Baran

Baran is located in the state of Rajasthan in north-western India, Baran is a district, which was created out of the district of Kota on 10th April, 1991. The headquarters of this district is based in Baran city, which is also a municipality in the Baran district. Most of Baran’s area lies untouched and unspoiled, and the rest has been embraced with colors of ethnicity. The charm is elevated by the sparkling stream of Sagavan, Kher, Sala and Gargsari rivers, snaking through the town. Erstwhile rulers marked their territory with invincible forts like Shahabad Fort. One amongst many tourist attractions of Baran, Sitabari is much acclaimed because of its religious and historical significance. Legend says that Goddess Sita made this place her sojourn and lived with her two kids, after leaving Ayodhya.

There are various water-pools (kund) located in a few distance from the popular temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. The annual Sitabari Mela makes the vicinity come to life and larger amount of travelers and pilgrims flock to Baran. Besides this, Dol Mela, Piplod Christmas Fair, Phuldol Festival and Brahmani Mataji Mela are the most popular fairs and festivals of the town. There are sacred Hindu sites recommended for the pilgrims like Brahmani Temple, Manihara Mahadev Mandir and Bhand Devra Temple.  There are many other religious shrines in and around Bharan that would get you closer to purity and god. Baran is well connected with the other parts of Rajasthan. NH- 76 passes by Baran, which has connected the city with Kota, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jodhpur, Bundi and with some cities of Madhya Pradesh. Daily train service connects Baran with other cities of Rajasthan.

History: Baran city was under Solanki Rajputs in the 14th -15th century. It is not exactly known that when the main town of the twelve villages under Solanki’s was being named as ‘Baran’. There are several thoughts for it, like some says since it was formed by twelve villages so it is called ‘Baran’, others says since the city was built by the 12 nearby villagers so it is named as ‘Baran’. There are also saying that since the soils of the area is mostly ‘Barani’ so it is called ‘Baran’.It is also worth noting that “Baran” in Urdu means “rain” and no wonder that Baran has the second highest rainfall in the state after Banswara district. In the year 1948, joint Rajasthan was formed and that time Baran was one of the districts in the joint Rajasthan. On 31 March’ 1949, Rajasthan was reconstituted and that time Baran district headquarters was converted into Sub Division headquarters of Kota district.

Before Indian independence in 1947, most of present-day Baran District was part of the princely state of Kota, although Shahabad tehsil was a discontinuous portion of Jhalawar princely state, and Chhabra Tehsil was a discontinuous portion of Tonk princely state. After Indian independence, the rulers of the princely states acceded to the Government of India, and the present-day Baran District was made part of Kota District. Baran District was carved out of Kota District on April 10, 1991.

Tourist Attractions: Baran district has a number of tourist destinations like Sitabari, Kakoni, Shahabad Fort, Shergarh Fort, Kanyadeah – Bilas garh, Brahmani Mataji Temple, Shahi Jama Masjid, Manihara Mahadevji Mandir, Kapildhara, Ramgarh – Bhand Devra and Tapasviyo ki Bagechi. It is also famous for Sitabari Fair.

Shergarh Fort: Named after Sher Shah Suri, the Sultan of Delhi in mid-16th century, Shergarh fort was built much earlier in the 10th century and was the site of religious fervour in the name of Lord Shiva the Destroyer. However, the fort was originally built as a form of defence against the rulers of Mewar who were bent upon attacking Bundi throughtout the 12th to the 17th centuries. Shergarh sanctuary has a lot of potential for rural tourism. The historic Shergarh fort is situated about 65 k.m. from Baran district hqts. In Atru tehsil. Sitting atop a hillock on the bank of Parban River, the fort of Shergarh looks impregnable. The fort stands a little detached from the walled township, which boasts of its ancient Brahmanical and Jain temples. A stone edict of 790 AD proves the antiquity of the place, which was once known as Koshvardhan. The fort is one of the best forts in Rajasthan in the present time.

Shahabad Fort: Shahabad fort is the one of the best and strongest fort amongst the forts in Hadoti area. It is situated about 80 km. from Baran. The fort was constructed by the Chauhan Vanshi Dhandhel Rajput Mukutmani Dev in the century 1521 (Samvat 1577). This is situated in the dense forest area on the high mountain ranges. The fort is surrounded by Kundakoh valley on two sides. Third and fourth sides are surrounded by Ponds and high rocks respectively. The Topkhana (artillery), Barudkhana and some temples in the forts are still secure. It is said that the fort had 18 Cannons (Topes) in the past and one of the cannon was 19 feet.

Nahargarh Fort: The fort is about 73 Km. from Baran in Kishanganj tehsil. Fort is an impressive structure in red stone and a fine example of the Mughal architecture.  Nahargarh is a Village in Kishanganj Tehsil in Baran District of Rajasthan State, India. Nahargarh is developing as a Trading Hub among nearby Villages. Fort in Nahargarh is Place of Visit. This fort is an example of architecture is unique. the fort is made of Red Stone like Red Fort of Delhi. Temple of Aashapala Mata, Panchayat Ghar is also there inside the Fort. This fort is surrounded by Pond. Many Historical Stories are famous regarding this fort in local area People. People of this village depend on Agriculture. Main Business for is of Compost.

Shahi Jama Masjid of Shahabad:  Constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the Shahi Jama Masjid of Shahabad is situated around 80 km from Baran. An architectural marvel that attracts a large number of tourists every year, the Shahi Jama Masjid was built on the pattern of Jama Masjid of Delhi and is famous for its impressive pillars and intricate ‘Mehrab’.

Kanyadah-Bilasgarh:  Bilasgarh, situated 45 km away from Baran city is in Kishanganj Tehsil. Once upon a time, it was famous for being a well-developed city, but was destroyed on the orders of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Legends say that Aurangzeb was attracted towards the princess of Khechi kingdom, the rulers of Bilasgarh, and ordered his troops to bring her to him. The princess preferred death over being his queen, and hence, committed suicide. The place where she chose to end her life is now known as ‘Kanya Dah’. In retaliation to this act, Aurangzeb’s troops destroyed the entire city of Bilasgarh. It now lies in a desolate place inside a forest area.

Brahmani Mata Temple:  The temple of Brahmani Mata is about 20 Km. from Baran in the village Sorsan. The 'Akhand Jyoti' is continuously flowing in the temple since last 400 years. The statue of Brahmani Mata is situated under the large natural rock in the cave. The fair is organised on Shiv Ratri every year.

Kapildhara:  Renowned for its natural beauty, Kapil Dhara, famous among tourists, is located 50 km from Baran. The famous waterfall and a ‘Gamukh’ housed near the falls are also a big draw among tourists.This place is the copy of Galtaji (Jaipur). Good mountains, river and continuous flow of water throughout the year and about 50,000 pilgrims' people take holy bath on the eve of Kartik Purnima. This place can also be developed as a picnic spot.

Kakoni:  Kakoni is situated about 85 Km. from Baran district Headquarters in the Chhipabarod Tehsil. It is surrounded by the Mukundra mountain ranges and on the bank of Parwan River. It is said that the temples at Kakoni are built in 8th century. These are the remains of the 'Vaishnav', 'Shiv' and 'Jain' temples. About 60% statues of the Kakoni temples are kept in the Museums at Kota and Jhalawar districts. Archaeological department has announced the place as secure since 1970.

Ramgarh Bhand Devra Temple:  Ramgarh-Bhand Devra temples are situated about 40 Km. from Baran. The Shiv Mandir of Ramgarh was built in 10th century and is based on the Khujraho style. Due to the Maithun Statues, the place is named as Bhand Devra. This temple is situated on the bank of pond and is now under the Archaeological department. This temple is known as Rajasthan's mini Khujraho. On the top of the Ramgarh hill, Kisnai and Annapurna Devi temples are situated in the natural cave. About 750 stairs were constructed by Jhala Jalim Singh for reaching the temple on the hill top. The main speciality of this temple is that one Devi is worshiped with Meva and another is with Mas-Madira. At the time of Parshad, curtain is raised between the two Devis. Fair is also organised during Kartik Purnima. About 50000 pilgrims visited this place on the eve of Kartik Purnima. Saint Kelpuria Maharaj was successful in getting one branch of Pushkar at this place and people take holy bath at this spot. This place is the best location to be developed as Picnic spot and proper Dhaba restaurants can be developed.

Manihara Mahadev Mandir:  Manihara Mahadev Mandir is a tourist destination, at a distance of about 3 km from Baran, in the Baran District of Rajasthan. Inside the mandir, there are two famous and ancient temples of Mahadevji and Hanumanji. The temple has a known history of about 600 years. The place is of great religious importance. It is surrounded by green trees and ponds. Every year, during Shivaratri festival, a fair is conducted in the temple.

Tapasviyo ki Bagechi:  A beautiful picnic spot in Shahabad near Baran, Tapasviyo ki Bagechi is often frequented by tourists and locals who are looking for peace and serenity. Now a picture-perfect location with stunning mountains acting as a backdrop, Tapasviyo ki Bagechi was once a hub for betel farming, traces of which can still be found. A major attraction here is the large statue of a Shivling.

The Suraj Kund:  The Suraj Kund is surrounded by verandahs on all sides. Ashes of cremated people are immersed in the water flowing out of the 'kund' by those who cannot go to the Ganges for this ritual. Washing clothes or using soap is not allowed in it. This kund is named after the Sun God - Suraj Narain whose idol can be seen here.  In one corner of the kund, the 'Linga' of Mahadevji is placed. The other two kunds are the Sita Kund and the Bharat Kund. People offer cash, grain, 'Batashas', jaggery, coconut etc. to the deities as a token of their devotion. Pilgrims also visit the Valmiki Ashram where, according to the Ramayana, the twin sons of Ram and Sita, Luv and Kush were born. It is a simple structure of one horizontal stone resting on two vertical stones.

Sitabari:  Sitabari is an ideal picnic spot, situated about 45Km from Baran in Kelwara kasba on National Highway road connecting Shivpuri-Gwalior. This is a holy worship place. It is well known in the area that 'Sita mata' has lived in this place after being left-out by Bhagwan Ram. This place is also known as the birth-place of Lav and Kush. There are several Kunds in Sitabari namely Balmiki Kund, Sita Kund, Laxman Kund, Surya Kund, Lav-Kush Kund. Sita-Kuti is also situated in the forest area near the temple. The tribal Sahariya fair is held at this place in the May/June every year.
Legend has it that a stream sprouted from the ground where Lakshman shot an arrow to fetch water for Sita. This stream is called 'Lakshman Babhuka'. People from all communities visit Sitabari to bathe in the tanks (kunds), which are always filled with clean, fresh water. The water of the 'kunds' is considered to be sacred and is believed to possess curative properties.
At Sita Bari Lav Kush were born, Balmikiji wrote Ramayana at this place, Lav Kush were educated, Ashwamegh horse was kept by Lav Kush, Chakrvarti Samrat Lord Ram Chander came here to take back Sita but Sita was so dejected that she asked her mother (Earth) to give her shelter and ultimately solitude within Prithvi at this place. This is the only place having the temple of Laxman, Lav and Kush in India. It also has ancient Balmiki temple.

Herbal Plants Nursery:  Although we have entered into 21st Century with computerized mechanism and very Hi-Fi technology but the trend today is going back to the Nature. People prefer to use natural, safe and effective products for holistic health. The use of herbal remedies and beauty aids is an ancient Indian tradition and a part of Indian culture.
You will be glad to know that Aloe Vera can be produced in Rajasthan only and its products are so famous that the Aloe Vera Gel is used as cosmetic as well as painkiller and for overall health.
In a tourist season, which starts from October to June, around 25-30000 foreign tourists visit the nursery. About 17 spices are products and Herbs namely Brahmi, Jamun, Shtawari, Shankhpushpi, Guggel, Gurnar and in fruits Citrus, Lemon, Banana, Chickoo, Mango and Pineapple etc. are produced. About Rs 7-8 Lac were invested in a nursery.

Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary is placed within the Shergarh town of the Baran District. It sprawls over a place of around ninety-eight square km and is domestic to numerous species of animals. Animal fans can spot sloth bears, tigers, leopards, wild boars, chinkaras, hyenas, sambars, chitals and endemic deer on this sanctuary. Very few are aware of the wonderfully occupied and scattered Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary within the Baran district of the country of Rajasthan. The natural world sanctuary is spread in about 95 kms of the region and is bestowed with nature’s love. The extraordinary form of flowers and fauna present in the sanctuary attracts tourists and wildlife fans from all over the United States.

Sitabari Fair:  Sitabari Fair is held in the place of Sitabari which is about 45 km from the Baran city near the Kelwara Kasba of Rajasthan. A big tribal fair is organized in this place on Jyeshta Amavasya which falls between May and June. Legend has it that a stream sprouted from the ground where Lakshman shot an arrow to fetch water for Sita. This stream is called ‘Lakshman Babhuka’. People from all communities visit Sitabari to bathe in the tanks (kunds), which are always filled with clean, fresh water. The water of the ‘kunds’ is considered to be sacred and is believed to possess curative properties. At Sita Bari Lav Kush were born, Balmikiji wrote Ramayana at this place, Lav Kush were educated, Ashwamegh horse was kept by Lav Kush, Chakrvarti Samrat Lord Ram Chander came here to take back Sita but Sita was so dejected that she asked her mother (Earth) to give her shelter and ultimately solitude within Prithvi at this place. This is the only place having the temple of Laxman, Lav and Kush in India. It also has ancient Balmiki temple.

People visit the ‘kunds’ to take a holy dip for the purification of the body and soul and to perform oblations dedicated to the various deities whose images are installed here. The biggest water tank is the Lakshman Kund with one of its gates called ‘Lakshman Darwaza’ where an idol of Hanuman is installed. People bathe here and pay homage to the idol of Lakshman, erected beside the ‘kund’. The pilgrims also pay respects to the wooden platform called ‘Lakshman-Ka-Takhat’ and the Tulsi plant in the shrine.

How to Reach:

By Air:  The nearest major airports are located at Jaipur International Airport, Udaipur Airport, and Jodhpur Airport. These airports connect Rajasthan with the major cities of India such as Delhi and Mumbai. There are two other airports in Kota and Jaisalmer, but are not open for commercial/civilian flights yet.



Bay Rail:  Baran station is situated on Kota-Bina section of Western Central Railways. It is about 67 km from Kota Junction. Computerized Reservation facility at Baran station is available.


Bay Road:  The city is connected with neighbouring districts and with major cities outside the state. National Highway No.76 (Now National Highway No. 27) passes through the district. National Highway No.76 (Now National Highway No. 27) is a part of East-West Corridor. Direct bus available from new delhi, jaipur, kota, ajmer, jodhpur, udaipur, indore.

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