Bhairav Temple

Kodamdesar Bhairu Ji Temple was built by Rao Bika Ji, the founder and ruler of Bikaner (1472-1504 AD), who belonged to the royal family of Jodhpur. He left Jodhpur in 1465 AD to establish Bikaner State and built this temple during the first three years of his arrival from Jodhpur. This place of worship was initially chosen as the site to lay the foundation of Bikaner, but was later shifted to its present location.

Kodamdesar Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairon Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Born out of Bhruguti (the place in between the two eyebrows), Lord Bhairon Ji was the fierce form of Lord Shiva. One of the first establishments by Rao Bika, the Kodamdesar Temple is a unique place to visit. The Temple is completely open, having no rooms and doors. There is only a huge idol of Bhairon Ji at the centre. The entire floor is built of white marble. One can see the presence of a number of dogs in the temple complex. There is pond behind the temple.

This temple is the location for the Bhadrapad Fair, which sees local artisans and craftsmen flock to the place. The temple is visited by newly-wedded couples for seeking Lord's blessings. New born babies are also brought here for Mundan (first hair-shaving ceremony).

History of Bhairu ji Temple
Rao Bika ji, the ruler and founder of present Bikaner built this temple in 1465AD. He wanted to expand his kingdom and build his palace around this temple. However under the guidance of his advisors then he gave up on the idea and shifted base to what is present location today.

The story of this stone idol as narrated by a pujari there is: A devotee wished to bring Lord Bhairav’s idol to his hometown from Mandore in Jodhpur. Moved by his devotion Lord Bhairav agreed. He was instructed not to place the idol on ground and if he did so he will never be able to lift the idol back. The devotee carried the idol from Mandore. However on his way back to hometown he was tired and forgetting the instruction decided to rest for a while. He placed the idol down. That was it! He realised his folly and try as hard as he could the idol stayed rooted there.
Several years later when Rao Bika ji arrived in Janglabad (old name of Bikaner) he built this temple around the idol. However no roof or walls were built around it.

Bikaner Tourism

Bikaner Tourism is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect about Bikaner are the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the north-east down to the southern area. Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok called the Rats Temple.