Bikaner Temples

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.