Savitri Temple Pushkar

Pushkar is surrounded on three sides by hills, with one of the prominent hills being Ratnagiri, located to the southwest. Ratnagiri is the highest hill in the area and houses the temple of Goddess Savitri, the estranged wife of Brahma. The Savitri hill rises approximately 750 feet above the surrounding landscape, making it a significant landmark.

Pilgrimage to Savitri Hill

The pilgrimage to the Savitri hill is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. It is known to be strenuous and challenging, and it is believed that the harder one tries to reach the temple, the more tapas (spiritual heat generated by penance) is gained. This arduous climb is seen as a form of devotion and penance.

Mythological Background

When Brahma performed a yajna (sacrificial ritual) at Pushkar, Savitri, due to certain circumstances, could not arrive at the site on time. As a result, Brahma performed the yajna with a local girl named Gayatri, who became his second wife. This act angered Savitri, and she retreated to the hilltop. An agreement was then made that Savitri would always be worshipped first, followed by Gayatri. This tradition continues to this day, with the first arti (ritual of worship) being performed at the Savitri temple and then at the Gayatri temple.

Savitri Temple

• Idols and Installation: The idols of both Savitri and Gayatri are now installed at the Savitri temple. The idols of Savitri are believed to date back to the 7th century AD.
• Temple Construction: The temple itself was built by the Bangar family in the early 20th century.

The Savitri temple stands as a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage of Pushkar, reflecting the reverence for Savitri and the mythological stories associated with her. The pilgrimage to the temple is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one, embodying the values of devotion, penance, and the continuation of ancient rituals.