The Brahma temple and the old town
In Hindu tradition, Brahma created the universe but is rarely worshipped, and the reason most often given is a curse by his wife Savitri, after he performed a ritual at Pushkar with another wife. Pushkar's temple to Brahma is therefore special. The present building, with its red spire and swan emblem, dates mainly from the 14th century, rebuilt over an older shrine.
We walk from your hotel through the bazaar, where shops sell prayer items, silver, textiles and rose products. At the temple, shoes, cameras and bags are left outside, and you climb marble steps to the shrine. Inside, the floor is set with silver coins left by devotees, and the image of Brahma has four faces.
After the temple, your guide leads you to smaller shrines such as the Rangji temple, with its southern Indian style, and to a sweet shop for malpua, a Pushkar speciality. The walk is flat and easy. Leather items are not allowed inside the temple, so leave belts and wallets in the car.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Why is there only one Brahma temple in India
There are in fact a few, but the Pushkar temple is the most important. Legend says Savitri cursed Brahma to be worshipped only at Pushkar after he married another goddess to complete a ritual. The temple is a major pilgrimage site.
Can non-Hindus enter the Brahma temple
Yes. Visitors of all faiths may enter, dressed modestly. Shoes, cameras, phones and leather items must be left outside. There can be queues on festival days and during the Camel Fair, so we visit early in the morning. Inside, the floor is set with silver coins left by devotees, and the image of Brahma has four faces. Leave belts and wallets in the car, and wear shoes you can slip off at the gate.
What is Pushkar's famous sweet
Malpua, a fried sweet pancake soaked in syrup, is the speciality of Pushkar. Rose products such as gulkand are also local. Your guide will take you to an old shop where they are made fresh. Malpua is best eaten warm, and we usually stop for it after the Brahma temple walk. Gulkand, a preserve of rose petals and sugar matured in the sun, makes a good gift to take home.
Also in Pushkar
More hours to plan around
