The Bullet Baba Temple, also known as Om Banna Dham, is a fascinating and unique shrine located in Rajasthan, India. It’s a place of worship unlike any other, where the deity is not a traditional god or goddess, but a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.
The Legend of Bullet Baba
The story behind the temple is a captivating tale of faith and the inexplicable. It all began with a young man named Om Singh Rathore, a resident of Chotila village in Rajasthan.
- The Accident: On a night in 1988 (or 1991, depending on the account), Om Singh Rathore was riding his 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle (registration number RNJ 7773) from the town of Bangdi to Chotila. He lost control of the bike, crashed into a tree, and was killed instantly. The motorcycle fell into a nearby ditch.
- The Returning Motorcycle: The next morning, the local police took the motorcycle to the police station. In a bizarre turn of events, the bike mysteriously disappeared from the station overnight and was found back at the crash site. The police, thinking it was a prank, once again took the motorcycle, this time draining its fuel and chaining it up. However, the next morning, it had once again vanished and reappeared at the exact same spot. This phenomenon repeated itself every time the police tried to move the bike.
- The Shrine: The locals, witnessing this inexplicable event, believed it was a miracle—a sign that Om Banna’s spirit was tied to his beloved motorcycle and was protecting the highway. They decided to build a shrine at the accident spot, and the motorcycle became the object of veneration. Om Singh Rathore became known as “Bullet Baba.”
Significance and Rituals
Today, the Bullet Baba Temple is a place of pilgrimage for travelers, especially bikers and truck drivers, who stop to seek blessings for a safe journey.
- Offerings: Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and incense sticks, and tie red threads around the motorcycle and the tree that was the site of the accident. It’s also common for people to offer bottles of liquor, which is believed to be a tribute to Om Banna.
- Beliefs: It’s widely believed that Om Banna’s spirit protects those who travel on this highway. Some locals even believe that a person who does not stop and pay respects at the shrine is in for a dangerous journey.
Visiting the Temple
- Location: The Bullet Baba Temple is located on the Pali-Jodhpur highway (NH62), near the village of Chotila in the Pali district of Rajasthan. It’s about 20 km from Pali and 50 km from Jodhpur.
- How to Get There: The temple is easily accessible by road.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, from where you can hire a taxi or a rental car.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pali Junction, about 20 km away.
- By Road: You can reach the temple by self-owned vehicle, private taxi, or state transport bus from Pali or Jodhpur.
The temple is open throughout the day and night and has no entry fee. A visit to this unique shrine offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich folklore and spiritual beliefs of Rajasthan.