If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA.The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert"or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
Bikaner is a versatile place and the presence of quite a number of Bikaner Temples make it an ideal location for a pious vacation. Many of the Bikaner Temples are reflections of the glorious past. There are a number of temples in Bikaner, which add to the list of travel attractions in Bikaner.
The wonderful architectural piece was built between 1588 -1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571 - 1611 AD) , a general in army of Mughal emperor, Akbar. The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) is main entrance to the fort. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.A measure feature of Junagarhfort is the superb quality of the stone carving-it rivals the best anywhere in the world. Among the places of interest are the Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace, with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is decorated with glass and mirrors.
The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions.The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this color full Palace.
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.The Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to a 15th century local saint who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga
Erected in the 19th Century, this Bikaner Temple was built by Dungar Singhji. The biggest attraction of this Temple is the four faced marble statue of Lord Shiva and Nandi made of Bronze. The temple has a beautiful wall panting of Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam. This is located on the way to the camel town.The Shiv Bari Temple attracts the maximum number of visitors during the month of February. Besides, the temple is always crowded on Mondays when the local populace visit the temple.
Devi-kund, the Royal crematorium, is a world class example of architectural marvels of Historical India. Devi-kund is the site of royal cenotaphs (called Chattri in the local language) of the Bikaji Rathores, the great rulers of the Bika dynasty. Reflecting the Rajputana architectural style, the Devi-kund chattris steal the hearts of tourists.There are several chattris,Each Chhatri is dedicated to the memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated.
Shri Sadul Museum is located at Lalgarh Palace, the red sandstone palace located in Bikaner. It is housed in the Ganga Niwas, which covers the entire first floor of the palace. The museum displays a unique collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and old photos depicting royal hunts.Shri Sadul Museum is about 3 km from Bikaner Junction Railway Station and 2 km north of downtown area.
The Ganga Singh Museum is very popular among the visitors to the district as it has a number of archaeological specimens. These specimens are believed to belong to the Harappan age and the early part of the Gupta period. According to the archaeologists, these articles throw light on a number of dark areas of the history of India.
