The Rajasthan state of India is popularly known as the land of warriors, the land of kings/Rajas/Maharajas, and the land of sacrifices as you can see gigantic, magnificent forts and royal palaces, which reflect the actual identity of the state. And these are the most visited tourist attraction in Rajasthan. But the land of Rajasthan is also famous for its glorious history, unique style of art, and vibrant culture. Though there are multiple sources available to explore all these three, some temples are the most prominent, especially to explore the state's vibrant culture, and when it comes to temples, the holy land of Pushkar tops the chart, which is the home of hundreds of temples, apart from the world-famous Brahma temple, Rangji Temple, and Varaha temple, the temple dedicated to the goddess Savitri is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Pushkar. So, let us know more about it.
About Savitri temple
The religion of Hindu is one of the largest in the world. There are plenty of gods and goddesses in Hinduism. It is among the very few religions in the world where women are worshipped in the form of the goddess. The goddess Savitri is one of them to whom this temple is dedicated. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Savitri is the first wife of the Hindu god Brahma whose temple is also in Pushkar city, which is one of its kind.Though the entire city of Pushkar is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of the Hindus in India, and most of the temples are visited as a part of the pilgrimage tour, this Savitri Mata temple is the one, which is visited by everyone. It is because of its location as it is on the top of the hill.
There is a very famous Hindu mythological story, which tells the reason behind its creation and location. The story says that when Lord Brahma started performing yajna at Pushkar, he wanted her wife, Savitri, to join the same, but she could not reach the site on time. Therefore, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, and the priest brought an untouchable local girl name Gayatri, then Lord Brahma married the girl after her purification and performed the ritual. Because of this, the first wife of Lord Brahma: goddess Savitri got angry and went to the top of the hill. That is why this temple is on the hilltop. Then a peace-talk took place, which resulted in an agreement that the first wife of Lord Brahma, the goddess Savitri, shall always be worshipped first, then the goddess Gayatri. People have been performing the same tradition for ages.
This mythological story tells one more interesting fact that though this temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Savitri, The Goddess Gayatri is also worshipped over there after Savitri. You can find the idols of both of the goddesses over there. It shows one of the most prominent cultural values of Rajasthan: Equality between the male and female. Once you reach, you will get to know more about Indian and especially Rajasthan's vibrant culture.
This mythological story tells one more interesting fact that though this temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Savitri, The Goddess Gayatri is also worshipped over there after Savitri. You can find the idols of both of the goddesses over there. It shows one of the most prominent cultural values of Hinduism: Equality between the male and female. Once you reach, you will get to know more about Indian and especially Rajasthan's vibrant culture.
The temple is situated on the top of the hill of Ratnagiri at the height of 720 meters. Earlier, a series of stairs was the only way to cover the 720 m from the ground, but recently a ropeway has been constructed, which is becoming a more popular way to reach Savitri Temple. Covering the distance between the ground and the premises of Savitri temple with stairs is not possible for everyone as the stairs is quite steep, but now because of the ropeway, it became possible and easy for everyone to get there within 6-7 minutes. It gives a further boost to the tourist inflow. The ropeway became famous because it is the only one in the entire district of Ajmer.
Because this temple is on the prime height, you can have an extensive view of the Pushkar. It overlooks the whole city. Removing footwear when you enter the temple, you will witness the beautiful idols of Goddess Savitri, which are as old as the 7th century AD. However, it is quite interesting and astonishing that the temple was built in the early 20th century.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit this temple is in the winters that begin from the month of October and last at the end of March. The winter season is also the festive season in the entire India. Therefore, if you visit during winters, you can enjoy some of the most exciting festivals of India. The Pushkar fair is one of them, which lasts for 4 to 5 days. During Pushkar Fair, the entire city of Pushkar turns into the most bustling place for various activities. Therefore, winters are the best time to visit not only this temple but also the entire city of Pushkar.
If you visit in the evening before the sunset, which is the best time to visit Savitri Temple, your journey to the Pushkar can become more enjoyable. You can have an exclusive view of the sunset and enjoy the changing color of the sky in the evening with the gradual sunset. This entire place turns into a picturesque spot during the sunset. You may capture each and every beautiful moment of nature. It will also be worthful, if you visit during sunrise, as this Ratnagiri hill is known for both sunset and sunrise.
It is said that a visit to Brahma temple is not complete without visiting the Savitri temple. The natural beauty and the highest religious significance make it a must-visit place in the sacred city of Pushkar.
How to reach
The Savitri temple is in the Pushkar city of Ajmer district, Rajasthan. Therefore, to visit there, you need to reach Pushkar first. You may use these three ways for the same.
By Bus - If you could not find the bus for Pushkar, you can get a bus for Ajmer. Then you can quickly get there by bus.
By Train - You can only Ajmer from anywhere in India. Then either hire a taxi or get the bus for Pushkar.
By Air - After arriving at the nearest airport that is Kishangarh Airport, You can hire a taxi either for Pushkar or directly to the Savitri Temple. It is all up to you.
If you are in Pushkar and want to get to the Savitri Temple, then hiring a personal vehicle is the best option.
Other places to visit in Pushkar
Though there are many places to visit and multiple things to do, some are must-visit. Such as-
Brahma Temple - It is the only temple in the world, which has the highest religious significance, devoted to the creator god Brahma.
Rangji Temple - It is one of the most prominent centers of faith in Pushkar, constructed the year 1823. This temple is dedicated to Vaikuntha Venkatesh, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Gurudwara Sahib - It is the famous Gurudwara in the entire Ajmer district. One of the peaceful places in Pushkar.
Pushkar Lake - According to Hindu theology, this lake is the most sacred in Pushkar. People take a holy dip to get rid of sins and skin diseases.
