Manibandh Shakti Peeth

Overview

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

About the temple

The place, where Goddess Sati’s two manivedikas-wrists fell, is known as Manivedika Temple. Idol was later installed in the temple, is called Gayatri Devi. There are two idols here; one is of Devi sati, called as Gayatri. The other idol in this temple is of Lord Shiva, known as Sarvananda (meaning 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 Gayathri 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 grandeur of this holy structure.

About the Deity

The main deity is Goddess Gayatri Devi / Aadi Shakti in Durga form.

Legend and stories

According to the history, Daksha who is the father of Goddess Sati insulted Lord Shiva and Devi Sati. He did not invite them to Daksha Yagna. Goddess Sati did not get the permission of Lord Shiva and went to the Daksha Yagna. Her father insulted her and her husband; grieving Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the Yagna's sacred fire. On hearing this, Lord Shiva was furious and he started to dance to destroy the universe. To prevent this, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Sati with his Chakra. It was placed in 52 different parts of the world. The Manibandh Shakti peeth in Pushkar (near Ajmer) is said to be the place where the wrist of the Goddess is said to have fallen.

Festivals

Pushkar Mela is the major attraction here and large number of national and international visitors flock this place. Navratri that falls two times in a year- once in the month of March or April and other in September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the most important festival here. Navratri is celebrated 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 out during these days.

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

Significance

Manibandh Shakti Peeth of Devi / Aadi Shakti in the form of Durga temple is devotees Belief and Faith is the Goddes resolves domestic issues and fulfills wishes.

Nearby Place To Visit

Brahma Temple
Pushkar Lake
Savithri Temple
Panch Kund Shiva Temple
Papa Mochini Temple
Rangji Temple

Accessibility

Air

Nearest airport is in Jaipur and both national and international flights are available at this airport.

Road

Buses directly ply to Pushkar from major cities of Rajasthan.

Railway

Although there is no direct train to Pushkar from major station but from Jaipur you will get lot of trains plying to this place.

Address

Kharekhari Road,
Pushkar Rural,
Rajasthan 305005