Karni Mata
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| Karni Mata |
Rajasthan is a vibrant state encircled by the Thar Desert and innumerable tourist spots spread across its cities. Sometimes tourists are in a fix as to decide on selected tourist spots to visit as there is no end to the list of sightseeing places. Bikaner is a popular tourist spot with palaces, havelis, forts, monuments, museums and of course temples or religious spots. The temples in Bikaner are a favourite with tourists in India and worldwide, especially Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Laxminath Temple, Shiv Bari Temple, Bhandasar Jain Temple and the list continues
Laxminath
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| Laxminath |
Possibly
the oldest temple in Bikaner, Laxminath Temple’s foundation coincides
almost with the foundation of the city as in 1488 AD, the inception
stone for the city was laid temple by Rao Bikaji, the Rajput warrior. A
mausoleum with intricate architectural precision and beautiful
artisanship, the Laxminath temple was commissioned by Rao Lunkaran
between 1504 and 1526 and is a masterpiece.
Bhandasar Jain
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| Bhandasar Jain |
Bikaner
is famous for the Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bhandreshwar area spanning
two storeys dedicated to Shri Sumatinath (fifth Jain Tirthankara and
founder of the Jain sect). Erected by the affluent businessman Bhandasa
Oswal in 1468, the temple was completed after his death in the year
1514. The temple’s ornate architecture in red sandstone along with
vibrant walls, floral designs, decorated ceilings and dancing figurines
create a heavenly ambience. The interiors houses the idol of
Sumatinath measuring 2 feet atop a pedestal seated on a silver throne
surrounded by colorful portraits and ornamented gold leaf designs with
marble pillars depicting floral trinkets. The storeys have small shrines
housing the deities of 24 Jain Tirthankaras and the altar of Sumatinath
is stunning covered in porcelain tiles. The second storey offers a
spectacular view of Bikaner city and travelers visit this temple from
faraway places to witness the splendid artwork and pay homage to the
deity.
Shiv Bari
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| Shiv Bari |
The temple is situated at a distance of 6 kilometers from Bikaner and visited by tourists and devotees who come to worship the deity of Lord Shiva. Shiv Bari Temple was commissioned by Maharaja Dungar Singh of Bikaner in 9th century to commemorate his father Shri Lal Singh’s death. The temple’s architecture is marvelous and the red sandstone imparts a heavenly look along with the 4 faced Shiva idol made from black marble housed in the sanctum.
Kolayatji
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| Kolayatji |
The temple is surrounded by 32 bathing ghats on the banks of Kolayat Lake (an artificial reservoir) and is situated on the Jaisalmer-Bikaner Highway, 51 kilometers from Bikaner. Constructed to worship Saint Kapil Muni Kolayatji, the temple looks resplendent in red sandstone and white marble. It is believed that Saint Kapil Muni achieved salvation or Moksha under a Banyan Tree at Kolayat and visitors consider taking a dip in the sacred lake will wash away their sins as the lake never dries up. A fair is held on the premises of the temple in the month of November during Karthik Purnima. The temple remains open from 6:00am in the morning till 7:00 pm in the evening.
Kodamdeshwar
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| Kodamdeshwar |
Situated on the Bikaner-Jaisalmer Highway at a distance of 24 kilometers from Bikaner city, the temple is a unique creation constructed by Rao Bikaji who founded Bikaner. Upon his arrival from Jodhpur in Bikaner, Rao Bikaji founded the temple in contrary to laying the foundation stone of the city. The Kodamdeshwar temple is an exception as it does not have any doors or walls, but a deity of Lord Bhairon or Shiva atop a white marble pedestal.
