The Manibandh Shakti Peeth Temple, honoring Goddess Gayatri in Pushkar, Rajasthan is one of the 51 sacred shrines known as Shakti Peeth. It’s rumored that her wrist fell to this very location on Gayatri hills near Pushkar and 11 km from Ajmer. The temple stands close by to the renowned Bramha temple located 5-7km away.
The area where the manivedikas, or wrists of Goddess Sati, fell is famously known as the Manivedika Temple. Here lies two divine idols – one being Devi Sati and fondly referred to as Gayatri; while other being Lord Shiva called Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). The name ‘Gayatri’ itself translates to Saraswati, regarded in Hindu culture as knowledge’s goddess. To this day it remains an ideal spot for performing Gayatri Mantra sadhana. The temple is constructed on a hill and made of stones on which various idols of gods and Goddess are engraved. The art and architecture of the temple is commendable and the huge pillars show the grandness of this holy structure.
Pushkar Mela is one of the most renowned attractions, drawing a huge influx of locals and international tourists alike. Additionally, Navratri – which occurs twice in any given year between March/April and September/October according to the Hindu calendar – is another celebrated event here that lasts for nine days. During this time period, some people abstain from consuming soil-derived items; special ceremonies also take place throughout these 9 days.
Shivaratri is celebrated with exuberance, and on this day, people observe a fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam to show their devotion and offer ‘Bail’ (a type of fruit) to God. Across India are 51 Shakti Peetas; 4 are referred to as Adi Shaktipeeths while 18 recognized as Maha Shakti Peethas. Among these revered pilgrimage sites lies Manibandh Shakti Peeth Temple in Pushkar Rajasthan.
Lord Brahma, desiring to please Shakti and Shiva, conducted a sacred yajna from which the Mother Goddess emerged. To show his gratitude for her assistance in creating the universe, Brahma decided to return this divine energy back to Lord Shiva. As such, Daksha–Brahma’s son–performed numerous yajnas with the sole purpose of welcoming Sati into their family as she embodied Shakti’s power. Despite being content with Sati marrying Lord Shiva early on, Daksha refused an invitation for him at one of his own ceremonies afterwards; however upon hearing Sati’s plea that she visit her father once more before returning home to be by Shiva’s side again he gave permission reluctantly yet lovingly so that they may reunite after many moons apart. Insulted by Daksha, Shiva was overcome with rage and grief. Sati felt such disdain for her father’s disrespect towards her husband that she immolated herself, leaving Shiva to seek vengeance as the destructive Veerabhadra, demolishing the yagna and slaying Daksha in his wrathful form. As a reflection of his sorrow-filled state he wandered throughout Aryavartha carrying Sati’s body; this anger and sadness transformed into an ethereal dance of destruction known as Tandav. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Air
Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, which is widely connected to the other major cities of India.
By Rail
There is no direct connectivity via Railways to Pushkar, but one can reach the railway station in Ajmer and take a bus or taxi to Pushkar.
By Road
The state is broadly connected to the other states of the country via roads. Buses and taxis are also accessible to reach the temple.
