The Brahma Temple: A Temple That Restricts Men

Swapna

The Brahma Temple: A Temple That Restricts Men

Everyone knows of the well-known Sabarimala Temple, which forbids women of menstruating age from entering. However, have you ever heard of a temple that forbids married males from entering the premises? The Brahma temple in Pushkar is not only famous for worshipping Brahma but also for the place Brahma chose for himself.

The famous Brahma temple at Pushkar; Image source- Atlas Obscura

Located in the northwest of Ajmer, Pushkar is a major tourist spot in Rajasthan. Known by the name "the Rose Garden of Rajasthan" due to its rose exports, this is a fascinating city with a rich mythical past as well as a timeless architectural legacy. Along with this, Pushkar is famous as one of the only places that worship Brahma as a deity in the temple.

Both Lord Vishnu, the keeper of the cosmos, and Lord Shiva, the destroyer, are revered around the country. But what about the creator, Lord Brahma? Not many temples are dedicated to him. This Brahma temple, which has a rich mythological story, answers this question.

According to mythology, a cruel demon named Vajranabha was once slain by Brahma using a lotus flower. Three petals from the flower fell to the ground at three distinct locations. These are the locations where the three Pushkar lakes—Jyeshta (large), Madhya (middle), and Kanishtha (small)—can be found.

The city of Pushkar is also popular for its famous mela. The well-known Pushkar Fair begins on the first day of the Hindu month of Kartika and ends on the night of the full moon of that month. Before offering their prayers to Lord Brahma during this period, travelers take a ritual bath in the holy Pushkar Lake. Tourists and pilgrims from across the country travel to the fair to witness this sacred carnival.

After killing Vajranbha, Brahma decided to perform a Yagna in his place. As per Hindu rituals, a married man cannot perform a yagna alone without his consort. So, Brahma searched for his wife, Savitri. But, he landed in great trouble when Savitri was late and the auspicious time was running out. As a result, he decided to wed Gayatri and performed the Yagna.

When Savitri finally arrived, she lost her temper when she saw Gayatri seated at her place. Infuriated and devastated by his second marriage, she cursed Brahma that he would never be worshipped. She cursed everyone involved in the ritual as well, but Gayatri became a savior and mitigated the effects of the curse. Brahma was therefore solely revered at Pushkar.

The temple of Goddess Savitri in Pushkar is located on a hilltop next to the Brahma Temple. It is believed that she went there after cursing her husband. Tradition has it that Savitri's curse prevents married men from entering the inner shrine of the Brahma Temple in Pushkar.

The name of the place is also associated with mythological events. The word "Pushkar" is made up of two words, namely, "Pushpa" (flower) and "Kar" (hands). Since the lotus petals fell from the hands of Brahma at this place, it is named so.

Originally, the sage Vishwamitra constructed the temple. It is also believed that Guru Shankaracharya may have also contributed to its making. However, the temple we visit today was built by King Jawat Raj of Ratlam.

The Mandapam and Garbha Griha make up the main temple complex (sanctum sanctorum). The swan carving on the Shikhara adds to the temple's aesthetic appeal. The Garbha Griha has the iconic idol of Lord Brahma, and only sanyasis or saints are allowed to enter it.