Gayatri/MANIBANDH SHAKTI PEETH

The Manibandh Shakti peeth in Pushkar is said to be the place where the wrist of the Goddess is said to have fallen. It is located at Gayatri hills near Pushkar and 11 km north-west of Ajmer, Rajasthan and around 5-7 km from the famous Pushkar Bramha temple.

The place, where Goddess Sati’s two manivedikas – wrists fell, is known as Manivedika Temple and the Icon, installed later in the temple is called Gayatri Devi. There are two idols here, one is of Devi Sati and called as Gayatri. The other idol in the temple is of Lord Shiva Known as the Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). Meaning of Gayatri is Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess of Knowledge in Hindu culture. This temple is considered as the ideal place for 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 the star attraction here and it attract the crowd in exorbitant number, both domestic and international as well. Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.

Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’ and during this day, people keep fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam and offers ‘Bail’ (A type of fruit) to the god idol.