BARMER

INDIA’S FIFTH LARGEST DISTRICT

Occupying an area of 28,387 sq. km, Barmer is among the larger districts in Rajasthan. Being in the western part of the state, it includes a part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is to the north of this district while Jalore is in its south. Pali and Jodhpur form its eastern border and it shares a border with Pakistan in the west. Partially being a desert, this district has a large variation in temperature. The temperature in summer can rise up to 51 °C and falls to 0 °C in winter. Luni is the longest river in Barmer district. After travelling a length of almost 500 km, it passes through Jalore and merges in the marshy land of Runn of Kutch.

In 12th century this region was known as Mallani. It’s present name was give by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 kms from present city of Barmer. After Parmer’s, Rawat Luka -Grand Son of Rawal Mallinath, establish their kingdom in Juna Barmer with help of his brother Rawal Mandalak. They defeated Parmers of Juna & made it their capital. Thereafter, his descendant, Rawat Bhima, who was a great warrior, established the present city of Barmer in 1552 AD and shifted his capital to Barmer from Juna. He build a small fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. The estate of Barmer was hereditary bhumia Jagir (independent principality), being an alloidal vassal state of Marwar (Jodhpur) in Rajputana Agency and as against the other Nobles, Jagirdars and Chiefs of Jodhpur State who hold land on condition of regular services being rendered, the Rawat owes nominal allegiance and offers service only during emergencies.
Once a camel trade route, This area is rich in craft that include wood carving, pottery, embroidery work and ajrak prints. Several festivals are held in Barmer, Most important being the Mallinath Cattle festival which is held at Tilwara village in remembrance of Rawal Mallinath who was founder of Mallani Pargana.

BARMER FORT & GARH TEMPLE

Rawat Bhima build a Barmer fort in 1552 AD at hillock in present city of Barmer when he shifted old Barmer (Presently JUNA village in Barmer Dist) to present city. He build a fort on top of the city which is also known as Barmer Garh. Hill of Barmer fort is 1383 feet but Rawat Bhima build fort at height of 676 feet which is safer place than top of hill. Main entrance of Fort (Prole) is on North direction, Safety Burg are made on east & west direction. Boundary wall of fort was ordinary due to natural wall protection of hill. This fort is surrounded by temple on all sides. This Hill of Barmer Fort has two important religious places; Top of the hill is temple of JOGMAYA devi (Garh Mandir) which is situated at height of 1383 & at Height of 500 feet there is Nagnechi Mata temple, Both temples are very famous and have fair during Navratra festivals. Rest area is residence of former royal family of Barmer.

RANI BHATIYANI TEMPLE

Rani Bhatiyani Temple is located in Jasol. She is especially worshipped by the Manganiar bard community as she is said to have given a divine vision to a Manganiar. Many also refer to this goddess as Majisa or mother and sing songs in her honour. Legend says that the goddess was a Rajput princess called Swarup before she became a goddess.

JUNA FORT & TEMPLE

Juna is old Barmer it was main city build by Bar Rao but during Rawat Bhima rule they shifted Barmer to new place where present city stands and Juna remains as ruins of past glory and old heritage. It is 25 Kms from Barmer and is known for its Jain temple and old fort. According to inscriptions on a stone pillar near the temple, it was built in the 12th or 13th century. Juna is surrounded by hills and also a small lake.

CHINTAMANI PARASNATH JAIN TEMPLE

This temple is known for magnificent sculptures and spectacular ornamental paintings. The interior part of the temple also features rich inlay work made with glass. The temple was constructed by Shri Nemaji Jivaji Bohra in the 16th century and lies on top of a hillock in the western part of Barmer city.