A Spiritual Sojourn in Pushkar: Discovering the Creative Force of Brahma

Growing up in a Hindu family, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva has always been present in my life, even if I didn’t fully understand their profound principles. Vishnu and Shiva, in particular, resonated with me through temple visits and the numerous stories that filled my childhood. However, Brahma, the creator, remained a distant figure. The concept of Brahma began to change when I visited the Navgraha Temple in Guwahati, which is said to have been created by Brahma. There, I felt a connection to Brahma, a spark that would later lead me to Pushkar after disconnecting from that thought.

The Unplanned Journey to Pushkar

Our journey to Pushkar was not a planned one. Despite a friend’s persistent invitations, Pushkar was never on my list of places to visit. It was during a retreat in Rajasthan that I impulsively decided to visit. My husband and I set out at midnight, arriving early in the morning after a three-hour drive. The journey felt like a call, an unplanned yet destined trip.

Upon reaching Pushkar, we navigated through the bustling streets, guided by priests and local guides, towards Brahma Tirtha, a sacred pond in the heart of Pushkar. The vibrant energy of the place was palpable as we walked towards the Brahma Temple. The Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, situated near Pushkar Lake, holds a sacred position and dates back to the fourteenth century. According to legends, the Temple’s history spans over 2,000 years, with Lord Brahma choosing Pushkar as the divine site for this shrine. The Brahma Temple in Pushkar symbolizes India’s rich cultural and religious heritage with its serene ambience and breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli hills.

The Captivating Encounter with Brahma

Carrying my book, “Whispers of the Unseen,” I ascended the steps of the Brahma Temple. The sight of Brahma’s idol was mesmerizing. With its green hue and captivating eyes, the idol seemed to pull me towards it. I felt an overwhelming sense of connection and gratitude for the creative energy that had inspired my artistic endeavours, such as painting the 64 Yoginis and writing my book. I offered my book to the priest, expressing my gratitude and seeking blessings.

The experience was profound and immersive. Despite the hustle and bustle, I was absorbed in Brahma’s presence, feeling a deep sense of peace and inspiration.

Some people feel tired after visiting a temple because of the gush of energy. You need to rest. It was already 11:30 a.m., so we returned to the hotel to rest.Our search for the Varaha temple led us to a surprising discovery. Despite its stunning, beautiful structure of the 12th century, the temple was nearly empty, allowing us to appreciate its elegant combination of ochre and white in peace. The Temple houses the murti of Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, unlike any idol  I have seen before. Outside the Temple, in the same structure, some families are staying there. Two women were making hot chappatis, adding a unique touch to our visit.

Atamateshwar Mahadev Temple

From there, we searched for the Atamateshwar Mahadev Temple, a serene and tranquil place constructed in the 12th century. The Shivalinga sits a few feet below ground level and is accessible via a narrow hallway. A copper serpent (the Naga) coils around the Shivalinga in the shrine, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. When we went, the priest was decorating the Shiva linga; he mentioned it was swayambhu (self-manifested).

Rangji Temple

As we entered the Rangji Temple, we were expecting to see South Indian architecture. However, the Temple surprised us with its unique blend of South Indian architecture with Mughal and Rajput influences. A red, captivatingly painted Door welcomed my bright yellow dupatta. One of the most vibrant temples in Pushkar, its colourful gopuram and expansive courtyard make it both a serene and visually captivating site. The idol black marble Venugopal looked handsome. All the priests were from the lineage of Saint Ramanujar with Tiruman on the forehead, a typical sign of vaishnavaites.

Streets of Pushkar

After visiting Rangji temple, we roamed the streets, which differed from the temple street scene. Shopping in Pushkar would be a delightful and vibrant experience for everyone. Pushkar is also a culinary haven, despite the absence of alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to religious reasons. The town offers diverse cuisines, from piping hot jalebis and giant falafels to Lebanese, sweet malpuas, paranthas, kachoris, Rajasthani, vegan, Italian, Israeli and other continental delights. We spent some time on the street, sipping hot tea and watching the foreigners in Indian attire, talking to the shopkeepers, and some in Scooters; what a beautiful blend of beautiful cultures.

Evening Aarti and Stories of Divine Feminine

A friend, Naveen Daswani, connected me with Ravi Ji for the evening Aarti. We arrived at the Varaha Ghat at 6:00 p.m., an hour before the Aarti. As we waited, I observed the lively activities around the sacred pond, where women bathed, and children played. The sight reminded me of the importance of cleanliness and respect for these holy places. Over 400 temples encircle Pushkar Lake, featuring 52 ghats where devotees take holy dips. The history of Pushkar Lake dates back to the 4th century BC, evidenced by coins from that era mentioning the lake. It is said that an inscription at Sanchi confirms the lake’s existence in the 2nd century. Varaha Ghat, named after the site where Vishnu is believed to have appeared in his boar (Varaha) incarnation, is renowned for its serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Ravi Ji arrived around 7:00 p.m. and began sharing the stories of Brahma, Savitri, and Gayatri. These stories, which were previously unfamiliar to me, resonated deeply. His Narrative style was very contemporary.Once upon a time, a demon named Vajranash wreaked havoc in the celestial realms, prompting the Creator, Lord Brahma, to intervene. During the fierce battle, three petals from Brahma’s sacred lotus fell to Earth, landing in the mystical town of Pushkar, Rajasthan.

Recognizing the significance of the location, Brahma descended to Pushkar to establish a tirthstan, a holy pilgrimage site. To sanctify this new haven, he needed to perform a grand yajna. As the auspicious time for the ritual approached, Brahma realized he required his wife, Savitri, to complete the ceremony. He sent the mischievous sage Narada to fetch her.

Narada, ever the trickster, saw an opportunity for mischief. “If I don’t create some trouble between Savitri and Brahma, my antics will be forgotten,” he thought. When he reached Savitri, he slyly told her, “Take your time getting dressed; they’re just beginning the preparations.” In truth, Brahma had instructed Narada to bring Savitri back quickly.

Believing she had ample time, Savitri leisurely prepared herself. Meanwhile, back at the Yajna site, Brahma grew increasingly anxious as the auspicious moment approached. With no sign of Savitri, he faced a dilemma. Just then, Lord Indra suggested a solution: a local cowherd girl who could be purified for the ritual. Brahma agreed, and the girl was transformed by passing through a sacred cow, emerging as a Brahmin named Gayatri. Brahma married Gayatri, and together they performed the yajna.

When Savitri finally arrived, she was enraged to find Brahma married to another. In her fury, she cursed him, declaring that he would only be worshipped in Pushkar. Despite the devas’ pleas, her curse stood firm, with some adjustments: Pushkar would remain the sole place Brahma could be worshipped. Savitri also cursed Indra to lose his power in battles, Vishnu to experience separation from his wife in human form, and Agni to possess destructive powers. The priests assisting in the yajna were cursed to remain poor but respected as scholars.

With Gayatri’s compassionate intervention, some curses were softened: Indra kept his place in heaven, Vishnu’s avatar, Rama, experienced temporary separation from his wife, and the priests retained their scholarly respect despite their poverty. Savitri chose to reside on Ratnagiri Hill, keeping a watchful eye on Brahma.

Thus, Pushkar became a place of profound sacredness, its legends woven with divine drama and eternal blessings. The stories of Brahma, Savitri, and Gayatri continue to be cherished, enriching Pushkar’s spiritual heritage for generations to come.

I felt a newfound connection to these divine figures and their significance. The stories of Narada, Rama, and Sita also came alive, enriching my understanding of their roles in the spiritual tapestry.

As the Aarti progressed, we participated in rituals using sacred water. The presence of fish and baby snakes added to the mystical atmosphere. After that, we went to Raviji Temple, where he recited the stories of the Ramayana. He was humble enough to come to the hotel to take my book. We discussed it further, and seeing my interest in the Goddess, he advised me to attend the Shakti peet the next day. The evening was unexpectedly transformative, filling me with spiritual completeness.

Discovering the Shakti Peeth

The following day, we planned to visit the Savitri Temple. However, since the rope car was operational at 7:30 a.m., we first decided to visit the Shakti Peeth. The Manibandh Shaktipeeth Temple, the 27th of the 51 Shaktipeeths, is steeped in legend. It is said that Mata Sati’s wrists fell on Puruhuta mountain in Pushkar, causing the mountain to tremble. Although the exact spot is relatively inaccessible, a temple dedicated to Mata was established at the foothills of Puruhuta mountain, known as the Chamunda Mata Temple or Manibandh Shaktipeeth Temple.

This small, unmarked Temple in the mountains was easy to overlook but held immense significance. The idol of Adi Gayatri was breathtaking, and the energy of the place was both serene and powerful. The Temple also features a sculpture of Shiva and Parvati in an embrace named Priya Peeth, symbolizing pure and divine love. Goddess Sati is worshipped as “Gayatri,” while Lord Shiva is revered as “Sarvananda” in this Temple.

The priest at the Shakti Peeth reiterated the stories Ravi Ji had shared, deepening my connection to Gayatri and Savitri. This visit felt like an essential part of my spiritual journey, linking the creative force of Brahma with the divine feminine energies.

Climbing to the Savitri Temple

Determined to visit the Savitri Temple, we returned after the rope car became operational. The Savitri temple in Pushkar is located on the Ratnagiri hill. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Pushkar, with its origins dating back centuries.

The climb was challenging even though it was a rope car, but the view from the top and the sight of Savitri’s idol were worth it. Behind the Savitri temple, I was surprised to see a statue of Sharada Devi, the wife of Ramakrishna, commemorating her visit to the Temple. This connection to Sharada Devi was significant to me.

Conclusion

My journey to Pushkar was more than a series of temple visits; it was a profound spiritual experience. I went without expectations, seeking not to ask for blessings but to connect with the divine energies. The unexpected encounters with Brahma, Savitri, Gayatri, and other holy figures enriched my spiritual understanding and brought a sense of completeness to my journey.

With its sacred significance and spiritual energy, Pushkar has now become a place I hold dear in my heart. This journey has deepened my connection to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, giving new meaning to their presence in my life. The experiences and connections made during this trip will be a part of my spiritual path, guiding my journey of discovery and connection.