Bikaner
Temples
Rajasthan is a land of myths and legends. It's a treasure trove of
garrisons and castles, customs and traditions, fairs and festivals and
ethnic wear and cuisines. Little wonder that there is a crucial religious
aspect attached to it all. Temples also abound in the state, and perhaps in
every single town and city you would observe the fervour and spirit of
devotees who take spirituality as a way of life.
Lying at a distance of 256 km from Jodhpur, Bikaner is attractively
dispersed with a number of ancient Jain Temples, the Deshnok Temple or the
Karni Mata Temple being the cynosure of all the temples that exist.
Bhandeswar &
Sandeswar Temples
The Jain Temples, that were built by two brothers - Bhandeswar and
Sandeswar - around the 14th century, are beautified with brilliantly
coloured murals, something uncommon with the other Jain shrines in the
country. The ornate walls do not, in any way, go against the sanctity of the
temples. The piety of the place is maintained as ever.
Dedicated to the 23rd Jain Teerthankar, Parsvanathji, the temples are named
after the brothers- the Bhandeswar Temple and the Sandeswar Temple. While on
the one hand, the Bhandeswar Temple remains embellished with exquisite
mirror work, on the other the Sandeswar Temple is adorned with
conventionalised enamel and gold leaf paintings. Built in red sandstone, the
Bhandeswar Temple also displays, apart from gold leaf work, sculpted pillars
and wonderful floral patterns. The Sandeswar Temple abounds in marble
sculptures of Jain saints.
Deshnoke or Karni Mata Temple
The
Karni Mata Temple stands showcasing the Mughal style of architecture. Built
by Maharaja Ganga Singh, the Deshnok Temple boasts of lavishly ornate
panels, bedecked doorways, colonnades and pavillions. The sanctum sanctorum
of the temple enshrines the image of Karni Mata, a manifestation of Ma Durga
after he beheaded the demon Mahishasura. Domes of the temple are made in
silver and gold. Devotees, when there prayers are heard, offer gold and
silver.
One major attraction at Deshnok is the Karni Mata Fair, that sees hordes of
devotees and worshippers flowing in from all over the state and the country.
Held twice a year in the months of Vaishakha (April/ May) and Kartika
(October/ November), the fair at the same time reminds that the devotees do
not take the Deshnoke Temple as only a temple but as a truth and a crucial
part of their lives.
Getting There
Bikaner remains well connected by both rail and road routes to the major
destinations in and outside the state. Jodhpur, at a distance of 245 km, is
the closest airport from here. Buses and taxis are available throughout the
state connecting the key destinations.
Local Modes of Transport
Taxis, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the local modes of transport
available.
