Ref: Dr. J. Murli Manohar
Asst. Prof. Ophthalmology

Bikaner - The City of Sand And Sand - Dunes

It was the year 1488 A.D. (1545 V.S.) when Rao Bikaji laid the foundation of BIKANER. Prince Bikaji the son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, realizing that a struggle for his paternal inheritance was unlikely to bear fruit, decide to chart out his own destiny. Bikaji accompanied by his paternal uncle assembled a strong force of young warriors which proved to be powerful in the hazardous desert. They went straight Deshnok to pay their homage and obtain blessing of Karni Mata a mystic reincarnation of Goddess Durga. Karniji blessed him with fame and prosperity and assured him. Thus Bikaji deafeted all his opponents and founded the city of Bikaner. Then onwards on every Akshay Dwitiya (Locally known as AKHA BEEJ) a special dish (locally known as Khichara & Amli) prepared in every home and on next day means Akshay Tritiya kite festival is celebrated all around.

Bikaner has provided a galaxy of able rulers, of them like Maharaja Raisingh and Karan singh won important fame in battles, Prithviraj and Anoop singh were great scholar & Maharaja Ganga singh who built the Gang canal was a great administrator.

SIYALE SIKAR BHALO, UNALE AJMER, NAGANO NIT RO BHALO, SAWAN BIKANER

Means in winter Sikar is best place, summer Ajmer, Nagaur is evergreen and the Bikaner is the best to visit in rainy season. Despite the harsh living condition and constant battles, art, culture and literature flourished in many ways. It is well known for articles made up of camel hide, woolen item, wood and leather products. Moreover it is universally accepted truth that the mouth watering taste of RASAGULLA & BHUJIA can freak anybody out.

IMPORTANT PLACES TO SEE

DESHNOK KARANI MATA TEMPLE

30 Km. away in south the place known as Deshnok, where the world famous rat temple KARANIMATA TEMPLE is situated- Maa Karani a mystic and an incarnation of goddess Durga who is a symbol of power. An interesting feature here is that the temple offers a heaven to rats, as they are believed to be incarnated as future bards. Today she along with thousand of rats who roams freely in temple permits is revered here. This strange mode of worship owes to the belief, that the soul of her devotees are housed in those rats and consequently they must be protected and well feed. The carving on the main gate of the temple are worth watching.

KOLAYAT

This ancient place of pilgrim lies 50 km, away from Bikaner on Jaisalmer highway. The temple here dedicated to Kapilmuni is the site of a fair in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov). Thousands descend upon this ancient town to bath in the holy water of Kolayat.

GAJNER

The Gajner palace having a lake, was the summer resort for the kings. Gajner is widely known for the Siberian birds and the wild life sanctuary. One can see the beautiful bucks and chinkaras.

 

KODEMDESAR  

It is well known for Bhaironji temple. The surrounding look exquisitely beautiful in rainy season when the lake is full and greenery abound.

DEVIKUND SAGAR

Devikund sagar is a royal crematorium with various cenotaphs of the house of Bikaji Rathore. Many decorated chhatris have been built in memory of the rulers of the Bika dynasty, in which Maharaja Surat Singh chhatri is entirely made up of white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on it.

JUNAGARH FORT

This elegant fort built by Raja Rai singh in 1513 A.D. having 37 palace, temple and pavallians. It took eight years to complete. Surajpole or sun gate is the main entrance of the fort. Harmandir is the majestic chapel where the royal wedding, birth were celebrated. The places to see inside are Anoop mahal, Karan mahal, Dungar niwas, Rang mahal and Chandra mahal. All these are ornate with mirror work, carving and painting.

LALGARH PALACE

Lalgarh palace was built by Maharaja Ganga singh to commemorate his father Maharaja Lal singh. Design by sir Swinton Jacob this red stone masterpiece is a fine blend of oriental facade and occidenal interior. There is a collection of old photographs and trophies exhibited in the banquet hall. The sprawling lawn are dotted with dancing peacocks and blooming Bougainvillea. The main part of this palace now run as hotel. The Shiv vilas is still retained by royal family. The most architect part of art with fine engraving portion called Laxmi Vilas now converted into hotel.

BHANDESWAR AND SANDESWAR TEMPLE

These unique, extant monuments of an aesthetic heritage, were built by two jain brothers in 14th century and are named after them. The rich mirror work, decor, frescos, gold leaf painting are noteworthy. These Jain temples are devoted to 23rd Jain Tirthankar Parshvanathji.

GANGA GOLDEN JUBILLE MUSEUM

This museum has a amazing collection which reflects the love for art and literature of the rulers of Bikaner. This museum has a rich collection of pottery, paintings, carpets, terracotta, armory, coins, artifacts of preharrpan civilization, the Gupta and Kushanera and sculptures of late classical item. Maharaja Anoop singh brought cartloads of rare books and manuscripts from all over the country along with thousands of bronze statues.

INDIRA GANDHI CANAL

It is the second largest canal in the world. This canal fulfilled the dream of Maharaja Ganga singh who blue printed the whole project and was keen to see the water reaching this part of the desert. Just 13 km away from Bikaner one can see the lift canal of Husangsar and can feel the romance of water in desert.

CAMEL BREEDING FARM

This unique typical camel reserach and breeding center is only one of its kind in Asia. It is situated 8 Km away from Bikaner. One can see the thick camel milk while listening to a Raika or Rebari, a camel breeder's tribe telling you about the camels and camellore and how they are breed. Bikaner camel crops was a famous fighting force and still maintains it importance in desert. The gamboling baby camels make a very enchanting sight.               

HAVELIS TEMPLES

This desert city has many attractive havelis which are built of red stones and adorned intricate carving. The best to see is the Rampuria haveli which is situated inside the city. Temples worth while to see are Laxminath temple, Ratanbihari temple, Nagnechi & Shvivbari temple

CAMEL FESTIVAL

Camel festival is regarded as a unique celebration highlighting camel and culture heritage of northern Rajasthan. The camel enthrall the spectators with their stunning feats and natural grace and the festival sways to the sound of joyous music. Dancing camel glorious Gorbandh dance and camel safari expedition in the desert invites many tourist to explore Bikaner. This festival is organized by the state government and includes splendid events e.g. camel dance and humpy, camel race, neck shaking etc.