Ramdevra Mandir: A Sacred Shrine of Baba Ramdevji in Rajasthan

Ramdevra Mandir is a sacred temple dedicated to Baba Ramdevji, a folk deity of Rajasthan who is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. The temple is located 12 km from Pokhran on Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Road and attracts millions of devotees every year. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, attractions and activities of Ramdevra Mandir and share some personal experiences of visiting this holy place.

Location

Ramdevra Mandir is situated in the village of Ramdevra, which was named after Baba Ramdevji. The village is located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and has a dry and hot climate. The nearest town is Pokhran, which is famous for being the site of India’s nuclear tests. The nearest city is Jaisalmer, which is about 120 km away and is known for its golden sandstone fort and havelis.

Accessibility

Ramdevra Mandir is easily accessible by road from Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. There are regular buses and taxis available from both the cities to Pokhran and then to Ramdevra. The nearest railway station is Pokhran, which is connected to major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. The nearest airport is Jodhpur, which is about 180 km away and has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc.

Accommodation

There are many options for accommodation near Ramdevra Mandir. There are dharamshalas and guest houses run by the temple trust that provide basic facilities at nominal charges. There are also some hotels and resorts in Pokhran that offer comfortable rooms and amenities at reasonable prices. Some of the popular ones are:

Attractions

The main attraction of Ramdevra Mandir is the samadhi (tomb) of Baba Ramdevji, which is located inside the temple complex. The samadhi is made of marble and has a silver canopy over it. It is decorated with flowers and lights and has a statue of Baba Ramdevji sitting on a horse. Devotees offer prayers and offerings to the samadhi and seek blessings from Baba Ramdevji.

Another attraction near the temple premises is the Ramsagar Talab, a large water tank built by Baba Ramdevji himself. The tank is filled with water from an underground spring and provides water to the villagers and animals. The tank also has a small island in the middle where there is a temple of Hanuman.

Apart from these, there are some other temples and shrines in and around Ramdevra Mandir that are worth visiting. Some of them are:

• Shri Rani Bhatiyani Temple: A temple dedicated to Rani Bhatiyani, the wife of Rao Ganga Singh who built the temple of Baba Ramdevji.
• Shri Kalu Balu Temple: A temple dedicated to Kalu Balu, two brothers who were devotees of Baba Ramdevji and helped him in his mission.
• Shri Laxminath Temple: A temple dedicated to Laxminath, an incarnation of Vishnu who was worshipped by Baba Ramdevji.
• Shri Bhaironath Temple: A temple dedicated to Bhaironath, a form of Shiva who was also revered by Baba Ramdevji.

Activities

One of the main activities that visitors can do at Ramdevra Mandir is to attend the aarti (worship ceremony) that takes place every morning and evening at the samadhi of Baba Ramdevji. The aarti is accompanied by bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (chants) that praise the glory of Baba Ramdevji. The atmosphere during the aarti is very serene and spiritual.

Another activity that visitors can do at Ramdevra Mandir is to participate in the annual fair that takes place during August-September every year. The fair is held to commemorate the death anniversary of Baba Ramdevji and lasts for about two months. The fair attracts lakhs of devotees and visitors from different parts of India and abroad. The fair is a colorful and vibrant affair that showcases the culture and traditions of Rajasthan. There are various stalls that sell handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, food, etc. There are also cultural programs that feature folk dances, music, puppet shows, etc. There are also camel rides, horse races, wrestling matches, etc. that add to the fun and excitement of the fair.

Safety

Ramdevra Mandir is a safe and secure place to visit. The temple trust and the local administration ensure that proper arrangements are made for the safety and comfort of the visitors. There are CCTV cameras, security guards, fire extinguishers, etc. installed in and around the temple premises. There are also medical facilities, drinking water facilities, toilets, etc. available for the visitors. However, visitors should also take some precautions such as:

• Avoid traveling alone or at night.
• Carry enough cash and valuables with you and keep them in a safe place.
• Beware of pickpockets and touts in the crowded areas.
• Respect the local customs and traditions and dress modestly.
• Do not litter or damage the temple property.

Cost of Living

The cost of living at Ramdevra Mandir is very affordable and reasonable. The temple trust provides free accommodation and food to the devotees who come to visit the temple. There are also some cheap and budget-friendly options for accommodation and food near the temple premises. The average cost of living per day at Ramdevra Mandir is as follows:

Local Hospitality

The local hospitality at Ramdevra Mandir is very warm and welcoming. The people of Ramdevra village are very friendly and helpful towards the visitors. They treat them with respect and kindness and offer them their services and assistance whenever needed. They also share their stories and experiences of Baba Ramdevji with the visitors and make them feel at home.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Ramdevra Mandir is a place of faith and devotion that has been preserved and maintained by the temple trust and the local community for centuries. The temple trust and the local community have taken various steps to ensure that the temple remains clean, green and sustainable. Some of these steps are:

• Using solar panels for lighting and heating purposes.
• Using biogas plants for cooking purposes.
• Using rainwater harvesting systems for water conservation.
• Using organic farming methods for growing crops.
• Using eco-friendly materials for construction and renovation purposes.
• Organizing cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns for waste management.

Visitors can also contribute to the sustainability and responsible tourism of Ramdevra Mandir by following some simple guidelines such as:

• Do not use plastic bags or bottles and dispose of them properly.
• Do not waste water or electricity and use them judiciously.
• Do not harm or disturb the flora or fauna of the area.
• Do not make noise or create nuisance in the temple premises.
• Do not indulge in any illegal or immoral activities in the temple premises.

Personal Experience

I visited Ramdevra Mandir last year with my family during the annual fair. It was one of the most memorable trips of my life. I was amazed by the beauty and grandeur of the temple and the samadhi of Baba Ramdevji. I felt a sense of peace and bliss as I prayed at the samadhi and attended the aarti. I also enjoyed exploring the other temples and shrines in the temple complex.

The highlight of my trip was attending the fair that was held near the temple premises. It was a carnival-like atmosphere that was full of colors, sounds, smells and tastes. I had a great time shopping for souvenirs, eating delicious food, watching cultural programs, riding camels, etc. I also met some wonderful people who shared their stories and experiences of Baba Ramdevji with me.

I would highly recommend visiting Ramdevra Mandir to anyone who wants to experience the culture, spirituality and hospitality of Rajasthan.

Best Timings

The best time to visit Ramdevra Mandir is during August-September when the annual fair takes place. This is when one can witness the maximum crowd, festivities and celebrations at the temple premises. However, one can also visit Ramdevra Mandir throughout the year as it remains open every day from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.