A VESTIBULE OF ART AND CRAFTS

A tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its colours, warnth and tradition.

According to history, the 13th century founder of the distrist, Bahada Rao (popularly known as Bar Rao) gave the town its name – Barmer i.e., the hill fort of bar.Once called Mallani (12th century A.D.) the present Barmer district, formed in 1949 upon the merger of Jodhpur state in the United States of Great Rajasthan, Is a cluster of ancient paraganas – Mallani Shiv, Pachpara, Siwana and the Chohatan area.

Although a barren land with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is nown for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town is now the centerfor wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate embroidery work, block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes.Especially famous are the geaometric ajrak prints in dark shades of red and blue, ideal for protection against the sun.

The most interesting part of a trip to Barmer is the journey through rural Rajasthan. The small villages with mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs and colourfully attired people on the way offer a fascinating sight.

Every year in March, the desert town is at its colourul best during the exuberant Barmer festival. The festival is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer.

PRIME SITES

Barmer : Perched on a rocky hill, the town has ruins of an old fort. Of interset are a temple dedicated to Balark (the Sun) and the ancient ruins of Juna Barmer. The three Jain temples, an inscription of 1295 A.D. and a massive pillar in the hall of the largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri Samnta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Bahadmera (now, Barmer) are also worth avisit.

Kiradu : Situated on the foot of a hill near village Hathma in Barmer tehsil is Kiradu. The inscription dating back to 1161 A.D. reveals that the place was called Kiratkoop and had once been the capital of Punwars. The ruins of five ancient temples – one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other four dedicated to Lord Shiva – areof interest to archaeologists and art lovers, alike. The biggest of these temples is the Someshwar Temple.

Khed : Rao Siha, the founder of the Rathore clan alongwith his son (Asthanji) conquered Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and planted the standard of the rathores.An old Vishnu temple of Ranchhrji is surrounded by a crumbling wall and an image of Garuda (the eagle) at the gate gaurds the complex. Other temple nearby include temples of Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple.

Jasol : Once a principle state of Mallni, this ancient village has got its name from the descendants of a Rathore sub-clan. A Jain temple and a Hindu temple are worth visiting. The Hindu temple is ornamented with fine sculptures which wre brought from a Jain temple of Lord Mahaveer.

Meva Nagar : Once called Viranipur, this 12th century village lies on the slope of a hill called Nagar-ki-Bhakarian, 9km away from Baletra. The village has three Jain temples. The biggest of these is the one dedicated to Nakoda Parsvanath. A vishnu temple is also worth visiting.

GARDEN AND PARKS

Mahaveer Park : Mahaveer park is a beautifully laid out park with a tiny museum housing ancient stone carved statues.

Safed Akhara : (Sidheswara mahadev Temple Complex) is a tiny yet pretty garden near Barmer. Temporary accommodation and cooking facilities are available.

Neemari : Neemari is another picturesque garden on chhatan route, 23 km away from Barmer. An old swimming pool is an attraction.

Shopping : A veritable shopper’s paradise, Barmer is treasure trove of vibrantly coloured embroidery with excellent mirror work. Also famous are beautifully embroidered fabrics and pouches often patterned with tiny mirrors. Traditional rugs, blankets, shawls, carpets, ‘Pattius’ Dari in typical Barmer colours and weave are a speciality of the district.

The shopping spots include the tiny shops along the narrow lanes of the colourful and lively Sadar Bazar.

FESTIVE FUN

Tilwara Cattle Fair (March – April) : A major cattle fair lasting a fortnight, held in village Tilwara.

Nakoda Parasvanath (Dec.– Jan) : The festival held in Mevanagar village commemorating the birth anniversary of Parasvanath.

Veeratara Mela : Held at Veeratara (12 km from village chohatan) the fair venerates goddess Vakaldevi and is held thrice a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada and Magha.

Khed Fair (Aug – Sep) : A big religious fair held on Purnima (full moon) in village Khed.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air : Nearest airport, Jodhpur.

Rail : Connected with Jodhpur.

Some important train connections are :

• 4808 Barmer Express (Barmer – Jodhpur)
• 4898 Barmer Express (Barmer – Jodhpur).

Road :

• State Roadways, Tel. : 20199
• Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation connects Barmer with all major cities in the state.

The Bus stand is situated near Railway Station and Tilak Bus Stand connects Barmer with Jodhpur

• Balotara, Jalore (Via – Siwana)
• Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad (Via – Sanchore)
• Abu, Udaipur and other places.

 

WHERE TO STAY :

Hotels	Phone no.
Kailash Sarovar Hotel	20730
Krishna Hotel	20785
Hotel Khartal (RTDC)	20727
Dak Bungalow	20064
Seva sadan Dharamshala	20327
Jain Dharamshala	20413
Ranchhore Dharamshala
Sindhi Dharamshala

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Banks/Money Changers :

Bank nams	Address	Phone no
State Bank of India	Station Road	20382
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur	Sadar Bazar	20026
Bank of Baroda & Bank of rajasthan Ltd.	Ghandhi Chowk	20024,20094
Central Co-operative Bank	Station Road, Barmer	20046

Guides : No particular guide facility available at present except information service (guidance) of Information Centre & National Informatics.

Post and Telegraph Offices : Post Office, Railway Station & Head Post Office, Mahaveer Nagar.

Timings :

10.00 to 16.00 hrs (Mon – Sat.)

Phone no. :

02989-20065 & 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. (Mon.-Sat.) Tel. : 02982-21443.

Phonogram Tel. : 02982-20185.

Important Telephone Numbers :

Collector & District Magistrate	(o) 20003, ( R) 20004
Superintendent of Police	(o) 20005, ( R) 20006
Police Station, City Kotawali	20100
Police Station, Sadar, Barmer	20774

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area	15 sq. km.
Climate	Mean Max.	Mean Min.
Summer	43.00 C	270C
Winter	26.00 C	100C
Rainfall	28 cms.
Best Season	August-March
Clothing
	Summer	Light Tropical
	Winter	Woollen
Languages	Rajasthani,Hindi,English