Rani Bhatiani Temple, located on the Nakoda Balotra road in Jasol, is dedicated to Goddess Mata Rani Bhatiyani. The temple has been constructed using materials that originally belonged to a Jain temple of Khed. It also has many scriptures that were brought from Khed. The temple is famous for the miraculous blessings that are showered upon the followers by Goddess Mata Rani Bhatiyani. It is thronged by the devotees all through the year.
About Barmer
Barmer is named after its ruler Bahad Rao Parmar who once reigned this portion of the state. It is considered as a city of temples and historical structures because of which many tourists, as well as archeologists, have been interested in taking a trip to Barmer. The city has got a touch of rural life, ancient monuments, and scenic views that are worth capturing in a camera. It's one of the most famous tourist attractions of Barmer.
Vankal Mata Temple
There is an interesting story behind the establishment of this temple. It’s said that when King Vikramaditya of Ujjain visited Baluchistan for a battle, he prayed to Hingalaj Devi to accompany him back to the city. The Goddess agreed on a condition that the king was not allowed to look back and he agreed.
However, on his way, an illusion caught him in a trap and he had to turn back to find his way. That’s when Hingalaj Devi vanished from the site. Later, the devotees built at a temple at the same site. It’s said that the neck of the idol is tilted and hence it’s known as Vankal Mata Temple in the local dialect.
Rani Bhatiyani Temple
Legend has it that Rani Bhatiyani was born as a princess of a small kingdom in Jaisalmer and her name was Swarup. She was married to Rajput Prince Kalyan Singh. However, Kalyan Singh wanted to get rid of her to marry another woman. So, he spread a rumor about his own demise in a battle but in reality, his brother had died in the battlefield. As it was a practice for the widows, she obliged to commit Sati.
Even when she came to know about the conspiracy, she jumped into her brother-in-law’s funeral pyre. Soon after her death, Kalyan Singh’s clan was struck by calamities and then he decided to build a shrine for the princess to bring peace to the family. He erected a shrine in Jasol to honor his deceased wife. This temple is located 5 kms away from Balotra Railway Station.
Monuments in Barmer
Occupying an area of 28,387 sq. km, Barmer is among the larger districts in Rajasthan. Being in the western part of the state, it includes a part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is to the north of this district while Jalore is in its south. Pali and Jodhpur form its eastern border and it shares a border with Pakistan in the west. Partially being a desert, this district has a large variation in temperature. The temperature in summer can rise up to 51 °C and falls to 0 °C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After travelling a length of almost 500 km, it passes through Jalore and merges in the marshy land of Runn of Kutch.
In 12th century this region was known as Mallani. It’s present name was give by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 kms from present city of Barmer. After Parmer’s, Rawat Luka -Grand Son of Rawal Mallinath, establish their kingdom in Juna Barmer with help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna & made it their capital. Thereafter, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, established the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD and shifted his capital to Barmer from Juna. He build a small fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. The estate of Barmer was hereditary bhumia Jagir (independent principality), being an alloidal vassal state of Marwar (Jodhpur) in Rajputana Agency and as against the other Nobles, Jagirdars and Chiefs of Jodhpur State who hold land on condition of regular services being rendered, the Rawat owes nominal allegiance and offers service only during emergencies.
Once a camel trade route, This area is rich in craft that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints. Several festivals are held in Barmer, Most important being the Mallinath Cattle festival which is held at Tilwara village in remembrance of Rawal Mallinath who was founder of Mallani Pargana.
