Inside Pushkar's Temple Where 52 Forms of Bhairav and 64 Jogania Mata Idols Stand Together

About 16 kilometres from Ajmer, Pushkar's 52 Bhairav Temple houses self-manifested idols of 52 forms of Bhairav and 64 Jogania Mata together, a site devotees link to a legend of Lord Shiva appearing before two Aghoris in 52 divine forms.

About 16 kilometres from Ajmer in Rajasthan lies the pilgrim town of Pushkar, a place already known worldwide for its sacred lake and its temple to Lord Brahma. In the same town stands another shrine with its own distinct legend, the 52 Bhairav Temple, where idols of 52 forms of Bhairav and 64 Jogania Mata are enshrined together in one complex, a combination that has made it a major centre of faith for devotees.

As unique as the temple of Lord Brahma
Temple priest Garv Parashar says that just as Pushkar is home to the world's only well known temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, this shrine is regarded as the sole temple of its kind for the 52 forms of Bhairav. The presence of 52 Bhairav idols alongside 64 Jogania Mata idols within the same complex is what gives the temple its special religious standing, and devotees see it as a rare and unusual site.

Self manifested idols and a 500 to 600 year old legacy
According to the priest, every idol of the 52 Bhairav and the 64 Jogania Mata installed in the temple is swayambhu, meaning none of them was carved or installed by a sculptor, they are believed to have emerged on their own from the earth. The temple's history is estimated at around 500 to 600 years, and worship has continued here without interruption since then. Even today the Parashar family carries that inherited tradition forward, looking after the temple's daily service and rituals.

Belief in fulfilled wishes and freedom from addiction
The priest explains that people facing repeated obstacles in marriage, or couples hoping for the joy of children, come here and place their prayer before Bhairav Baba. Devotees firmly believe that a wish made with a sincere heart is granted at this temple. The shrine also carries another unusual custom, in which people seeking to break free from addiction offer liquor or other intoxicants to the deity as part of their prayer. It is believed that by Bhairav Baba's grace, a person gradually moves away from the habit and their life turns toward a better, more positive direction.

The penance of two Aghoris and Shiva's 52 forms
Temple legend holds that long ago, two Aghoris performed intense and prolonged penance at this very spot, the kind of austere sadhna practised within the Aghori tradition. Pleased by their years of devotion, Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before them directly in 52 forms of Bhairav. That divine event is what turned the site into a place of special religious significance, drawing devotees here over time. Priest Garv Parashar says several generations of his family have worshipped at this temple, and he himself has been serving it regularly for the past six to seven years.

What this means for you
• Across India: Devotees of Shiva and Bhairav from across the country now have another major pilgrimage stop in Pushkar for prayers related to wishes and freedom from addiction.
• In Ajmer-Pushkar: Locally, the temple helps drive religious tourism and footfall in the town, which in turn creates livelihood opportunities for people nearby.

Questions & Answers

1. Where is the 52 Bhairav Temple located?
It is located in the pilgrim town of Pushkar, about 16 kilometres from Ajmer.

2. How many Bhairav and Jogania Mata idols does the temple have?
It houses 52 Bhairav idols and 64 Jogania Mata idols together.

3. What is special about the idols?
All 52 Bhairav and 64 Jogania Mata idols are believed to be swayambhu, meaning they emerged on their own from the earth.

4. How old is the temple?
According to the priest, the temple is estimated to be around 500 to 600 years old.

5. Who conducts worship at the temple?
The Parashar family has served the temple for generations, with priest Garv Parashar currently overseeing it.

6. What unusual custom is followed at the temple?
Devotees seeking freedom from addiction offer liquor or other intoxicants to the deity here.

7. What is the legend behind the 52 forms of Bhairav?
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared before two Aghoris in 52 forms of Bhairav after being pleased by their years of penance.

8. How long has priest Garv Parashar been serving the temple?
He has been regularly serving the temple for the past six to seven years.

https://trendkia.com/en/religion/pushkar-ke-isa-mndira-men-eka-satha-virajate-hain-52-bhairav-aura-64-jogania-mata-aghori-ki-tapasya-se-juri-hai-kahani-11829
TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.