BARMER

A Vestibule Of Art & Crafts

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

According to history, the 13th century founder of the district, Bahada Rao (popularly known as a Bar Rao ) gave the town its name - Barmer i.e., the hill fort of Bar.

Once called Mallani (12th century AD) 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 tough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town in now the centre for wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate emboidery work, block printed fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes

Especially famous are the geometric 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 colourfull best during the exuberant Barmer festival. The festival is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

CITIES
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 incription of 1295 AD and a maassive 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 incription dating back to 1161 AD 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 along with his son (Asthanji) conquered Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and planted the standard of Rathores.

An old Vishnu temple of Ranchhriji 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 Mahavir.

Meva Nagar : Once called Viranipur, this 12trh century village lies on the slope of a hill called Nagar - Ki - Bhakarian, 9km away from Baltra. The village has three Jain temples. The biggest of these is the one dedicated to Nakoda Parsvanath. 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 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 region. The shopping spots include the tiny shops along the narrow lanes of the colourful and lively Sadar Bazaar.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

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 Parsvanath.
Veeratara Mela : Held at Veeratara (12 Km from village Chohatan) the fair venerates goddess Vakladevi and is held thrice a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada and Magha.
Khed Fair (Aug.-Sep.) : A big religious fair is held on the day of full moon in village Khed.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air : Nearest airport is Jodhpur
Rail : Barmer is well connected by train with Jodhpur.
Some important train connections are :
4808 Barmer Express (Barmer-Jodhpur);
4898 Barmer Express (Barmer-Jodhpur)
Road : 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), Mt. Abu, Udaipur and other places.

PLACES TO STAY

Hotel Khartal (RTDC); Circuit House, Dak Bungalow and numrous Dharamshalas are available in Barmer fro accommodation.

NEARBY CITIES

Jodhpur: 150-km (approx.)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Banks /Money Changers: State Bank of India, Station Road, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Sadar Bazar, Bank of Baroda & Bank of Rajasthan Ltd., Gandhi Chowk, Central Cooperative Bank, Station Road, Barmer

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 am to 4:00 pm (Monday to Saturday)

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