Pilgrimage tourism in the district of Bikaner is a most fulfilling experience. The district abounds in a number of temples, some of them built in ancient times. The different places of leisure tourism in the district of Bikaner are discussed below.
Bhandaser Jain Temple is a 15th century temple, the oldest and most distinct monuments 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 Lakshminath temple in 1540 A.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 - it is famous for its carvings, wall paintings, structural beauty and artistically designed statues. It is located at a distance of 5 Kms from Bikaner district.
The 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. Apart from being a popular tourist spot, it is a historical monument as well and therefore has a special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archaeological skills of the artisans of the time. Statues of deities- Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and a half centuries.
The Shiv Bari Temple was built in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has four-faced black marble statue of Lord Shiva 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.
The Ratan Behari temple is a splendid temple building made of white marble. It is a fine example of Indo-Mughal architecture, situated on K.E.M Road, near Junagarh Fort. The temple was built by the 18th ruler of Bikaner state, in 1846 A.D. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple has a floor made of marble.
The Kolayat temple is situated 51 Kms from Bikaner on the highway leading to Jaisalmer. It is an old pilgrimage centre where Kapil Muni of the vedic fame is believed to have shed his body under a peepul tree. Muni was known for propounding the Samkhya Philosophy. Kolayat has a series of charming marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 32 ghats (bathing places) built around a huge artificial lake which never goes dry. Here one can see sadhus and pilgrims 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. Cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivities.
30 Kms south from Bikaner, on the road of Jodhpur, stands a little town-Deshnok. It is known for the shrine of Karnimata, 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 Karnimata 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 to sight a white Kaba. The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble carvings.
These are the various places of pilgrimage tourism in the district of Bikaner.
