While driving to Jaisalmer, our driver Navalji asked us whether we would like to visit Ramdevra temple. We immediately agreed thinking it would be yet another ancient temple dedicated to Rama Devaru / Lord Rama. But we were surprised to find that it is a temple dedicated to a saint called Ramdevra, whom we had never heard of! We are indeed blessed to have visited this place where thousands of people belonging to both Hindu and Muslim faith congregate to pay their respects.
12 Km to the north of Pokhran is a village called Ramdevra in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. Baba Ramdevji, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint took Samadhi in 1459 AD, at the age of 33 years in this village. The village is hence named after the baba / saint. A temple was built around the Samadhi by King Ganga Singh of Bikaner in 1931 A.D.
The Hindus consider the baba to be a reincarnation of Lord Krishna. Baba Ramdevji’s powers were heard far and wide and five pirs / Sufi masters from Mecca came to Ramdevra to test the baba. They were convinced beyond their imagination and they paid homage to him. Hence, he is held in high esteem by the Muslims and they call him Ramshahpir or Ramapir. Baba Ramdevji believed in equality of human beings and granted wishes to the poor and down trodden.
A tank known as Ramsar tank is near the village, which is believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev. There is also a large step well, the Parcha Baori situated nearby.
There is a shrine inside the temple dedicated to Daali Bai, a devotee of Baba Ramdev. There is a bangle structure constructed in concrete known as Daali Bai Ki Kangan / Daali Bai’s Bangle. It is believed that if you crawl out of the bangle and tie bangles near the shrine your wishes will be fulfilled.
The Ramdevera Fair is held here during August – September, which attracts large number of devotees. Many bhajans and kirtans / devotional songs are sung by devotees to pay homage to the Baba.
There are many shops lined on either side of the path leading to the Samadhi / Temple selling flowers, coconuts, sugar and decorated toy horses to offer to Ramdevpir. The horse is offered because the baba liked riding horses.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Ancient Temple / Samadhi
Situated: Ramdeora / Ramdevra, Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan
Distance: 12Km from Pokharan
Transport: Well connected by road, Government buses ply from Pokharan and other major cities
Facilities: Small restaurants and rest room available, Staying options are better in Pokharan
