A tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its color, warmth and tradition. Once called Mallani (12th century AD) the present Barmer is a district of Rajasthan state, India 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.

Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak. 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. Initially called ‘Bahada-mer’ it was later shortened to Barmer. To the immediate west of the city lie the remains of Juna or Juna Barmer and to the south are the ruins of three Jain temples. There is an inscription dated 1295AD on one of the pillars of the hall of the largest temple at Juna. This mentions a Maharajakula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva ruling Barmer at the time. Being a barren wasteland, the people of Barmer have learnt the hard way that they needed to develop exceptional skills in order to survive. Thriving in this nothingness lies the town of Barmer in Rajastan state, famous for its only asset – the dexterous and creative human skill, to create art, where none was. Although it is a stretch of barren lands with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. One on the ancient camel trade route, the town is now the center for wood carving, pottery carpets intricate embroidery work block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes.

Every year in March, the town is at its colorful best during the exuberant Barmer festival. The festival is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer. The Most Interesting Part of a trip to Barmer is the journey through rural Rajasthan. The Small Village with mud-walled house decorated with delicate folk motifs and colorfully attired people on the way offer a fascinating sight, especially famous are the geometric ajrak prints in dark shades of red and blue , ideal Protection against the Sun.

Barmer district is part of the Great Indian Desert or Thar Desert. Like all other districts in the desert region, Barmer is known for its folk music and dance. The Bhopas (priest singers) are found in Barmer, who compose music in honour of the deities of the region and its war heroes. The other folk musicians come from a community called the Muslim Dholis (drummers) for most of whom this is the only means of livelihood.

History of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer was a beehive of activity till a few centuries ago, and a number of important kingdoms flourished at various times in the district during the medieval age. The chief principalities of Barmer at the time were Khed, Kiradu, Pachpadra, Jasol, Tilwara, Sheo, Balotara and Mallani. It was the Panwara clan which had strong links with the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat, whose sphere of influence extended right across the Barmer region at the time. Later they wrested Mandore, which was the former capital of Jodhpur and held it for a while. Meanwhile, Khed and Mallani districts were captured by the Guhil Rajputs who were ruling over Mewar at the time.

In 1212AD Rao Siha, founder of the Rathore clan, conquered Khed in Barmer district and planted the Rathore flag in the area. The region was regained by the Guhil Rajput Pratap Singh, but was later reclaimed by the Rathore Rao Asthan. Not much is known about the history of Barmer for a while after that until a ruler Tribhuvansi ascended the throne, which led to fratricidal feud with his cousin Mallinath. The ambitious Mallinath (after whom the town of Mallani was later named) sought the assistance of the Sultanate ruling at Delhi at the time and defeated Tribhuvansi’s army in 1374.

Barmer Ruled by Mallinath- A Possessor of Divine Power

After his triumph, Mallinath went from strength to strength, and by the time he died in 1399 the entire region of Barmer was under his sway and was even called Mallani at the time. He was the first ruler of Barmer who was called Rawal, and legend has it that he possessed divine powers and a goddess once appeared before him. How much the people revered him as a demi-god can be ascertained from the fact that there is a temple built in his memory on the shores of the river Luni, near Balotara. After his death, his son Jagmal succeeded him and his descendants came to be known as the Mahechas. But the empire split up into many constituents and they were as many as 18 chiefs at one point of time. Inevitably, with no strong central authority, it was soon conquered by the state of Jodhpur.

Integration of Barmer with Rajasthan State in India

This was the state of affairs, when the British came to Barmer in 1836, and the town was thenrefore governed by a superintendent. Ultimately Barmer was integrated with the state of Jodhpur on 1st of August 1891. Ultimately with Indian independence in 1947, both Barmer and adjoining Jodhpur became part of the state of Rajasthan.

Arts and Crafts of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer in Rajasthan is well known for its handicrafts. All over Rajasthan and around the country, Barmer’s exceptional woodcarvings, carpets, hand printed fabrics, embroidered textiles, and undeniably its simple and friendly people transform the Thar into what's popularly known as the most colourful desert in the world. It is also recognized for its hand painted fabrics locally called ajrakh, block printing, embroidered textiles, carpets and and of late for its intricately carved wooden furniture.

Wood Carving traditions of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

The woodcarving traditions of Barmer in Rajisthan share their similarities with those of Jaisalmer in Rajisthan and Saurashtra in Gujarat. This carpentry and carving community locally known as Mistris converted simple motifs of camels, elephants, flowers, parrots, horses and other geometrical patterns into a vivid and imaginative mix. These skills, though earlier used extensively in architecture for carved pillars, jharokhas (bay windows with a little balcony) and archways have now shifted focus to intricately carved ethnic and European style furniture. This switchover, caused due to the demands of the market and the need for survival, has now flourished into another art form.

Hand Cloth Painting of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer is also famous for its hand painted cloth. It specializes in the exquisitely rich red and blue ajrakh cloth (ajrakh comes from the Arabic word 'azrak' for the colour blue.) This cloth has a long and complex printing process of vigorous beating, successive dipping and polishing sessions. The finest ajrakh is a variety which is printed on both sides. It is worn on special occasions by both Muslim and Hindu leather workers of the Meghwal caste. A garment most women wear in Barmer and all over Rajasthan is the odhani (long scarf), which is locally also called the chundri which literally means a fabric of dotted pattern. Another speciality of Barmer is its exquisitely crafted carpets.

Dance & Music of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

The Thar desert of Rajastan is nothing if not known for its soulful melodies and dance. Like virtually all other districts in the region, Barmer is known for its folk music and dance. Like in Bikaner, the Bhopas (priest singers) are found in Barmer, who compose music in honour of the deities of the region and its war heroes. The other folk musicians come from a community called the Muslim Dholis (drummers) for most of whom this is the only means of livelihood. They sing mainly at festivals and other social occasions to the accompaniment of the Kamayacha (a stringed instrument played with a bow). The other musical instrument popular in Barmer is the algoza (two flutes played together).

Sightseeing and Excursions of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer, a smal town in Rajasthan is famous for its artistry and creative human skills that gave art a new look. The town also showcases numerous travel attractions around its boundaries, that is must a visit on your way to Barmer. Visit the colossal Siwana fort nestling on a hill top, beautifully carved Jain temples, Ranchorrai Mandir, ancient Sun Temple and much more. 

Chintamani Parasnath Jain Temple of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Located in west Barmer, the temple presents a picturesque sight situated atop a small hillock. Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Parasvanath, it was built sometime in the 12th century. The sculptures inside the temple are beautiful, but the really unique feature of the place, are the decorative paintings you find dotting the interiors of the complex. In addition the glass inlay work you find inside the temple lends a majestic air to the place.

Juna Jain Temple of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

About 42 Km from Barmer, perched on a rocky hill, the town has ruins of an old fort which encompasses an area of about 15 sq km. Of interest are a temple dedicated to Balark (the Sun) and the ancient ruins of Juna Barmer. The fort is surrounded by a series of hills, adjacent to which lies a small lake. Between the mountain peaks is a small island known as Juna Barmer which houses a small well. At one time Juna was quite densely populated, but most of its inhabitants migrated from the area. It is believed that the émigrés from Juna established the town of Barmer. The chief claim to fame of Juna is a Jain temple which was built around the 12th or the 13th century. Jain Temple in Barmer is ascertained from an inscription carved on a stone pillar in the hall of the largest temple of Maharaja Kula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Bahadmera.

Rani Bhatiani Temple of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Distance : 158 km from Barmer
Situated on the Nakoda-Balotara road, Jasol was once ruled by the Mallani clan of Rajputs, who held sway over Barmer for a long time. Jasol was their capital, and from the 12th century onwards to the 16thcentury a number of exquisite Jain temples were built in Jasol, most of which are in a state of disrepair now.

The Temple
The major attraction of the town today is the Tour this very ancient temple city to view the magnificent Rani Bhatiani temple. Rani Bhatiani Temple is constructed from materials brought from Khed which originally belonged to a Jain temple dedicated to Mahaveer, their 24th and last prophet. The temple also houses some intricately carved sculptures brought from Khed.

Khed Ranchorrai Mandir of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

A few hundred years ago Khed was the capital of the Rathores of western Rajasthan, whose influence extended over the entire region. It was at the beginning of the 13th century that the Rathore king Rao Sihaji the founder of the Rathore clan alongwith his son (Asthanji) conquered Khed from the Guhil Rajputs and planted the standard of the Rathores.

About 142 Km from Barmer, situated on the banks of the Luni River, the Khed town houses four Hindu temples, the most exquisite of whom are the Ranchor Rai Mandir. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the Preserver in the holy trinity of Hindu gods), the temple houses a mouldering image of a Hindu deity which looks as if it might collapse any minute. At the gate is an image of Garuda (an eagle which is Lord Vishnu’s carrier) which seems to guard the complex. The Hindu temple was in a very decrepit condition a few years ago but extensive repairs have been carried out lately and it has been modernised. Other smaller temples in Khed are dedicated to the other two Hindu gods making up the Hindu holy trinity, Shiva the Destroyer and Brahma the Creator. Also while in Khed, do not omit to seek an audience with Bhuriya Baba and Khediya Baba, the local seers. They will provide you with thoroughly entertaining wisdom and wit at their disposal.

Devka-Sun Temple of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

About 62 km from Barmer and12 km north of Shiv is a tiny hamlet by the name of Devka, also situated on the Jaisalmer-Barmer road. Established in the 12th or the 13th century the major tourist spot in this little village is the Vishnu Temple, famour for its temple architecture.. Nearby lie two more temples in a very dilapidated state. However, still existing in these temples are beautifully carved images of Lord Ganesh (the elephant god and Shiva’s son) on stone. The Devka Sun Temple is also worth paying a visit to.

Siwana Fort of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Distance : 151 km from Barmer
Nearby lies the Siwana Fort, which is not quite comparable to Jaisalmer fort, but well worth a look if you are in the vicinity. This famous fort was built by a famous Panwar ruler Raja Bhoj’s son Veernarayan, who at one stage controlled much of Barmer and had close ties with the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat. Although the fort is a little worse for wear with the passage of time, it still houses a beautiful pond on its premises. If you turn the pages of history you come across the time when Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, besieged the fort in the early 14th century and the people of Nakoda mounted a heroic defence. To commemorate this ancient event an annual fair called the Kalyan Singh Ka Mela is still held within the precincts of the fort in the month of Shravan (July-Aug).

Kiradu Ancient Temples of Barmer in Rajasthan, India
 
Kiradu Ancient Temples lie at a distance of 39km from Barmer city in Hathma village.You find an inscription here dating back to 1161AD indicating that the place was once called Kiratkoop and had once been the capital of the Panwara dynasty. The Panwaras owed their allegiance to the rulers of Gujarat at the time.

Kiradu Someshvara Temple

The Kiradu temples are a group of five temples and are grouped as ancient temples, an important site from the archaeological point of view. The largest and the most impressive amongst them is the Someshvara Temple. Built in the 11th century, the Someshvara ancient temple is said to be the best example of its kind today. Constructed in honour of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer in the holy trinity of Hindu gods), it has a rather stumpy multi-turreted tower and beautiful sculptures dedicated to the god. The inner sanctum has a resplendent image of the Lord. At its base, is a large reverse-curve lotus, which has a resemblance with the early Chola Temples of south India. This ancient temple also depicts scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Other notable features are sculptures of apsaras (mythical dancing girls from the abode of the Gods) and vyalas (a griffin-like mythical beast generally associated with the Buddha) which were rarely seen after 1050AD in temple architecture. All in all, although Barmer is a bit out of the way you’ll get your money’s worth when you visit Someshvara.

Other Group of Ancient Temples

The other four temples, also considered as ancient are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu (the Preserver in the holy trinity of Hindu deities). The temples show the influence of the Solanki school of architecture which originated in Gujarat, which is not surprising given the close links the Panwaras had with the rulers there.
 
Nakoda Temple near Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Parshvanath Temple of Nakoda is one among the main Jain teerth centres in India. Nakoda pilgrimage, built in the desert land of Rajasthan, bears a gloriously pious dignity.  Because of the importance given to adhisthayak in India, teerth is always full of pilgrims. It is situated on a beautiful hill as high as 1500ft on the road from Jodhpur to Barmer. There is an image of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanath in black stone and the ancient idol of Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan is very attractive and full of magical powers.  It is said that 2300 years ago two brothers namely Veersen & Nakorsen has built up this city and the temples.

It is universally accepted that so much is dedicated by the devotees at this place of pilgrimage that the receipts not only help management of small pilgrimages, but also many schools, colleges, hospitals and 'dharmshalas' (charitable lodges) are being constructed and managed. The glory of Lord parshwanath and the protecting deity of the pilgrimage Shree Bhairavji Maharaj is so much world-renowed that they are considered by the devotees as 'Haath-Ka-Huzoor' (Lord at hand) and 'Jaagti Jot' (Living light). This place has a thousand miraculous anecdotes. Wishes made in the name of this place attain fulfillment.
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Meva Nagar near Barmer in Rajasthan, India

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.

Mahaveer Park of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Mahaveer Park is a beautifully laid out park with a tiny museum housing ancient stone carved statues.

Safed Akhara of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Safed Akhara (Sidheswara Mahadev Temple Complex) is a tiny yet pretty garden near Barmer. Temporary accommodation and cooking facilities are available.

Neemari of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Neemari is another picturesque garden on Chohatan route, 23 km away from Barmer. An old swimming pool is an attraction.

Fairs & Festivals of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

There are several major festivals held in Barmer, the most famous of which is a cattle fair held every year at Tilwara village situated on the banks of the Luni river. The fair goes on for a fortnight in the months of March April. The other major festival is the Barmer Thar Festival of Rajastan, which was a creation of the tourist office, started as a practice to enhance the tourism potential of this town. This festival too is held in early March every year. A major yearly religious fair is held at Khed on every Poornima (full moon) at the Ranchor Rai Mandir there. Another fair is held at a village called Nagar Meva which is about 8km from the town of Balotara. There is a Jain temple there dedicated to the Jain prophet Parasvanath, and the fair is held every year on Posh Badi (Dec-Jan) to celebrate his birth.

Location and Transport of Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways.

Train  
Barmer is on the disused railway line from Jodhpur to Hyderabad in Pakistan. Daily trains travel from Barmer to Jodhpur for Rs 60/120 in 2nd/1st class.

Important train connections are : 4808 Barmer Express( Barmer – Jodhpur)
4898 Barmer Express( Barmer - Jodhpur)

Air 
Nearest airport is Jodhpur and Jaisalmer

Road
Distances From BarmerTo Important Cities By Road

Jodhpur:224 km (via Balotara)
Jodhpur: 198 km (via Pachpdra)
Jaiselmer:157 km, Jalore: 204 km, Udaipur: 462 km, Jhunjhunun: 625 km, Jaipur: 588 km, Ahmedabad

Bus : The N.H.15 runs south from Barmer to Sanchore with a cattle fair( April- May)and across into Gujrat. A minor road runs East and then Southeast from Barmer to Sindhari, which has a colorful bazaar. A road goes Northeast from Sindhari to Balotra, a small textile town known for its traditional weaves and block prints.

There are five daily buses between Barmer and Jaiselmer( Rs 40, three and half hours). There are also frequently daily buses to Jodhpur( Rs 78, five hours).

Rajsthan State Road Transport Corporation connects Barmer with all major cities in the state. The Bus stand is situated near Rly Station and Tilak Bus Stand connects Barmer with Jodhpur, Balotra, Jalore( via Siwana), Jaiselmer, Ahmedabad (via Sanchore), Abu Udaipur and far away.

Facts about Barmer in Rajasthan, India

Accommodation in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

Kailash Sarovar Hotel :- Station Rd, modern facilities, booking of air tickets, lunch and dinner facilities, slightly cheaper.
Krishna Hotel : on Station Rd, clean air-cooled rooms for Rs250/300 and air-con rooms for Rs 450/500.
Circuit House : Dak Bunglow, Jain Dharamshala, Ranchhore Dharamshala, Sindhi Dharamshala.
Krishna Hotel : Station Raod ; Tariff: Rs. 250/500.
Kailash Sarovar Hotel : Station Rd.

Post and Telecommunications in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

Post office, Rly Station; Head Post office, Mahavir Nagar. Timing: 10:00 to 16:00 hrs( Mon to Sat)

Banks and Money Exchange in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

Business hours
10:00 to 14:30 hrs( from Mon to Fri) and 10:00 to 11:30 hrs on Saturday. State Bank of India, Station Road.
State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Sadar Bazaar.
Bank of Baroda and Bank of Rajsthan Ltd, Gandhi Chowk.
Central Co-operative Bank, Station Rd.

Tourism Iinformation in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

Information officer, Suchana Kendra, Gandhi Chowk, Barmer
{residence}, Time-10 AM to 5 PM.
District Information officer, NIC Collectorate, GIST Information Terminal collectorate, NIC Computer Centre.Time: 10 AM to 5 PM.

Other facilities in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

Guides- No particular guide facility here at present except information service( guidance) of Information centre and National Informatics centre.
Police Assistance/Complaints
Collector and District Magistrate, Collector.
Superintend of Police.
Police Station, City Kotwali, Police Station Sadar.

Shopping in Barmer of Rajasthan, India

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.

Jooti Corner :- Specialist in leather goods. Panghat Road, Ward No. - 3, Barmer. Pro- P. D. Chauhan.
Kamdar Compony :- Specialises in the manufacturing of wooden carving furniture. Roy Colony Rd, Barmer-344001.
Dada Handicraft :- Also a force to reckon with in the manufacture and supply of Export Qwality stool, chairs, parsh, puff, juti cap, camel leather and fashion items etc. Near S. B. B. J. Bank, Panghat Road, Barmer-344001
Mohan Solanki S/o Bhani Ram :- Manufactures and suppliers of embroidered leather handicrafts. Prasant road, Jingar Mohalla, Barmer-344001, STD-02982.
Geeta Enterprises :- A name in the sell of bed sheets, pillow covers and dress materials, authorized dealer of Kurl-on. Opp. CMHO office, Roy Colony Road, Barmer.
Barmer Print Industries :- Manufacturer and retailer of bed cover, dress materials etc.
Address:- (1) Kishan Market, Barmer-344001, (2) F-2, Industrial Area, Barmer-34001.

Climate :     Mean Max      Mean Min
Summer :              43°C                 27°C
Winter :                 26°C                 10°C

Rainfall :  28 cms. 

Best Time To Visit :  August to March

Clothing : 
Summer :    Light Tropical
Winter :        Woolen

Language :  Rajasthani, Hindi & English.

Area :           15-sq-kms.