In the Hindu mythology, the importance of Shiva and Vishnu is paramount owing to a curse on the creator of the universe. It is said that during a war of words between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over the issue of supremacy Lord Shiva intervened. In this melee, Lord Brahma lost his position but the work of other lords is still continuing and that explains the absence of any temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar temple however, is an exception as according to another legend, the lotus flower in the hands of Lord Brahma fell at Pushkar. Prior to that, the creator was in a search of a proper place to perform a ‘yagya’ (fire sacrifice complete with mantras) and it couldn’t have been possible without the help of his shakti ‘Savitri’. As his consort was absent, the lord married a local maid, ‘Gayatri’ who completed the formalities along with him.



Further according to the popular legend, Lord Shiva brought forth a pillar of light and asked both of them to find its end as well as beginning. Both proceeded to the either ends, with Lord Brahma heading towards top end of the column and Lord Vishnu towards the lower one. One more condition had been added to find the ends, with lord shiva asking these two forces to bring forth ‘ketaki’ flower as evidence towards finding either ends. After some time, Lord Brahma returned with ‘ketaki’ flower announcing that the top of pillar had been found and this infuriated Lord Shiva. He cursed lord by announcing that henceforth he shouldn’t be worshipped anywhere. Since then, Pushkar temple is the only one dedicated to Lord Brahma where he is worshipped fervently by his devotees

Tourists visit the Pushkar temple as this is the only one which is of prominent stature dedicated to Lord Brahma. Droves of them throng the place to have glimpse of their favorite lord in all his radiance and pay their obeisance to him. Amongst the maze of temples, the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma stands apart due to its exquisite carvings and embellishments. The temple stands on the banks of pristine waters of Lake Pushkar and was built originally in the 14th century on a raised platform. On the top of main doorway an image of ‘hans’ has been carved with marble steps leading to the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This is the main distinguishing feature of the temple which separates it from other temples in the vicinity.

Besides this feature, a silver turtle carved on one of the walls is seen with its face towards the sanctum sanctorum. The flooring of Pushkar temple has been done in black and white chequered tiles full with silver coins donated by the devotees. Further, the four headed image of Lord Brahma is flanked by Savitri on his right side and that of Gayatri on his left. The temple is abuzz with gaiety and fervor during the kartik purnima in the months of October-November and devotees make a beeline to the premises to get a ‘darshan’ of their favorite deity. The whole town of Pushkar comes alive during the festival days and the joy is palpable on the faces of general populace. The holy lake sees hordes of people taking a dip in its pristine waters and natives bowing their heads before the creator of universe.