Bikaner is a city in the north Indian statecustom writers of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It’s surrounded by the Thar Desert. The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits. Nearby, the Karni Mata Temple is home to many rats considered sacred by Hindu devotees.
This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujrat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort. A contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jehangir, he held a very high rank in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner the Imperial court. As a reward for this services as military commander, he was granted fields of Gujrat and Burhanpur by the Emperor.
A summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ‘an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert’. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace.was granted fields of Gujrat and Burhanpur by the Emperor.
Situated en route to Jodhpur , the temple is dedicated to Karni Mata -an incarnation of Durga. The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble carvings that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singhji 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.
This temple is oldest existing structure in Bikaner. The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them. This marvel piece of architecture is dedicated to 23rd teerthankar “PARSVANATH JI”.The seth was very particular about every penny in his personal life but when it came to religious point he ordered hundreds of maunds of Ghee (Clarified Butter) and coconuts to be freely used in the foundation.
155 km²
41°C, Wind W at 18 km/h,
21% Humidity
644,406 (2011)