Pap Mochini Temple in Pushkar is located on the Northern peak of the city. This is considered to be the sacred temple of Hindus where all sins are absolved. The temple is dedicated to “Gayatri” the Gujjar girl whom Brahma married to perform a Yagna instead of waiting for his wife Savitri. The temple is also known as Gayatri Peeth. The temple offers the most spectacular and panoramic view of Pushkar Town. There is also a mythological association to this temple. Lord Krishna once cursed Ashwathama, a character in the Indian Epic, Mahabharata, to roam about in the earth for Three Thousand Years. In order to seek salvation, his soul comes to the Pap Mochini Temple in Rajasthan once in a year.
Presided by the deity Ekadashi Mata, the Pap mochani temple is believed to provide respite to followers from their cardinal sins. 'Pap' in Sanskrit means 'sin'. There are also a number of beliefs attached to the temple. In ancient India, it was believed that killing a Brahmin is an unforgivable sin. It would be a sin even if one does it unknowingly. Hence, people who had committed that crime often used to come to the Pap mochani temple to get a respite from the sin. It was believed that Goddess Ekadashi Mata was the only one who can free her devotees from such catastrophe.
The temple also has other mythological association. In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna once cursed Ashwathama to roam for three thousand years around the earth. Ashwathama came to the Pap mochani temple in order to seek salvation. These various beliefs had imparted a great religious significance to the temple. As a result, thousands of devotees come to the temple with a belief that a visit to the temple will give hem a respite from all their sins.
However, the Pap mochani temple is equally attractive to those who don't believe in all these notions. The marvelous architecture of the temple is enough to draw their attention and make it a worthy visit. The various features of the temple's architecture provide a deep insight into Hindu architecture. On one side of the temple there is lake which is used by visitors to take a sacred dip. On the other side of the temple, there is the Sandy Mela Ground. Hence, a visit to the Pap mochani temple will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The visit will not only provide you an opportunity to get close to the various beliefs of Hindu religion but will also add a lot of value to your Pushkar visit. Rajasthan offers you online information about Pap mochani Temple in Pushkar.
