Apteshwar Temple is a Lord Shiva temple in the vibrant town of Pushkar.
Legend has it that the temple was built by Lord Brahma himself, who had a momentary lapse of judgment and insulted Lord Shiva in the form of a tantric mendicant with a skull in his hand. In a fit of rage, Shiva filled the yagna area with skulls until Brahma realized his mistake and apologized to Lord Shiva. As a gesture of gratitude, Brahma established the Apteshwar Temple next to his own, which has been a significant religious attraction in Pushkar ever since.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is adorned with a magnificent Linga with a copper snake coiled around it. Devotees flock to the temple to offer Bel leaves, pour milk, dahi, ghee and honey over the Linga, and seek blessings for their wishes to be fulfilled. Unmarried girls perform these rituals to find an ideal husband.
The temple is not just a place of worship, but also a masterpiece of white marble architecture that showcases numerous sculptures and carvings depicting various Hindu deities. The five faces of Lord Mahadev represented in the temple signify the five elements of nature, and the fifth face pointing skywards symbolizes purity and spiritual progress.
If you’re planning to visit Pushkar, the Apteshwar Temple is a must-visit destination. You can reach the temple by taking a rickshaw or a leisurely stroll on foot. Make sure you drop by during the Shivratri festival, which is celebrated here with great enthusiasm and greatness.