Barmer
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, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area.
Although a barren land with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts. dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town is now the centre for wood carving, pottery. carpets, intricate embroidery work, block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes. Especially famous are the geometric ajrak prints in dark shades ~f 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 A1arch, the desert town is at its colourful 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 interest 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 Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler 'of Bahadmera (now, Barmer) are also worth a visit.
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
are of 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 guards the complex.
Other temples nearby include temples of Brahma, Bhairav, Mahadev and a Jain temple.
Jasol: Once a principal state of Mallani, 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 were brought
from a Jain temple of Lord Mahaveer.
A Vishnu temple is also worth visiting.
GARDENS 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 chohatan 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 imd 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 HOW TO GET THERE
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: Kailash Sarovar Hotel, Tel. : 20730; Krishna Hotel, Tel. : 20785; Hotel Khartal (RTDC); Circuit House, Tel. : 20727; Dak Bungalow, Tel. : 20064; Seva Sadan Dharamshala, Tel. : 20327; Jain Dharamshala, Tel. : 20413; Ranchhore Dharamshala, Sindhi Dharamshala.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Banks/Money Changers: State Bank of India, Station Road, Tel. : 20382; State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Sadar Bazar, Tel. : 20026; Bank of Baroda & Bank of Rajasthan Ltd., Ghandhi Chowk. Tel. : 20024 & 20094; Central Co-operative Bank, Station Road, Barmer, Tel. : 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.-S"at.)
Tel. : 02982-20065 & 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. (Mon.-Sat.) Tel. : 02982-21443. Phonogram Tel. : 02982-20185.
Important Telephone Numbers :
Collector & District Magistrate, Tel. : (0) 20003, (R) 20004;
Superintendent of Police, Tel. : (0) 20005, (R) 20006;
Police Station, City Kotwali, Tel. : 20 I 00 ;
Police Station, Sadar, Barmer, Tel. : 20774.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 15 Sq. Km.
Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 43° C Winter: 26° C
Mean Min. Summer: 27.7°C Winter: 10° C
Rainfall: 28 cms.
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Woollen
Best Season: August to March
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
* Note : Toughness: Moderate
