village Ramdevra, which is 12 km
from Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Significance:
Death anniversary of Baba Ramdev,
a venerated saint, respected by both Hindus and Muslims.
Time of Celebration
For ten days, from Bhadon Sudi 2
to Bhadon Sudi 11 (according to the Hindu calendar), which usually
falls in August or September.
Baba Ramdev was a Tanwar Rajput who took
'Samadhi' (left his mortal body for the heavenly abode) in 1458 AD. He
was believed to have miraculous powers and is considered an incarnation
of Lord Krishna. There is an interesting legend that goes with him.
Attracted by his fame and popularity, five pirs from Mecca came here to
test his power. They were so awed and mystified by his powers and
thoughts that they paid their homage to him. Since then, he came to be
known as Ram Shah Pir by the Muslims. Baba Ram Dev stood for equality of
all human beings and helped the downtrodden.
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed a temple around his Samadhi
in 1931 AD. It is customary that devotees offer rice, coconuts, 'churma'
(a Rajasthani preparation) and wooden horses at his shrine. Hundreds of
thousands of devotees throng to the fair to pay their homage to him,
irrespective of their caste, creed or religioun. There are all-night
events organized during the fair where 'bhajans' and 'kirtans' of Baba
are sung.
