| Ramdeoji
Fair
Ramdeora fair is held every year for ten days in August-September
to pay homage to the fifteenth century saint, Shri Ramdeoji. Ramdeora
village lies about 13 km from Pokaran, headquarters of a sub-division
in Jaisalmer district.
Ramdeoji was a Tomar Rajput. Hindus regard him
as an incarnation of Lord Krishna, while Muslims venerate him as Ramshah
Pir. There is a story behind the birth of Ramdeoji. In the twelfth century,
King Anangpal decided to go on a pilgrimage and as he had no son, he entrusted
the administration of his kingdom to Pritviraj Chauhan, his maternal grandson.
Prithviraj refused to restore the kingdom to King Anangpal, who had returned
from the pilgrimage and the King and his descendant settled in the part
of Jaisalimer which is known as Shiv tehsil.
One of Anangpal's descendants Ajmall, was a great devotee
of Dwarkadhesh (Lord Krishna). Because of his devotion Dwarkadhesh decided
to take birth as his son. The child was named Ramdeo. Ramdeo soon became
famous as a saintly man and five pirs from Mecca came to test him , and
they were impressed by Ramdeo and paid him obeisance.
Ramdeoji is considered a saint who devoted his life
to the uplift of the downtrodden. He buried himself alive. Around Ramdeoji's
grave a magnificent temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner.
Wooden toy horses covered with cloth are among the most popular offerings
at the temple. It is one of the famous fairs in Rajasthan.
|
