BARMER, Rajasthan

Main Attraction: RUINS OF KIRADU

Kiradu is a historical place near Hathma village, which lies north of Khadon Railway Station situated on Barmer Munabao Railway line approximately 33 kms away from northwest of Barmer. There are five temples in Kiradu. Inscriptions of 1161 A.D. period is found on the pillars of temples. Every temple is unique from architectural point of view. Apart from Ramayana and Mahabharata, the details of the stories from Purans are depicted on rocks. The five temples are dedicated to Lord Someshwar, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. The ancient name of 'Kiradu' is being mentioned as Kirat Koop. It appears from the dispersed rocks that Kiradu was a fully established town.

It would not be exaggerated to call Kiradu as 'Khajuraho' of West Rajasthan. The history of Kirat Koop is one thousand fifty eight years old, which is now known as Kiradu. Sindhu Raj was the founder of the Parmar rule of Kiradu town. The temples of the present Kiradu town are in a ruined state, after the desolation of the Magnificent Kirat Koop town, yet they are still known for their architectural splendour.

Brief History

The area comprising the district of Barmer used to be a part of the former Jodhpur State. On the merger of Jodhpur State in the United States of Greater Rajasthan in the year 1949, a separate district of Barmer was formed which include the former parganas of Mallani (now called Barmer), Sheo, Pachpadra and Siwana. The Chohtan area (transferred from Sanchore tehsil of Jalor district) of the fifth pargana of Sanchore, South of Mallani, also, now forms part of the district’s jurisdiction.

The district Barmer derives its name from the headquarters town, which is said to have been founded in the 13th century by Bahada Rao (also called Bar Rao) and named after him Baha-mer or Barmer i.e. the hill fort of Bar.