Churu

Churu is a city in the desert region of Rajasthan state of India. It is known as gateway to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It is the administrative headquarter of Churu District. It lies in the Thar Desert on the National Highway-65 connecting Palito Ambala and is a junction station on the railway line to Bikaner. It is near the shifting sand dunes of the Thar Desert and has grand havelis with marvelous fresco paintings, namely Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Ki Haweli and Surana Haweli, with hundreds of small windows. It also has some fine Chhatris. Near the town is a religious seat of the Nath sect of Sadhus where there are life-size marble statues of their deities and a place for prayers. At the center of the town is a fort built about 400 years ago.

History: Founded in 1120 by Nirban clan of Rajputs the place was named Churu after Chauhans name in the Jangladesh region of the state. It was subsequently ruled by chauhan rajputs and during the war of 1871 the area came under dominance of Bikaner. Churu, like an oasis, situated in the middle of the shifting golden sand dunes, opens the gate to the Thar Desert. Before India's independence in 1947, it was a part of Bikaner State. The district came into existence in 1948, comprising three tehsils - Churu, Rajgarh and Taranagar, when the administration of Bikaner State was reorganized.

Tourist Attractions: Thar Desert and beautiful grand havelis with marvelous fresco paintings, namely Kanhaiya lal Bagla ki Haweli and Surana Haweli, with hundreds of small windows. It also has some fine Chhatris. Near the town is a religious seat of the Nath sect of Sadhus where there are life-size Marble statue of their deities and a place for prayers. There stands a Dharma Stop, a symbol of religious equality.

Ratangarh Fort:  Churu Fort or Churu ka Kila is the fort of Ratangarh Taluka in the Churu district. Ratangarh was formerly known as Kolasar and is famous for huge mansions (Havelis). The mansions have mural paintings laid of fresh lime plaster. Mural paintings are an architectural specialty of the Shekhawati region. Churu fort was built by Ratan Singh the then King of Bikaner in 1820. During the construction of Churu Fort priority was given to organized town development. The fort is built in between the town with four gates, and the boundary walls are built around the city.

This fort is also much adorned by the leading architects for its built and architectural style which was created in the old time with limited facilities compared to present days. Hence there are a number of designers and student of architects flooding this area for the study of the design and built of the fort.
The Churu fort was attacked twice by Thakur Prithvi Singh, who was the Son of King Churu. Thakur Prithvi Singh was supported by Maharawal Laxman Singh of Sikar. With his help, Prithvi Singh attacked Churu fort in 1815 and 1816. There were two caretakers of a fort named Lal Shah Syed and Purohit Jethmal who lost their lives when Churu fort was under attack in 1815 and 1816. King Ratan Singh inscribed their names on the walls of the Churu fort to honour their sacrifice. Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, a famous historian, has mentioned in his records that King Ratan Singh had met Cornel Velsin. At the meeting, King Ratan Singh had proposed to establish a Shekhawati Brigade in the British Army.

During the revolt of 1857, Thakur Shiv Singh stood against the British. As a result, the British officials attacked Churu Fort with support from Bikaner Army. Churu fort was surrounded from all sides and canons were fired on Churu fort. Thakur Shiv Singh also ordered to fire canyons against the Bikaneri and British Army. At one time, the canon fireball of Churu army got finished, and they were left with nothing to fear except small ammunitions. At that time all the rich business people of Churu donated their silver ornaments. The blacksmiths of Churu melted the silver jewellery and manufactured fireballs for canons from it. Then after silver fireballs were fired from the canons, with this action, the opponent’s army was astonished. The opponent’s army retreated by seeing the emotions of citizens of Churu. Considering the great patronage of people and their sense of belongingness to the state, the enemies also dropped the idea to conquer it and once again the fort got its reputation as well as freedom back.


 Kothari and Surana Haveli: Kothari and Surana Havelis are a group of handsome painted havelis built by two prominent Oswal Jain merchant families, the Kothari and Surana clans. Amongst them are 'Malji Ka Kamra' (Malji's Haveli), an exotic stucco extravagaza built by Malaji Kothari around 1925 and the massive Surana Double Haveli, said to boast 1111 windows and doors built in the 1870s. Just south of the main bazaar, this haveli built around 1880 boasts the finest frieze in the entire Shekhawati region. It illustrates Dhola and Maru on a camel fleeing the wicked Umra-Sumra, Sassi and Punu side by side on horseback, two set of lovers from folk tales. To the south-west is a mosque, Jama Masjid, and a little Muslim haveli decorated with non-figurative work.

Mantri Haveli: The Mantri Haveli is one of the most beautifully designed Havelis in India. The Mantri Haveli, Churu reflects the rich grandeur and splendor of the Rajput era. One of the major tourist attractions of Rajasthan, the Mantri Haveli, Churu attracts tourists from all over to Rajasthan. The Mantri Haveli is truly a beautiful symbol of Rajput grandeur and beauty. In the Mantri Haveli, Churu you can get to see beautiful paintings and exquisite mirror work that brings travelers from all over. Mantri Haveli, Churu was built in the 18th century and is completely covered with paintings. From exotic images to beautiful and unique silhouettes the paintings are simply a class apart. One of the oldest Havelis in Churu, the Mantri Haveli is an art gallery. Dedicated to one of the ministers of the royal family the Mantri Haveli in Churu attracts tourists for its beauty and uniqueness.
From floral swirls, motifs, and excellent mirror work, to balconies and alcoves, the exquisite artistry of the Rajputs are explicitly reflected in its artwork as well as architecture. From lavish ornamentation, spacious courtyards to sprawling areas, the Mantri Haveli, Churu attracts people from all over. However the front facade is completely worn out and you can feel the medieval aura and ambience once you enter inside the Mantri Haveli.

Sethani Ka Johara: - Sethani ka Johra (The Reservoir of the Wealthy Lady) was built by the wife of Bhagwandas Bagla. Bhagwandas Bagla was the first Marwari Shekhawati Crorepati. He was a very wealthy timber merchant and owned several Saw Mills. Bhagwandasji was originally from Churu, Rajasthan. Sethani Ka Johara is some 3 km west by the Ratangarh road, as a relief project during the terrible ‘Chhappania Akal’, Indian famine of 1899–1900 the water attracts birds and mammals such as ‘Nilgai’ (blue bull – a large antelope). The village elders in Churu say that the water in the Johra has never dried up till date.

Aath Kambh Chhatri And Godia Chhatri:   Aath Kambh Chhatri, one of the buildings possessing great historical significance, is an 8 pillared dome that stands on the northern side of the town. Lying between the premises adjoining to the western side of the vegetable market, the chhatri is believed to be constructed in 1776 on a Rajput’s cremation site. Over the years, the windblown sand has virtually buried the base of the structure while the interiors are adorned with beautiful murals and stone carved paintings.

One of the prominent paintings depicts an early European mercenary walking while carrying a musket. Tourists can also witness some huge memorial domes of Mantri, Bagla and Lohia merchant families that are raised on the northern side of the town. Godia Chhatri, which is also located in the northern side of the town.

Salasar Balaji Temple: Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham in India is a place of religious importance for the devotees of Hanuman. It is located in the town of Salasar, on National Highway 65 near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan. The temple of Balaji founded by a Jat is situated in the middle of Salasar and attracts innumerable worshippers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima, large fairs are organised that attract devotees as they pay homage to the deity. Salasar Balaji is in the religious circuit that includes the pilgrim centers of Rani Sati Temple, Jeen Mata and Khatushyamji, which are located close to it. Initially a small construction, the temple of Salasar Balaji is now considered to be a Shakti Sthal (a shrine) and Swayambhu by faith, belief, miracles and wish fulfillments of the devotees.

Jain Golden Temple: This Jain Temple in Churu has some of the best paintings painted in Golden colors. This special temple, which is maintained by Kotharis, is at least a few centuries old and worth a visit when you are in Churu. The Paintings inside Churu Jain Temple are mostly of moral living suggestions type. There are some beautiful paintings on walls and some glass work as well. Whole temple is very well lit with colorful lights. Apart from this temple Churu have various other temples, Gurudwaras & Masjids. Almost all the times, we were hearing prayer sounds from one or other religious places. While walking through the streets, we saw various smaller temples as well. And there were some smaller temples inside few of the Havelis as well. This Jain temple is surrounded by various old Havelis which are comparatively in bad condition. The Havelies in Churu are impressively decorated with Belgian etched kaleidoscopic glasses in many shapes and designs in interiors as well as outer walls. Their intricate designs and wood-carving on door-frames are commendable.It was amazing to see such a temple in this old town of Rajasthan, Churu. Whole temple was glittering with colorful lights and their reflections on golden paintings and galss-designs. This Jain Temple is a must visit option while you take Heritage Tour through old Havelis of Churu.

Gogaji: Gogaji also known as Gugga is a folk deity of Rajasthan state in India. He is an eminent warrior-hero of the region. Hindus and Muslims alike honor him. He is also venerated as a saint and even as 'snake-god'. He is known as Goga among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims. Gogaji is popular as a snake-god and almost every village in Rajasthan has a than (sacred place) dedicated to him. Rabari community in Gujarat and Rajasthan is great believer in Gogaji. It is believed that Gogaji went into samadhi at Gogamedi. Thousands of devotees gather to pay homage at this memorial annually in the month of Bhadrapada during the Gogaji fair, which lasts for 3 days. The fair is held from the ninth day of the dark half of Bhadrapada (Goga Navami) to the eleventh day of the dark half of the same month.

Talchhapar Sanctuary : Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in the Churu district of Bikaner division in Rajasthan. Before independence Tal Chappar sanctuary was a Private Hunting Reserve of the Maharaja of Bikaner. This sanctuary is 210 km from Jaipur on the peripheral of the Great Indian Desert and situated on road from Ratangarh to Sujangarh. The Tal Chhapar sanctuary lies in the Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu District. This sanctuary is a flat saline depression locally known as "Tal" that has a unique ecosystem in the heart of the Thar Desert. Tal Chappar Sanctuary has open grassland with spread all over Acacia and prosodies trees which give it a look of a typical Savanna. In the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, a special type of grass is found. The shape of the seed of this grass is like very fine round shaped pearls. For this reason this grass is known as “Mothiya” or pearl and has a very sweet taste. People enjoy eating it, but it is found in very small quantities.

Talchhapar Sanctuary is famous for the endangered black-buck. Other wild animals found in the sanctuary are chinkara, fox, jungle cat and rojra along with many resident and migratory birds. It lies along the way of the migratory passage of many birds and therefore it is also popular with bird lovers. Talchhapar, which is actually a flat saline depression, has a unique ecosystem. Talchhapar area was a game reservoir for the erstwhile Maharaja of Bikaner State and was declared a reserved area for the protection of wild animals and birds in the year 1962. Total area of Talchhapar Sanctuary is 719 hectares. The sanctuary area is mostly covered by grass with very few and sparse trees of Khejri, Salvadora, Ber, Ker and Neem tree. Main types of grass found in the area are Sewan, Doob, Dhaman Lampla, Lana and Moth etc. The area has a lush green look during the rainy season but dries up again during the summer season.

Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary area is mostly covered by grasses with a very few trees. It lies on the way of the passage of many migratory birds such as harriers. These birds pass through this area during September. Birds commonly seen in the sanctuary are harriers, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, sparrow, and Little Green Bee-eaters, Black Ibis and Mademoiselle Cranes, which stay there till March. There are many other birds like skylark, crested lark, Ring Dove, brown dove and blue jay is seen throughout the year. Desert fox and desert cat can also be spotted along with typical fauna such as partridge and sand grouse.

Tal Chappar wild life sanctuary comes alive with the chirping of various migratory birds including montagur’s, marsh harrier, pale harrier, imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short toed eagle, sparrow hawk, skylark, crested lark, ring drove, brown dove, blue jay, green bee- eaters, black ibis and demoiselle or the Kurja cranes. You can also see the Kurja these migratory bird from far off countries as Siberia, Magnolia, Tajikistan, central Asia and starts to migrate in the month of September.

Among the other wildlife beauties then it is a fact that Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is famous for black-bucks. Talchhapar wildlife sanctuary is the sole place having a good population of Black buck in such a small area. The sanctuary is a home to nearly 1680 Black Bucks. Being a natural home of Blackbucks and you can easily see 500-700 animals in a single herd. It is the only sanctuary in India in which is having a good number of blackbucks in an almost tree-less, saline and flat-land. These black bucks have “Mothiya” for their food.

Fair & Festival: Being a highly spiritual country, festivals are at the heart of people’s lives in India. The numerous and varied festivals that are held throughout the year offer a unique way of seeing Indian culture at its best. The following popular festivals in India will provide you with a truly memorable experience.

Salasar Balaji Fair:  Salasar Balaji Fair is held at Salasar Balaji temple every year on Chaitra Poornima and Ashwin Poornima. The fair is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Salasar Balaji temple is located in Salasar town in Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu. In 1754 AD, Maharaj Mohandas built this temple after getting inspired by a dream. It is believed that Mohandas had dreamt of Lord Hanuman and initiated the temple’s construction. His descendants, Ishwardas and Kaniram, later developed and renovated the temple and gave it a shape of the present day temple. The place is also known by the name of Salasar Dham.

Gogaji Maharaj Fair:  Worshipped as the Snake God, Gogaji was a warrior hero of Churu. He is worshipped by both Hindu and Muslim communities. According to mythological stories, Guru Gorakhnath gave a special Gugal fruit to Bachhal, mother of Gogaji. With the blessings of the Guru and the fruit, Bachhal gave birth to Gogaji and the name Gogaji was derived from the fruit’s name. It is believed that Gogaji rescues his worshippers from snakes and hence, a large number of devotees worship Gogaji and pray for their safety and prosperity. In Bhadra month every year, according to the Hindu calendar, Gogaji’s fair is organised in Churu. Devotees visit Gogaji’s temple to worship and pay homage to the idols of Gogaji. The fair lasts three days starting from the ninth day of Bhadrapad to the eleventh day of Bhadrapad.

How to Reach: 

By Air: There is no direct flight connectivity to Churu. The nearest airport is in Jaipur. Prepaid taxis are available from Jaipur to Churu.




By Train: Churu is well connected to the rest of India by railways as well. Churu Junction is the central railway station connecting Churu and the rest of India by railways. Connecting passenger trains serve Churu well, connecting the town to important cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner.


By Road: Churu is connected to fellow cities in Rajasthan by road and the nearby states by various national highways. RSRTC and private buses frequently run to and from the Churu to nearby cities. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Jaipur, Jodhpur.

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