India, often referred to as a land of wonders, harbors countless marvels that leave tourists awe-struck. Among its myriad attractions shaped by diverse cultures and traditions, one intriguing site stands out — the Motorcycle Temple in Rajasthan, known also as the Om Banna Temple, or colloquially as the “Bullet Baba Temple.” This article from Eligasht explores the extraordinary story behind this unique pilgrimage site.
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The Motorcycle Temple in Rajasthan
Situated between Pali and Jodhpur, near the village of Chotila, the Motorcycle Temple is dedicated to a man known as Om Banna and his motorcycle, a Royal Enfield 350cc dubbed “Bullet.” Om Banna was a traveler who tragically lost his life in this very location. The shrine, located 50 kilometers from Jodhpur and 20 kilometers from Pali, has become a place of worship where locals and travelers alike come to pray for safe journeys.
Owing to its intriguing origin and the remarkable tale connected to it, the Motorcycle Temple is a must-visit for tourists. It is particularly popular among enthusiasts of Royal Enfield motorcycles.
More About the Motorcycle Temple
The motorcycle of Om Banna is preserved in a glass enclosure at the temple, exactly where the incident occurred. Additionally, there is a bust of Om Banna within the temple. Interestingly, the tree that he collided with remains at the site, and visitors often pray alongside the statue and motorcycle for safe travels on the road. It’s noteworthy that hundreds of individuals from nearby villages visit the Motorcycle Temple daily to seek divine protection. Locals believe that travelers who do not stop to pay their respects at the temple are fated to have perilous journeys. Pilgrims often bring offerings of flowers, prayer strings, and beverages as tokens of reverence.
History and Legends Surrounding the Motorcycle Temple
As previously mentioned, the Om Banna Temple honors the spirit of Om Singh Rathore, who lost his life due to a tragic accident on the Pali-Jodhpur highway. On December 2, 1991, he was riding his Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle (registration RNJ 7773) from Bangdi to Chotila when he lost control and crashed into a tree, ultimately meeting his untimely death. The motorcycle was taken to the local police station the following day, but it was reported missing shortly after. Locals eventually found the bike at the accident site. The police returned it to the station, drained the fuel tank, and secured it with chains and locks to prevent theft. However, on the same night, the motorcycle went missing again, only to be discovered at the original crash location later on.
This sequence of events and the subsequent reverence shown by the community have contributed to the temple’s unique status as a place of pilgrimage, blending elements of folklore, respect for the deceased, and the culture surrounding motorcycling in India.
The Mysterious Vanishing Motorcycle: A Journey to the Om Banna Temple
The story of the Om Banna Temple, also known as the Motorcycle Temple, is among the most enigmatic tales in the world. The reasons behind the mysterious disappearances of a certain motorcycle remain an unknown mystery. Some villagers associate this phenomenon with spirits and deities, believing it to be a miracle that the motorcycle—commonly referred to as “Bullet”—continually returns to this location. This belief is the very reason why the temple was constructed, serving as a place of worship for this motorcycle.
Many locals also believe that the spirit of Om Singh Rathore helps stranded travelers on their journeys. Ritual offerings at the temple include applying turmeric powder on the motorcycle, as well as presenting flowers, coconuts, incense, and sweets. In a display of respect, a red thread is tied around the bike. Furthermore, some devotees bring bottles of alcohol as gifts to honor Om Singh. According to local belief, those who do not stop at the Om Banna Temple to pay their respects may face a perilous journey ahead.
The Architecture of the Motorcycle Temple
The Om Banna Temple is a small sanctuary constructed from bamboo and wood, perched on a tall platform. Much of the temple is essentially an outdoor environment with a roof. The shrine contains a portrait and a bust of Om Singh Rathore, positioned on a stone platform that stands about three feet high. Surrounding this are several hanging bells. Above the image rests the Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc motorcycle, which is safeguarded by a glass casing and has a temporary roof made of bamboo and thatch. The enclosure features a sliding door, facilitating the daily maintenance and cleaning of the motorcycle.
Best Time to Visit the Motorcycle Temple
If you’re considering visiting the Motorcycle Temple, you may wonder when the best time to go is. Located in Rajasthan, this area experiences extremely hot weather, especially during the summer months. Therefore, travelers are advised to avoid visiting the Om Banna Temple during the hotter months of the year. The most opportune time for a visit is from September through the end of March, when the weather is pleasant enough for exploration and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the region.
How to Reach the Motorcycle Temple
The Om Banna Temple is situated on the Pali-Jodhpur Highway (NH 62), near a village named Chotila, approximately 53 kilometers from Jodhpur. The best options for reaching this attraction from Jodhpur include personal vehicles, rental taxis, and state transport buses. The temple is easily accessible via Residency Road and NH 62, taking about an hour to reach.
For those coming from other towns and cities, it’s essential to follow the same route via NH 62. Rajasthan state transport buses connect various cities through the roadways. Additionally, for travelers opting to journey by train, the Jodhpur Junction railway station is located just around 52 kilometers from the temple. If traveling by air, Jodhpur also has its own airport, from which taxi services can take you to the Motorcycle Temple about 54 kilometers away.
Discovering the Attractions Near the Motorcycle Temple
If you’re planning a visit to this Temple, you might be curious about other nearby tourist attractions that you can check out as well. Some notable places include the Jalanjani Water Park, Rohet Water Park, the Banger Museum, Lakotia Garden, and the Nimbo Ka Nath Mahadev Temple.
Shopping Centers Near the Motorcycle Temple
When it comes to shopping, you can visit the Om Banna New Market, which is considered one of the most famous shopping centers in Pali. Additionally, the Jinshura General Store is another nearby shopping destination where you can find virtually anything you might need. The Akshami Place is also a shopping center in the area where you can purchase quality clothing at reasonable prices.
Accommodation Near the Motorcycle Temple
For those looking for nearby accommodations, the following hotels are excellent choices:
- Rajputana Heights Hotel
- Manan Palace and Restaurant
- Minaxi Inn
- Rohet Garh
- Sardar Samand Palace
Restaurants Near the Motorcycle Temple
A variety of dining options exist near this Temple, including:
- Om Banna Restaurant
- Om Banna Hotel
- Shri Om Banna Dhaba
- Shri Bhavani Restaurant
Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we’ve introduced one of the most mysterious tourist attractions and temples in India, specifically in Rajasthan—the Motorcycle Temple, also known as the Om Banna Temple. This temple is dedicated to an individual who lost his life in a motorcycle accident at this location. Locals believe that visiting the temple ensures a safe journey. If you’re interested in exploring awe-inspiring sites and find yourself in Rajasthan, make sure not to miss the chance to visit this remarkable temple.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Motorcycle Temple located?
The Motorcycle Temple is situated between Pali and Jodhpur, close to the village of Choutala.
Why is it called the Motorcycle Temple?
The Motorcycle Temple is named after an individual who died in a motorcycle accident at this site. The motorcycle of this person has mysteriously returned to the accident scene multiple times after his death, which is why it is currently housed in the temple, leading to this name.
Why should we visit the Motorcycle Temple?
If you’re keen on visiting awe-inspiring attractions and traveling to Rajasthan, visiting the Motorcycle Temple can provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience.