Kodamdesar Bhairu Ji Temple was built by Rao Bika Ji, the founder and ruler of Bikaner (1472-1504 AD), who belonged to the royal family of Jodhpur. He left Jodhpur in 1465 AD to establish Bikaner State and built this temple during the first three years of his arrival from Jodhpur. This place of worship was initially chosen as the site to lay the foundation of Bikaner, but was later shifted to its present location.
Kodamdesar Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairon Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Born out of Bhruguti (the place in between the two eyebrows), Lord Bhairon Ji was the fierce form of Lord Shiva. One of the first establishments by Rao Bika, the Kodamdesar Temple is a unique place to visit. The Temple is completely open, having no rooms and doors. There is only a huge idol of Bhairon Ji at the centre. The entire floor is built of white marble. One can see the presence of a number of dogs in the temple complex. There is pond behind the temple.
This temple is the location for the Bhadrapad Fair, which sees local artisans and craftsmen flock to the place. The temple is visited by newly-wedded couples for seeking Lord's blessings. New born babies are also brought here for Mundan (first hair-shaving ceremony).
History of Bheruji Temple in Bikaner
Rao Bika ji, the ruler and founder of present Bikaner built this temple in 1465AD. He wanted to expand his kingdom and build his palace around this temple. However under the guidance of his advisors then he gave up on the idea and shifted base to what is present location today.
The story of this stone idol as narrated by a pujari there is:
A devotee wished to bring Lord Bhairav’s idol to his hometown from Mandore in Jodhpur. Moved by his devotion Bhairav Nath agreed. The devotee was instructed not to place the idol on ground and if he did so he will never be able to lift the idol back.
The devotee carried the idol from Mandore. However on his way back to hometown he was tired and forgetting the instruction decided to rest for a while. He placed the idol down. That was it! He realised his folly and try as hard as he could the idol stayed rooted there.
Several years later when Rao Bika ji arrived in Janglabad (old name of Bikaner) he built this temple around the idol. However no roof or walls were built around it.
