Vaishakhi Town
Distance :15km from
Jaisalmer
¤ A Major Pilgrimage Center of
Hindus
Vaishakhi is a major pilgrimage centre for the Hindus of the Marwar
area and attracts people from Bikaner, Barmer and even from far flung
Gujarat. Vaishakhi (or Baisakhi) is a very important month of the
Hindu calendar and coincides with the months of March-April in the
Gregorian calendar. On full moon day during Baisakhi a religious fair
is held which brings down the curtain on the holy month. Baisakhi is a
major event for the Sikhs and the Buddhists as well: in fact, the Sikh
Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa on Baisakhi day in 1699.
¤ Holy Vaishakhi Kund
Vaisakhi is located in the middle of the Kak river which is believed
to be part of the mythical Saraswati in Vedic times. Saraswati is the
consort of Brahma, the creator and also considered to be the Goddess
of learning and wisdom by the Hindus. The residents believe that a dip
in the Vaishakhi Kund on full moon day during the festival of Baisakhi
will purge them of all their ills.
¤ Bhuteshwar Temple
In Vaisakhi you will find the ancient Bhuteshwar temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The temple is built very much in the Parihara style of
architecture. The Govardhan Pillar which stands nearby is inscribed
with the words ‘Rudra Daha’ indicating that quite possibly a
funeral ceremony was held here for Rudra. The allusion is probably to
the Rudra Rajputs of Lodurva. The temple was initially built around
the 10th century and then rebuilt during the reign of Maharawal Har
Raj in the latter half of the 16th century. The renovation was really
carried out by Parvati, foster sister of Nathi Bai, who was Har Raj’s
daughter married to the Mughal emperor Akbar.
¤ Attractions of Numerous Kunds
Vaishakhi has numerous kunds (water tanks) like Radha Kund and Sita
Kund dedicated to various gods and goddesses. There are a number of
chhatris (pavilions) here as well and it is considered by the Nath
sect to be a sacred place. The Naths are fairly distinguishable by
their long hair and nails and have their ears pierced with large ear
rings. |
