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Situated about 12 kms. to the north of Pokhran, the village
of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint who took
'Samadhi' (conscious exit from the mortal body) in 1458 AD.
He
had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that
five pirs from Mecca came here to test his power and after being
convinced, paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims
also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as incarnation of Lord
Krishna. Near the village, there is a tank known as Ramsar tank, which is
believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev himself. A large step
well, the Parcha Baori is also situated nearby.
Baba Ram Dev believed in the equality of all human beings, both high and
low, rich and poor. He helped the down-trodden by granting them their
wishes. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner
constructed a temple around the Samadhi in 1931 AD. Rice, coconuts,
'churma' and wooden horses (toys) are offered to Ramdevji by the devotees.
A large fair is held here from Bhadon Sudi 2 to Bhadon Sudi 11 (Aug -
Sept), which is attended by lakhs of devotees who come in large groups
from far and wide. Irrespective of their caste, creed or religious
affiliations, these devotees throng the shrine dedicated to the saint.
These groups organise night long singing of 'bhajans' and 'kirtans' to pay
homage to Baba. Visitors to Ramdevra are not allowed to indulge in vices.
Ramdevra village lies about 12 kms. from Pokhran in
Jaisalmer district. Pokhran is connected to
Jodhpur by a metalled road as well as by Rail.
Ramdevra can be reached from Jodhpur and
Pokhran by bus.
People travel to the fair from nearby places on camels, bullock carts and
even on foot. During the period of the fair, special buses and trains
carry passengers from nearby areas and places as far as
Gujarat ,
Madhya
Pradesh and
Uttar Pradesh
to the fair site.