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Explore the Unexplored
Bullet Baba Shrine – An Unforeseen Extent of Faith
Ever seen a Royal Enfield Bullet worshipped as a deity? Surely, the passionate bikers around the world share greatest love and regards for this thrilling motorcycle. But the extent of revering it as divinity can be seen only in India. Travel about 21 km. from Pali or about 56 km. from Jodhpur in Rajasthan and you will come across this astounding shrine called Om Bana (or Bullet Baba Shrine) garners a lot of attention. It is firmly believed that travellers praying at the shrine are blessed with safe journeys.
The Legend
Some 25 years ago, one Om Singh Rathore crashed his Royal Enfield into a tree at this spot and succumbed to his injuries. The local police took into custody the motorcycle which surprisingly was found at the same spot the next morning. Despite of locks and chains and empty fuel tank, the two-wheeler would miraculously make its way to the spot every morning. Counting it a divine event, the local people built the temple and began worshipping the Bullet.
The Temple
The main highlight of Bullet Baba Temple is obviously the miraculous bike which stands enclosed within glass walls on a raised platform. The tree responsible for the accident stands nearby and is decorated with colourful strings, ropes, scarves, bangles and other items. A priest performs daily rituals at the temple.
Om Singh Rathore (honoured as Om Bana) is believed to be the saviour of stressed travellers in the region. Interestingly, many devotees offer the bottles of liquor to seek blessings from the spirit of Om Bana, who himself was heavily drunk at the time of the mishap. Rajasthan, the land of mysteries and unusual secrets, accommodates this shrine as a must-visit attraction for the tourists who visit the world-famous city of Jodhpur.
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