Brahma Temple

Also known as Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, it is one of the most sacred and rare temples in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. Tracing its history to 14th century CE, it is located near Pushkar Lake and has great religious importance for Hindus. The temple is the top attraction in Pushkar and is built with marble and stone slabs. It showcases a unique red shikhara and a silver-carved Garbhagriha, which houses the four-faced idol of Brahma.

Among all Pushkar temples, this is the most prominent. It is believed to be the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country and draws thousands of pilgrims, especially during Kartik Purnima, when the nearby Pushkar Lake becomes the hub of spiritual activity. The Brahma Temple was declared a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India on 4 March 2005.

History of Jagatpita Shri Brahma Mandir

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is said to have been originally built by Sage Vishwamitra after Brahma performed a yajna (ritual sacrifice) at the holy Pushkar Lake. The revered 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya is also believed to have renovated the temple. However, the current medieval structure, which features a distinctive red spire and marble design, was mostly built and restored in the 14th century CE.

Legends and Mythology

Pushkar’s spiritual appeal is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower on Earth, and the place where it fell became the sacred Pushkar Lake. To honor the spot, Brahma performed a yajna and needed his consort, Goddess Savitri, to complete it. When she didn’t arrive on time, he married another goddess, Gayatri, to proceed with the rituals. Savitri, furious at this betrayal, cursed Brahma, declaring he would not be worshipped anywhere. Later, she reduced the curse permitting his worship in only Pushkar. As a result, the Brahma Temple in Pushkar remains one of the few existing shrines for him.

Other mythological stories also connect Pushkar with Sage Vishwamitra, who is believed to have helped establish the temple, and with Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have restored its sanctity. These tales give the temple a timeless, mystical significance, making it one of the top 5 places to visit in Pushkar.

Architecture & Design

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar showcases a beautiful mix of Rajasthani and traditional Hindu temple styles. Its most noticeable feature is the striking red shikhara, or spire, that rises above the sanctum. This spire represents divine power and presence. The temple mainly consists of marble and stone slabs, giving it a calm and timeless look.

At the entrance, visitors pass through an arched gateway and climb marble steps decorated with a hamsa motif, which is Brahma’s sacred vehicle. Inside, the sanctum houses the idol of Lord Brahma, who sits cross-legged with four faces. Each face symbolizes one of the four Vedas.

The interior is adorned with intricate carvings, silver coins, and images of other deities like Gayatri and Savitri, emphasizing the temple’s rich spiritual and artistic value. Several renovations over the centuries, including work by Adi Shankaracharya have helped preserve its architectural elements.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is highly significant as one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu Trinity. According to legend, Brahma was cursed by his consort Savitri to be worshipped only in Pushkar, which makes this temple a uniquely sacred place in Hinduism.

Devotees usually visit the temple after taking a ceremonial bath in Pushkar Lake. This bath is believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha (liberation). Rituals begin with offerings to Brahma, followed by visits to the Gayatri Temple, his consort, and other Pushkar shrines. The temple has strict practices; only sanyasis (ascetics) may enter the inner sanctum, while married devotees pray from the outer hall. The priests belong to the Parashar gotra, keeping ancient Brahmin traditions alive.

The temple buzzes during Kartik Poornima, when thousands come together for a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake and then pay a visit here to seek Lord Brahma’s blessings. The temple also marks religious rites on every Poornima and Amavasya.

Festivals & Events

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is not just a place for daily worship; it is a lively center for cultural and spiritual celebrations. Several festivals happen here each year, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists. These events highlight the temple’s importance in Pushkar tourism and the Hindu pilgrimage circuit.

Kartik Purnima Festival : This festival takes place on the full moon day of the Kartik month (October-November). It is the most important festival associated with the Brahma Temple. Devotees from all over India come to Pushkar for a ritual bath in the holy Pushkar Lake. Many believe this bath cleanses sins and brings blessings. The temple becomes the center for prayers, offerings, and spiritual energy. This day also marks when Lord Brahma is said to have performed a grand yajna at Pushkar.
Pushkar Camel Fair : While the fair mainly focuses on livestock trading, it occurs during the Kartik Purnima period in the month of November, adding a colorful element of tradition and spectacle. Cultural programs, folk dances, and religious ceremonies happen around the Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake. The fair combines spirituality, culture, and commerce, making it one of the top attractions in Pushkar.

Interesting Facts About Brahma Temple

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma.
It is said that Lord Brahma himself performed a yajna at the location of the temple.
The temple has a unique red shikhara (spire) and is made from marble and stone slabs.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, the image of Lord Brahma features four faces, representing his all-seeing nature.
A silver turtle set into the temple floor marks the sacred spot where Brahma's yajna took place.
Married men are traditionally not allowed to enter the sanctum during some rituals, based on a legend about Goddess Savitri.
Pushkar is one of the Panch Tirtha (five sacred pilgrimages) in Hinduism, and the Brahma Temple plays a key role in this status.
Pilgrims often take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake before visiting the temple as part of a purification ritual.

Note : Photography is prohibited

Opening Hours : Winters: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Summers : 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Closing Time : 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Location : Brahma Temple Road, Ganahera, Pushkar, Rajasthan-305022, India

Pushkar Tourism

Popular Tourist Destinations in Pushkar

Travelers visiting Pushkar in Rajasthan must visit the following popular points of interest that make a Pushkar vacation memorable for a lifetime.

Lake Pushkar Lake

The water of Pushkar Lake looks like they sparkle as if they are rich with age old temples and antique ghats.

Temple Brahma Temple

The fully domed temple of lord Brahma in pushkar rose crimson and white towers which denote the commitment and skills of architects.

Brahma Temple -Popular Points of Interest in Pushkar

Religious Gurudwara Singh Sambha

The Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Pushkar is depicting the sign of peace in a village where bright saffron flags are flying in the air.

Temple Varaha Temple

Varaha Temple, dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation is one of the great centres of faith that lies discreetly out of sight in Pushkar.

Temple Rangji Temple

The palace of Rangji temple is a spectacular example of derivative Rajput and Mughal school of architecture manifested through enriching interior and exterior décor and bright colors.