Shri Ramdev Temple, Ramdevra
A wonderful pilgrim centre which symbolises national
unity and communal harmony as devotees of all religions come here
to pay homage.
The majestic Shri Ramdev temple at Ramdevra, Runicha, 13 kms from
Pokram in Jaisalmer district, houses the shrine of Ramdev. He is
believed to have been incarnated on earth for the benefit of
humanity and was born in the houses of Ajmalji in the Tomar
Rajput family.
Since childhood, he performed many miracles ans won the hearts of
the people. He also performed a miracle before him. He is also
believed to have killed a domon called Bhairav.
Ramdevji chose Ramadevra as the place where he attained a Samadhj
and went into a divine state of meditation. Nevertheless many
people claim to have seem him on horse-back.
Fairs are held here twice a year when people flock to the temple
and chant the glory of Ramsa Pir, so that their prayers may be
answered. Many cultural events are also organised during this
fair.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok
The Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is dedicated to an
early fifteenth century mystic who was considered to be a
reincarnation of goddess Durga.The specially of the temple is that it is inhabited by legions of
brown rats which scurry around the complex without aby fear. The
rats are believed to be respositories of the souls of dead
charans, the traditional bards.
Devotees offer milk, grains and sweets to these rats during the
time to aarti. There are so many rats on the floor that people
have to watch where they step. Sighting a while mouse is
considered auspicious. It is believed that the Maharaja of
Bikaner had a vision in which the goddess asked him to protect
the rats and for this reason, there is bronze wiremesh across the
temple.
Bikaner's ruler Ganga Singh had the whole temple built in marble.
The domes of the temple are made of silver and gold. The manadap
and the panels above the image are also golden. Devotees place
offerings in silver and gold when their prayers are answered.
The elaborate works on the main gate of the temple is a tribute
to the fine craftsmanship of the artisans of those days. On the
occasion of Navratri, this temple hosts a fair which attracts
hordes of pilgrims from places far the near.
