Hanumangarh

Hanumangarh is a city in northern Rajasthan state in western India, situated on the banks of the river Ghaggar also identified as Ancient Sarasvati River, located about 400 km from Delhi. It is the administrative seat of Hanumangarh District. The city was once called Bhatner (alternatively spelled Bhatnair) because it was founded by king Bhupat in 255 AD. It remained in the control of the Rajputs of Bhati clan and later occupied by Maharaja Sooraj Singh of Bikaner.

History:  The Hanumangarh district was formed on 12/7/1994 from the than Ganganagar district as 31st district of Rajasthan state. Seven tehsils of Ganganagar districts of Bikaner division viz. Sangaria, Tibi, Hanumangarh, Pilibanga, Rawatsar, Nohar and Bhadra were included into the newly created district of Hanumangarh. The district headquarter Hanumangarh is situated on the bank of Ghaggar River which is the present form of the last mythological river Saraswati. Ghaggar River, which is called as ‘Nali’ in local dialect divides the district headquarter into two parts. In the north of Ghaggar River, Hanumangarh Town and in the south the habitation of Hanumangarh Junction is situated. Hanumangarh Town is the main center of commercial activities and all the other main offices including office of the district collector are situated in Hanumangarh Town. Earlier, Hanumangarh was the kingdom of 'Bhati' Rajputs. It was built by Bhupat son of Bhati King of Jaisalmer in 1295 AD. Bhupat named it as ‘Bhatner’ in the memory of his father. Bhatner’s maximum importance was due to its location on Delhi-Multan highway. Traders from Central Asia, Sindh and Kabul used to travel to Delhi and Agra via Bhatner. In the year 1805, Surat-singh the King of Bikaner took control of Bhatner after defeating Bhatis. Since the day of victory was Tuesday, the day owed to Lord Hanuman so the name of Bhatner was kept as Hanumangarh. The district has its own place from historical and archaeological point of view. Excavations at Kalibanga and Pallu have revealed the ancient civilizations, which tell change in eras. The district has more than 100 ‘Mounts’ where the remains of ancient civilizations have been buried. The villages/towns are resting under mounts due to massive destructive acts of awes. The excavation in Kalibanga in 1951 shows the presence of the ancient civilization of Indus valley. In his recent research History, Dr. G.S.Devra has established that the historical famous field of Tarain between Mohd. Gori and Prithviraj Chauhan was none other than the area of Talwara lake of Hanumangarh district. The contemporary writers have described Talwara Lake as Mauj-e-Aab and Bhatner fort as ‘Tavar Hind’ fort.

Tourist Attractions: Hanumangarh one can visit the ancient Bhatner fort, which is situated on the banks of the river Ghaggar. This majestic fort was built by the Bhupat son of King Bhati of Jaisalmer. Other remarkable attractions in Hanumangarh are the Indira Gandhi Nahar and the historic Gurudwara. Apart from the historical significance, the district of Hanumangarh is widely visited for its famous fairs and carnivals also. Prominent amongst them are Bhadrakali Mela, Pallu Mela, Gogameri Mela, Shila Mata Mela and Mahitab Singh Ji Yadgari Mela.


Bhatner Fort:- The Bhatner Fort, otherwise known as the Hanumangarh Fort, is located on the banks of the River Gaggar in the centre of Hanumangarh. It is five kilometres from Hanumangarh Junction Railway Station and 230 km north-east of Bikaner, in the extreme northern part of Rajasthan. Believed to be over 1700 years old, it is considered to be one of the oldest Indian forts. The earlier name of Hanumangarh was Bhatner that was once ruled by the Bhatti Rajputs. In 295 AD, Bhupat, son of Jailsamer’s King Bhatti built this strong fort. Since then, rulers like Timur, Ghaznavis, PrtihviRaj Chauhan, Akbar, Qutub-ud-din-Aybak and Rathores had captured this fort. The strength of this fort has been mentioned in the autobiography written by Timur called “Tuzuk- E- Timuri.” Even Mughal Emperor Akbar described this fortification in his book “Ain-E- Akbari”. This fort stands in the path of invasion of India from Central Asia and had acted as a strong barricade against attacks of the enemies. Finally, in 1805, the Bhattis were defeated at Bhatner by Bikaner’s Raja Surat Singh. Since this conquest occurred on Tuesday, which is considered as the day of Lord Hanuman, the king changed the name of Bhatner to Hanumangarh.

The Bhatner Fort rests on somewhat elevated land with gigantic barricades. It has many towering gates surrounding the fort and many big rounded bastions that stand at intervals. While following the orders of the Mughal ruler, Rao Manohar Kachchawa erected another grand gate of this fort. The entire foundation includes 52 kunds that were used to store rainwater that would suffice a huge battalion for a year. Throughout the fort gracefully designed minarets were located that were replaced when the fort was renovated. Inside the fort there are many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. There are three statues, which bear inscriptions, and an ancient building called “Jain Pasara” is situated inside the fort. This fort has been mostly popular for its invincibility as after repeated attempts by various clans only few could gain control over this fort. Maharaj Jait Singh of Bikaner captured this fort in 1527, which was finally captured by Surat Singh in 1805, after going through many annexations between the Kingdom of Bikaner and the Mughals. There is also a tomb inside this fort, where Sher Khan is kept. Sher Khan was the nephew of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Balban (1266 - 1290) as well as the Governor of the Fort.



Kalibanga:-  Kalibanga is a town located at on southern banks of the Ghaggar River in Tehsil Pilibangan, between Suratgarh and Hanumangarh district. Kalibangan Archaeological Museum is one of the important places to be visited. Another interesting place worth to be visited is the archeological site of Kalibangan. This site is as old as the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. The remains at Kalibangan, give indication about Pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations and also hold evidences of how the Harappan civilization evolved from the pre-Harappan civilization. You will get opportunity to learn more about the structure of town planning that existed in one of the first human civilizations in the Indian sub-continent.



Kalibangan Archaeological Museum: A spot that’s a must-visit for archaeology buffs, Kalibangan is famous for the site where relics from the Indus Valley Civilization were unearthed. The relics belong to the Harappan and pre-Harappan settlements from the year 2500 BC. Excavations at Kalibangan have revealed Harappan seals, human skeletons, unknown scripts, stamps, copper bangles, beads, coins, toys, terracotta and shells. Another place to visit here is the Archaeological Museum, which was set up in 1983 to house findings from an excavation conducted on the Harappan site during 1961-1969. The museum here houses three galleries – the Pre-Harappan one, and two devoted to Harappan artifacts.

Kalibangan Archaeological Site:  Another interesting site is the Kalibangan Archaeological Site This site is a part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation that is some 5000 years old. It has not only the relics of the Harappan settlements from the 2500 BC – 1750 BC, but also the Pre-Harappan settlements from the 3500 BC – 2500 BC. The excavation of this site proves that a well - established life style existed before the Harappan Civilisation in India. It was also discovered that for the ceramic industry, Rajasthan was a significant center. The pottery of this place has similar designs with those of the Harappan civilisation. The excavations at Kalibangan revealed Harappan seals, human skeletons, unknown scripts, stamps, copper bangles, beads, coins, toys, terracotta and shells, wheels, jewellery, utensils, toy carts, markets, remnants of wells, bathrooms, graves, a fort and streets. This was also the site of discovering the most primitive ploughed field that dated back to 2800 BC. In 2600 BC, the first archaeologically recorded earthquake took place at this site, which marked the end of the Pre-Harappan Civilisation.

Sangaria Museum:  Sir Chhotu Ram memorial museum, situated at Sangaria at a distance of 25 Kms. from district headquarter is known for its artifacts. The clay, stone and metal statues, old coins etc collected from different parts of the country have been exhibited at this museum. A statue of goddess Parvati of year 600-900, a statue of "Tirthankar Shantinath" of 15th century, a Toran of 17th century and a Kamandal of 5.5' height draw special attention of the visitors.


Historic Gurudwara:  To mark the Nohar visit of founder of Khalsa Panth and Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Govind Singh, this historic Gurudwara was built in the year 1730 in Nohar town of the district.

Gurdwara of Shri Sukha Singh Mehtab Singh:- The historically important Gurdwara of Shaheedan Da is located in the city of Hanumangarh. In the 18th century AD, when this gurdwara was constructed, it was named after two martyrs. According to history, when the Emperor of Afghanistan, Nadir Shah was moving back to Persia after looting and plundering numerous Indian cities in 1739, his forces were attacked by the Sikhs who rescued many young women and goods that were stolen by the forces. After his return to Persia, Nadir Shah made Zakhrya Khan to act as the Governor of Lahore who vowed to destroy the Sikhs, for which he declared a reward to anybody who could bring the head of a Sikh. Once a Massa Rancher brought a cart full of heads of Sikhs to Zakhrya Khan, as a reward to which he was appointed the Chief of Amritsar. Taking charge of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Massa Rancher prohibited the Sikhs from entering this temple and started drinking and brought dancers at the pious temple. When this news reached the Bikaner’s Sikhs, they became enraged. Then two Sikhs, namely, Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh went to Amritsar to teach Massa Ranghar a lesson. As they carried bags full of coins, the watchmen didn’t prevent them from entering the Golden Temple.

They went to a drunken Massa Ranghar who was watching the dancing girls and placed the bags full of coins in front of him. As he bent to take a look at the bag, these two Sikhs severed his head, took it and vanished from there in no time. These two Sikhs came to Hanumangarh with Massa Ranghar’s head and rested under a tree. Later on they were captured and tortured to death by the Mughals who wanted them to convert to Islam. They refused this offer and attained martyrdom. Every year, in this Gurdwara on Amavasya, thousands of devotees attend the Yadgari Jod Mela.

Shri Kabootar Sahib Gurdwara:- Shri Kabootar Sahib Gurdwara is located at a distance of about 80 km in the town of Nohar. This temple was constructed to celebrate the historic visit of Guru Gobind Singh in the month of November,, 1706, who was the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs and the founder of Khalsa Panth. On the way from Sirsa, Guru Gobind Singh stopped at this spot and set up camps close to a Chhip Talai that was situated southeastwards of the town. When Guruji visited this place various pigeons or ‘kabooter’ as called in Punjabi used to assemble. This happened as lots of people in this area used to feed these pigeons. During Guruji’s stay in this place, one of his Sikh followers accidentally stepped on a pigeon injuring it. Since the people of this area practiced non-violence, they protested this act with anger. To pacify the local residents, Guruji appointed a barber-cum-surgeon who treated the pigeon. After this, news spread that Guruji had brought a dead pigeon back to life with the help of his spiritual powers. Then the family of the barber founded a platform at the campsite on which this Gurdwara was built later on, around 1730.

Temple of Mata Bhadrakali:- Located at a distance of seven kilometres from the city of Hanumangarh, the temple of Mata Bhadrakali stands on the banks of River Ghaggar that is close to Amarpura Thedi Village. The presiding deity of this temple is Mata Bhadrakali, which is one of the many avatars of Goddess Durga. The temple belongs to the Shakti Sect of Hinduism. History states that the 6th ruler of Bikaner, Maharaja Ram Singh, constructed this temple to fulfill the desire of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor. Later on, Maharaja Dhri Ganga Singhji, the King of Bikaner, reconstructed this temple. The temple is constructed of bricks, mortar and lime. It has a loft round shaped dome along with a verandah, a kitchen, a Sanctum Sanctorum and a hall for prayers. The main idol of this temple is built with red stone that is 2.6 feet high and covered in ornaments.  The temple is open every day. However, it gets crowded on the 8th and 9th day in the month of Chaitra due to the Mela that is celebrated here during that time.


Sila Mata & Sila Peer Temple:-  The old Sila Mata – Sila Peer Temple is a mark of communal harmony. Located close to the bus stand of Hanumangarh City, the idol of this temple is worshipped by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. The Muslims revere the stone as Sila Peer and the Hindus worship it as Sila Mata. It is popularly believed that the water and milk offered to the deity is capable of curing all skin diseases, if it can be applied. Every Thursday. A fair is held here.




Brahmani Mata Temple:- The Brahmani Mata temple is situated on the Hanumangarh - Kishangarh Mega Highway, at a distance of about 100 km from the city of Hanumangarh. It is located in the Pallu village of Rawatsar Tehsil. This temple stands on the remnants of the old Kalloor Fort. During Navratras, a fair called Mata Brahmani Mela is organised here.







Temple of Goga:- At a distance of about 120 km from the city of Hanumangarh and two kilometres from the railway station of Gogamedi, the temple of Shri Gogaji is located. This temple is presided over by Gugga Jahar Peer who is more popularly known as Shri Gogaji. This spiritual guru was born in the Rajput dynasty of Chauhans in Dadrewa village of the Churu Distict, approximately 900 years ago. Shri Gogaji was once a warrior who possessed spiritual powers. It is said that this temple was constructed around 950 years ago and it was Bikaner’s Maharaj Shri Ganga Singh, who reconstructed this temple again in 1911. The structure of the temple stands upon an elevated mound and is made of stone, lime, black and white marble and mortar. The architecture of this temple reflects a perfect blend of Muslim and Hindu styles. Inside, a statue of Shri Gogaji is set up that has a lot of engravings on it. This statue depicts Shri Gogaji as a warrior mounted upon a horse, having a lance in his hand and a snake encircling his neck. People from all communities visit this temple, which is open every day. The major festival in this temple is Gogameri, when pilgrims from all parts of the country worship Gogaji or ‘the God of Snakes’. The unique feature of this temple is that it has priests for both Hindus and Muslims.

Dhuna Shri Gorakh Nath Temple:- The Temple of Dhuna Shri Gorakh Nathji is situated about three kilometres from the railway station of Gogamedi. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva along with his family, Goddess Kali, Shri Bhairuji and Shri Gorakh Nathji’s Dhuna. A disciple of Matsyendra Nath, Shri Gorakh Nathji was a gifted yogi and was one of the primary Siddhas of the nine Siddhas belonging to the Cult of the Naths. In this religious site, the Dhuna or the fireplace of Shri Gorkah Nath can be seen. This temple, which is constructed of bricks, lime, cement and mortar, houses a standing image of Goddess Kali that is about three feet high and made of stone. At about the same height, there is an idol of Shri Bhairuji that is built of black stone. Close to this idol are all the statues of the entire family of Shiva. Around the same place, many samadhis of different yogis are also situated. Guru Gorakh Nathji’s popular Dhuna is placed atop a mound. This temple is open to throughout the year.



Fair & Festival:-

Gogaji Fair:- The Gogaji Fair is a colourful affair celebrated in the town of Gogamedi. Gogamedi is located in the Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan. The town is located about 359Km from Jaipur. The Gogaji Fair is popular among local Hindus and Muslims of the area. The fair is conducted in honour of the local hero Goga Veer or Zahar Peer as referred by the Muslims. Hindus and Muslims assemble at the shrine of Gogaji every year to celebrate the fair.

The fair is conducted for a period of three days every year. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhaado or Bhadrapad. This month usually falls in the Georgian calendar month of August or September. The fair is celebrated from the ninth day of Bhaado to the eleventh day. Gogaji is a local deity and is believed to be a snake god by the Hindus. The locals believe that visiting the Gogaji shrine can help cure all types of diseases. Thousands of devotes of Gogaji visit the shrine during the fair to pay their respects. It is believed that the sects of Kayam Khani Muslims are descendants of Gogaji. The Kayam Khani Muslims consider Gogaji as a saint. Usually people visit the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or for expressing their gratitude if their wish comes true. The shrine has a Persian inscription at the entrance which states the respect that Mahmud of Ghazni had for the saint. Another fact about the shrine is that once Mahmud Ghazni’s wish was fulfilled he ordered a renovation of the shrine as a token of his gratitude.

The Gogaji Fair is a Colourful fair held in Gogamedi. Locals regard the fair as one of the most important occasions. Celebrated every year, the Gogaji Fair is attended by people from Rajasthan and all around India. Almost every family in and around the area attend the Gogaji Fair. The main highlight of the fair is the Nath priests that carry whips out of the main hall. The whips carried by these priests are considered to be lucky. Visitors can spot locals carrying multi-Coloured flags to the fair. Almost all the villages in Rajasthan have a sacred place dedicated to Gogaji. Devotees of Gogaji are spread across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and many other places. Wherever there are devotees of Gogaji annual processions are organized to honour him.
The fair is also a great place to see the local market scene. Farmers and traders flock to the fair to sell their produce and goods. The traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and artwork attract the best crowds. The Gogaji Fair is an excellent occasion for visitors to see the traditions and culture of the local people of the area.

Gangaur Celebrations:- The celebrations begins almost a fortnight before the main day of the festival. Girls worship the goddess all through the fortnight before the main event day. A group of women from the town hold a procession and carry colorful idols of Gauri. Many people from nearby villages too come to take part in the procession and roam around with them from village to village.  A sense of romance is felt in the atmosphere as the occasion also gives an opportunity to tribal men and women to come in contact with each other, to meet and interact freely; this help them to select partners of their choice and marrying by eloping. It is the unique thing about this festival.
The festival begins from the first day of Chaitra or from the next day of Holi and continues for 18 days. The festival begins with the custom of gathering ashes from the Holi Fire and burying the seeds of barley in it. After it, the seeds are watered everyday awaiting the germination. It is mandatory for a newly-wedded girl to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival and keep fast to ensure her marriage do well. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of the 18 days and eat only one meal a day.

Gauri’s Departure:- The idols of Gauri and Isar are dressed in new attires and bejeweled with sparkling ornaments especially made for the occasion. The beautifully decorated statues looks like they are brought to life by these girls and married women. The idols of Isar and Gauri placed on the heads of married women are taken in a procession in the afternoon, to a garden, bawdi or johad or well. Vidaai songs are sung as Gauri departs to her husband’s house. The idol of Gauri was offered water by the ladies present in the procession, they then comes back. On the final day, the procession came to an end with the Visarjaan of all the idols in the waters of a tank or a well. The women bid farewell to Gauri and return back towards their home with teary eyes and in this way Gangaur Festival comes to an end.


How to reach:
By Air:- At 312 kilometres, Chandigarh is the nearest airport to Hanumangarh with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi and other major metros around the country.




By Train:- Hanumangarh’s is well connected to Jalore, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur and Guwahati with a number of trains halting at the Hanumangarh Railway Station throughout the week.



By Bus:- One can travel to Hanumangarh via road from Jaipur, Delhi, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Jodhpur by hopping aboard a private bus or the ones run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation.

                                   Have A Nice Day

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