Bhartrihari Temple Alwar is situated nearly 30 km from the city. Huge number of devotees from across the country comes to the temple with the belief that all their wishes will be fulfilled at this temple in Alwar. The temple has derived its name from Bhartrihari Baba, who was the ruler of Ujjain.
Some of the legends associated with the temple are that Bhartrihari Baba left his kingdom to become a saint. Several years later, he went to his wife and asked her something to eat in the form of alms. He became immortal by eating the fruit given by his wife. Devotees believe that Bhartrihari Baba was gifted with saintly powers. He once prayed to God for many years to bring water to the city that experienced acute shortage of water in those days. God was so pleased with his prayers that a stream of water emerged from a rock. It is also believed that Bhartrihari Baba buried himself alive and the temple is built on his grave.
The Bhartrihari Temple is located very close to the world famous Sariska National Park. One can reach the temple very easily by a private or hired car that is easily available from the city. It takes nearly one hour to reach the temple from Alwar Monuments.
Bhartrihari Temple Alwar is famous both among the locals and also devotees from all over the country round the year. Even today the devotees believe that if one prays with a pure heart the Baba accepts their prayers.
History
There are many myths about the Maharaja Bhartrihari Temple Alwar. Some believe there was a Brahman in the city of Ujjain who meditated for years and received the fruit of immortality from the Kalpavriksha. The Brahman gifted to the then King of Ujjain, Bharthari. King in turn gave it to his wife, Rani Pingala. The fruit was passed by her to her beloved who was another official of the state of Ujjain.
The official gave it to his wife Lakha who loved the King and gave it back to him. The King ate the fruit and became immortal. But getting back the gift, Maharaja Bharthari realized his wife’s disloyalty towards him and in his grief gave up his kingdom and became a sadhu in search of salvation.
Another story says that Raja Bhartrihari Temple Alwar on his way back from hunting saw a woman sacrificing her life by jumping into her husband’s pyre. Maharaja Bharthari also wanted to test his wife’s devotion. So the next time he went for a hunt, a messenger upon the king’s request brought back news of his death to Rani Pingala. She died on hearing the news itself. When King Bharthari came to know this, he was shattered. In his grief, he gave up the worldly luxuries and became a monk Alwar Tour.
The king became a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath. He meditated here in Rajasthan and prayed to God for water. His sincerity and devotion was answered by God and rivulet appeared from rock underneath. Baba Bharthari as he was known later had buried himself live in the place where the temple stands today.
Disciples of Baba Bharthari have kept a lamp alight ceaselessly. In addition, a Dhuni (fire place) has been kept blazing constantly by the sadhus.
Best time of visit
October to March is in general the best time to visit Rajasthan. This spot may however be visited in the rainy season as well.
How to reach Alwar?
One of the major reasons for Alwar to grow into a top tourist destination is its conveyance system. The enhanced transportation of the city has removed the questions like how to reach Alwar. The place is very well connected to roads and highways. You can take your vehicle to reach the temple.
