Barmer got its name from its ruler Bahada Rao Parmar (Pariwar) or Bar Rao Parmar who founded the town in the 13th century. The town was formerly named as Bahadamer which literally suggests “The Hill Fort of Bahada”. However, the formation of the present Barmer district took place in 1949 when Jodhpur state was merged with Rajasthan. The high point for the town was the year 2009, when India’s first onshore oil field was discovered in Barmer.
History: According to history, Bhahada Rao Parmar /Bar Rao Parmer laid the foundation of the city in 13th century and named the city Barmer, which means the hill fort of Bar. Barmer previously known as Mallani in 12th century.The present Barmer is the cluster of areas, also known as parganas of Mallani Shiv, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan. Siwana fort is a very old fort. it is at about 1000 years old. In local language it’s name ‘Gadh Siwana’.
Tourist Attractions: The beauty of Barmer lies in its culture, heritage and rural charm. Many tourists who visit this place are lured by its famous tourist attractions that offer a sneak-peek into the culture and lifestyle of Barmer. Some of the must visit places in Barmer are the Barmer Fort, Rani Bhatiani Temple, Vishnu Temple, Devka-Sun Temple, Juna Jain Temple, Safed Akhara.
According to the researchers the temple was built around 11th century and was built by King Dushalraja and he was from the Paramar clan. There are many inscriptions present on the walls of the temple that defines its existence to the 12th century and also relate to the Chalukya dynasty. The pillars of the temples are engraved with such kinds of scripts and they belong to the Hindu calendar of the ancient e1ra of the Chalukya dynasty during the reign of Madan Bhramadeva Chauhan. There are altogether three temples present in the vicinity and they are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and their idols are also present here but the temples are found in ruining condition.
Rani Bhatiyani is a Hindu goddess, worshipped in Western Rajasthan, India and Khipro, kashmore sindh Pakistan. Her major temples are in Jasol, Barmer District and JOGIDAS Jaisalmer (birth place of majisa), where she is called Bhuwasa. She is especially venerated by the DHOLI community of bards. The women of the Dholi (singer) community sing the Ghoomar songs, in her honour, where she is praised as the princess of Jaisalmer. The goddess is said to have given her first vision to a dholi. The goddess is also called Majisa(Mother) and songs are sung in her honour by bards.
Rani Bhatiyani's birth name was Swarup and was a Rajput princess from a small kingdom Jogidas Jaisalmer district. She was known as Bhatiyani, as her father Jograjsinghji belonged to the Bhati Rajput clan. She was married to Kalyan Singh, a Rathore prince(Jasol). There are various versions of legends, leading to her death. In one version, Kalyan Singh's jealous first wife Devri poisons Bhatiyani's son Lal Singh. Another legend says that news that her husband was killed in battle reached her, however actually her brother-in-law Sawai Singh was dead. The rum our was spread by her husband to get rid of her and take a second wife. Even though she came to know that her husband was alive, she stuck to her initial decision to commit sati and jumped in the funeral pyre of her brother-in-law and gave up her life. Trouble befell Kalyan Singh's family due to Bhatiyani's death and a shrine was devoted to her in Jasol to placate her spirit; after which she is said to have transformed into a benevolent spirit.
The desert is sculpted by the winds flowing through the arena and the dunes keep on shifting and changing their positions and designs by the for of wind giving the most beautiful and picturesque sight to the beholder. Even though the desert is a barren place but the beauty of the nature is presented from a whole other side of the veiw. The beauty of the Mahabar Sand Dunes Barmer is really admirable.
Mahabar sand dunes of Barmer are famous for the desert safaris and camel rides. The desert safari is worth a try in these sand dunes. Every year in the month of march a desert fair or 'Mahotsav' is organised which is famous for its camel races and camel rides. One must not miss attending this fair if happens to visit Barmer in march. Thereby making this sand destination as main tourist spot in Barmer Mahabar Sand Dunes. The golden sand dazzling in the light of sun rays gives a bewitching sight in the day while at night the sand changing its colour to grey to the moon light gives an eerie yet romantic feeling.
Shopping In Barmer: Barmer is one of the best place to buy woodcarvings, pottery, carpets, intricate embroidery work, block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes with mirror work. This ancient city of Rajasthan is also known for its ethnic ware, which takes forms and shapes as embroidered fabric and pouches, rugs, blankets, shawls and carpets.
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.
Wood Carving Traditions: The woodcarving traditions of Barmer in Rajisthan share their similarities with those of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan 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 switch over, caused due to the demands of the market and the need for survival, has now flourished into another art form.
The fair is believed to have originated from transactions which took place among admires of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of batashas and laddoos. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair. On the opening day of the fair, the flag of Rawal Mallinathji is hoisted to the accompaniment of songs extolling his greatness.
Bullock, camel and horse races are organized at the fair and thoroughbred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on their heads and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a separate market for fodder at the fair.
How to Reach:
By Air : The Jodhpur airport is located around 220 km from the place and this is the closest domestic airport. The airport has frequent flights from places such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Taxis are available from the airport and these can be hired to reach the town. The closest international airport is located at Jaipur which is around 320 km from Barmer.
By Rail : The Barmer railway station is well connected by meter gauge rail to the city of Jodhpur. The station is located along the Jodhpur to Munabao route.
By Road : The Barmer Bus Terminus is located near the railway station and state run buses connect the town with most of the cities in the state including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and other places. Tickets are affordable and buses are frequent.
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