Savitri Mata Temple
& Ratnagiri Hill

Overview

Rising dramatically above the western edge of Pushkar town, Ratnagiri Hill (also called Ratnagiri Parvat) stands at approximately 750 meters above sea level. The hill is home to the Savitri Mata Temple, dedicated to Brahma's first wife Savitri, who — angered by his second marriage — climbed this very hill and refused to descend.

For pilgrims, climbing the hill is an act of devotion to Savitri. For travelers, it offers the single best panoramic viewpoint in Pushkar — the entire lake, the white-walled town, and the golden Aravalli desert stretching to the horizon.

Mythology & Significance

To honor her position as Brahma's first wife, local tradition dictates that the first morning aarti (prayer) of Pushkar is performed here at sunrise, even before rituals begin at the main Brahma Temple below.

The Legend of Savitri & Gayatri

Lord Brahma was scheduled to perform an important yagna (holy ritual) in Pushkar. Because Savitri was late to arrive, Brahma had to marry a local girl named Gayatri to complete the ceremony on time.

The Curse & The Retreat

When Savitri arrived and saw another woman in her place, she became furious. She cursed Brahma, declaring that he would never be worshipped anywhere else on Earth except in Pushkar. After delivering the curse, she retreated to the top of Ratnagiri Hill to live in solitude.

Inside the inner sanctum, you will find idols of both Savitri and Gayatri, though Savitri is always worshipped first.

Ropeway vs. Hiking Trail — A Comparison

Ropeway Guide

The Pushkar Ropeway (also called the Savitri Mata Ropeway) is operated by Rajasthan Tourism. The cable car journey takes approximately 8 minutes each way, offering bird's-eye views of the lake and town from angles impossible to reach on foot.

• Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last car 7:45 PM)
• Frequency: Runs every 10–15 minutes. No advance booking needed
• Capacity: 8 passengers per gondola
• Recommendation: Book the last ropeway of the day (7:30 PM) for city light views

The Hiking Trail — 1,000 Sacred Steps

The traditional stone staircase begins near the Old Rangji Temple on the western edge of Pushkar town. The path winds steadily upward through a series of switchbacks, with small shrines and resting points scattered along the route.

• Trailhead: Near Old Rangji Temple — ask any local for "Savitri Mata ki paidi" (Savitri's steps)
• Distance: Approximately 1.2 km one way
• Difficulty: Moderate — steep in the final third. Not recommended in sandals
• Water: Carry at least 500ml. No vendors on the trail itself
• Note: Monkeys are very common and active on this hill. Keep your sunglasses, water bottles, and bags secure inside your backpack, and do not feed them.

Sunrise & Sunset — The Golden Hours

The hilltop platform faces both east and west, making Ratnagiri Hill exceptional for both sunrise and sunset. The morning light illuminates the lake in molten gold while the mist still clings to the valley below. At sunset, the entire western sky turns a blazing palette of saffron and crimson over the desert.

For sunrise, begin the hike by 5:00 AM (approximately 60 minutes before first light). For sunset, arrive at the summit by 5:30 PM — the platform fills up quickly on weekends.

Savitri Mata Temple

At the summit, the small but beautifully decorated Savitri Mata Temple houses a marble image of Savitri in her meditative form. Pilgrims offer red chunris (cloth coverings) and fresh flowers to the goddess. The presiding priest conducts a simple puja for visitors who request it.

• Entry is free. Donations welcome
• Remove footwear before entering the temple courtyard
• A second smaller shrine on the summit is dedicated to Gayatri — the goddess who took Savitri's place at Brahma's side

Essential Visitor Details