Savitri Temple, Pushkar

The Savitri Temple crowns Ratnagiri Hill above Pushkar, around 16 km from Ajmer, at a height of about 750 feet. It honours Savitri and Gayatri, the consorts of Brahma, and Savitri is believed to grant wisdom and learning. From the top there are views over Pushkar Lake and, in the distance, Ajmer.

The Bangar family rebuilt the present structure early in the 20th century, but its idol of Savitri is said to go back to the 7th century. A story in the Skanda Purana tells how Brahma, waiting at the lake for Savitri before a ritual, married another bride to finish it in time; on arriving, Savitri cursed him to be worshipped only at Pushkar. For this reason the aarti is offered at the Savitri Temple before the one at the Brahma Temple. Pilgrims climb some 650 stone steps or take the ropeway, and early morning, for the sunrise, is the favoured time.