Tourist Places Of Bikaner
JUNAGARH
Built in 1593 A.D. the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within.
These palaces, made in red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of countryards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.
The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. It is approached through the Karan Poal which is the main entrance. Among the palaces of interest are Anop mahal, Ganga niwas and Rang mahal or palace of pleasure. The Anoop Mahal is famous for its gold leaf painting. Har Mandir- a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace has exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the palaces. Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb.The other important parts are Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
Established near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner in 1937, this Museum now run by the Government of Rajasthan, was shifted to a new building in the Civil lines in 1954. It is having one of the richest collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid master pieces of Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. Some principal sections of the museum are:
– Maharaja Ganga Singh Memorial
– Local Arts and Crafts
– History
– Sculpture, Terracotta and Bronzes.
– Armory
– Miniature Paintings and Folk-Arts
– Dr. L.P. Tessitori Memorial Section.
– Lithoprints of the British interpretation of the war of Independence 1857
Bhandaser Jain Temple
The 15 century Temple,is the oldest and distinct monument of bikaner dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji,the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain Religion.The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings..The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.Pure ghee (butter oil) and coconuts were reported to have been used in laying the foundation. Carved in red sand stone and white marble – its famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artistically designed statues.
Laxmi Nath Temple
Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical monument has special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi – have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries
Shiv Bari Temple
Built by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.
This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors especially on mondays.
Kolayat temple
51 Km from Bikaner on highway leading to Jaiselmer From Gajner its an easy drive to Kolayat – an old pilgrimage centre where Kapil Muni of the vedic fame is believed to have shed his body under a peepul tree.Kolayat has a series of charming marble temple, sandstone pavilions and 32 ghats (bathing places) built around a huge artificial lake which never goes dry.
Here one can see sadhus and pilgrms taking a holy dip, surrounded by the vast emptiness of a timeless atmosphere and the golden desert. On Karthik Purnima day a grand fair is held in which devotees from all over the country come to take a holy bath in the lake.
A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) Kapil Muni sat in meditation near lake. Muni was propounder of Sankhya Philosophy The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when the thousands of devotees gather in a large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake( Kapil Sarovar) on the full moon day. Lake is considered to have the effect of washing off the sins of devotees. A cattle fair ,especially for the trading of camels is a part of he festivities.The town is connected to Bikaner by road as well as rail.
Deshnok-KarniMata Temple
30 Km south from Bikaner on the road of Jodhpur, stands a little town-DESHNOK , is known for the shrine of Karni Mata, who is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She blessed Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner in establishing his kingdom and since then she was also worshiped as the tutelary deity of the erstwhile Bikaner dynasty.
The temple is unique as the rats called Kabas, are venerated here and the shrine is a sanctuary for them. It is believed that these Kabas carry souls of future Charans/bards (children of the goddess) who inhabit the town of Deshnok. These Kabas are held sacred and they move freely in the temple precincts. It is considered highly auspicious. It is considered highly auspicious to sight a white Kaba.
The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble carvings. The most attractive feature of temple are the rodents who scamper freely within the premises and if one touches your feet its considered auspicious. They are regarded sacred and devotees buy prasad (feeding) to offer to them.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace has often been described as ‘ an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert’. Palace stands on the embankment of a lake . The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars,jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.