Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Pushkara included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Puṣkara
General information.
This is a holy place situated 36 Kilometres to the north of Ajmer. Brahmā once did penance there. There is a temple of Brahmā there. Padma Purāṇa gives a story about the origin of this tīrtha:—
Once Brahmā came to a place holding a lotus. Then Brahmā saw Vajranābha who was engaged in penance for the destruction of the devas. Suddenly the lotus in the hands of Brahmā fell down making a thundering noise. The sound was so loud that its vibrations killed Vajranābha. From that day onwards the place was known as Puṣkara.
Other details.
(i) Arjuna spent the period after his pilgrimage in this tīrtha. (Śloka 14, Chapter 220, Ādi Parva).
(ii) Once sage Pulastya praised the greatness of Puṣkara. (Śloka 20, Chapter 82, Vana Parva).
(iii) Sage Dhaumya praised the greatness of Puṣkaratīrtha. (Śloka 16, Chapter 89, Vana Parva).
(iv) Once the god of death came and did penance at this place. (Śloka 26, Chapter 54, Droṇa Parva).
(v) Once Brahmā performed a Yāga at this place and then Sarasvatī rose up from the place in the name of Suprabhā. (Śloka 5, Chapter 38, Śalya Parva).
(vi) If one performs penance at this place peacefully one can attain mokṣa. (Chapter 297, Śānti Parva).