The Kodamdesar Temple

The Kodamdesar Temple is located 24 kilometers from Bikaner. Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji was installed by Rao Bikaji in the first three years of his arrival from Jodhpur. This place of worship was initially chosen as the site to lay the foundation of Bikaner, but was later moved to its current location. A beautiful lake is located in the courtyard of this temple. The serenity and tranquility of this lake reminds devotees and tourists alike.

Rao Bika ji, the ruler and founder of present day Bikaner, built this temple in 1465 AD. He wanted to expand his kingdom and build his palace around this temple. However, under the direction of his advisors, he abandoned the idea and moved the base to the current location.

Some years later, when Rao Bika ji came to Janglabad (old name of Bikaner), he built this temple around the idol. However, no roof or wall was built around it.

The presiding deity is Bhairav ​​Nath. It is believed that he was born from the point between the eyebrows; that is why he is also called the third eye of Bhagwan Shiva. The deity is considered to be an incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva and his ferocious form.

The Bhairav ​​Nath or Bhairu ji temple has the idol only on a marbled platform. Two tridents (arms of Kodamdesar Bheru) decorated with flowers flank the idol. I will never forget the face of the idol. Huge wreaths of marigold flowers adorned the idol. The look was enigmatic with an almighty pride in the eyes and a huge appetite through the open mouth. Devotees and pujari alternated placing offerings in the idol's mouth. After reciting some mantras, the food is taken out and distributed as Prasad.

Right next to this temple is a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Bhairav's brother. The arch above the entrance to the shrine read: Shri Trilokiranath Shri Siyana Kodanaam Mai Baap Shri Kodana Dham Jai Jai Shankar. There are dog symbols indicating that dogs are also revered. It is so different from other temples.
Just behind the temple is a huge pond where worshipers feed fish. The whole area is calm and peaceful.

Unique Prayer Rituals in Bhairav ji Temple

• At Bhairav Nath Temple in Kodamdesar I witnessed very unique prayer rituals.
• It is customary for newly married couples to seek blessings of Lord Bhairav in this temple.
• Unlike in other temple the devotees themselves can put the offerings in idol’s mouth.
• In addition to sweets and savories devotees also offer liquor to Lord Bhairav.
• Animal sacrifices are offered as an act of thanksgiving to Lord Bhairav here.
• Dogs are revered here. That is because dogs are believed to be the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Bhairav.
• Another popular faith is that you are supposed to consume the Prasad within the temple complex and not take back home anything. I saw some devotees distributing all their Prasad among other devotees there.