby creating three lakes – the Jyeshtha, the Madhya and the Kanishtha lakes.  Since the petals fell from Brahma’s hands, they were named after him - Pushkar (Push of Pushpa + Kar meaning hand).

According to a popular legend, Bramha wanted to perform a Yagna at the Jyeshtha or main Pushkar. But his wife Savitri did not reach the venue on time. In a bid to perform the yagna at the scheduled time, Brahma married Gayatri (Yagna’s cannot be performed without the wife). When Savitri reached the spot, she was infuriated on seeing Gayatri sitting besides Brahma as his consort. She fumed in anger and cursed Brahma by telling him that he would never be worshipped. Gayatri, who had benefitted immensely because of the yagna saved Pushkar. Thus it continued to exist despite Savitri’s curse.

More about the Brahma temple in Pushkar

The present structure was built during the 14th century but the actual temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The idol of the four-headed God is placed in the sanctum sanctorum or the Garbha Griha of the temple and his consorts Savirti and Gayatri are placed to his right and left respectively.

Brahma is seated cross-legged and his four arms are adorned with the japmala, Pustaka, Kamandal and the darbha.

The temple is built in marble while the Vimana of the temple is in red. An image of Brahma’s vahana – the Hamsa – can be spotted at the entrance.

Pushkar Brahma Temple timings

Winter season- 6.30 AM to 8.30 PM

Summer season - 6.00 AM to closes at 9.00 PM