Gayatri Temple – Pushkar
One of the major attractions of Pushkar, Gayatri temple is dedicated to Goddess Gayatri. Also called the Pap Mochani temple, the temple is located on a hillock between Ajmer and Pushkar and dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, who supposedly can absolve ones’ sins. Sitting on the opposite end of town, this hilltop commands beautiful and intimate aerial views of the lake and Savitri Mata temple. The sunrise views over town from the temple, reached by a track behind the Marwar bus stand, are well worth the 30-minute climb.
As per legend, Lord Brahma decided to organise a yajna and he dropped a lotus on the earth to determine the place. This is place where Pushkar Lake appeared. The lord wanted his wife to be a part of the yajna who couldn’t reach there on time. As a substitute, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and the priest brought an untouchable girl. As the lord married Gayatri without goddess Savitri’s consent, she got angry and cursed Lord Brahma that he will not be worshipped anywhere else except Pushkar. Now, the Gayatri Temple stands on the other side of the Lake Pushkar. The deity is worshipped along with Lord Brahma and goddess Savitri.
It is believed that by chanting Gayatri Mantra, you achieve success and happiness in your life. With regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, one can firmly establish and stabilize the mind. The mantra is a declaration of appreciation, to both the nurturing sun and the Divine.
