The Unique Bullet Bike Temple

Of the many intriguing stories that are heard in India, Rajasthan probably tops the list in uniqueness and bizarreness of these stories. But then, these are based on truth and facts and it is all out there for everyone to see. Be it the haunted villages of Kuldhara and Ajabgadh, unmanned railway crossing at Pushkar or this one-of-its-kind Bullet Bike Temple!

This little shrine is located on the Jodhpur - Pali highway and is around 50 km from Jodhpur near Chotila village. Legend has it that Om Banna as he is now known, but was formerly addressed as Om Singh Rathore was travelling on this highway back in 1991 December, the 2nd to be precise. He lost control of his 350 CC Royal Enfield Motorcycle and hit a tree and lost his life. The bike fell in a ditch near the tree. Next morning, the local police took the bike and parked it at the Police Station. Miraculously, the bike disappeared from the Police Station and was found in the same ditch at the accident site. Interestingly enough, the Police emptied the fuel and tied the bike with chains the next day at the Police Station. But again, the bike was found in the same ditch. Any attempts of keeping the bike elsewhere failed, and people believed that it was Om Banna’s spirit that was taking the bike back to the spot where he lost his life.

Later a shrine was built around the Motorcycle where a lamp is kept lit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the Motorcycle is revered just like a deity with garlands and offerings. A glass case is made around the motorcycle. A portrait of Om Banna can also be seen in the background.

All travellers / commuters on this highway stop for a brief moment to pay their respects and pray for a safe journey. It is believed that Om Banna’s spirit guides the travellers in this area and blesses them for a safe journey. Regulars on this highway thank Om Banna for their safe travels. Not only this, now the place has become a popular pilgrimage site and men and women come dressed in their finery to pay their respects here. People from the region come here to bless any new vehicle they buy before the vehicle hits the road. There is an Aarti dedicated to Om Banna which is written on a poster and kept in the shrine. Many copper and brass bells are seen at the entrance, depicting the many answered prayers and fulfilled wishes. 

Folk artists sit around the shrine singing praises to Om Banna. People from across religious faiths come to pay their respects here. Sit around for a while under the shade of the Banyan tree in front of the shrine and just observe the happenings-on and one would notice a diverse crowd visiting the Om Banna Temple. A suave elite gentleman stepping out of his Mercedes as well as a local tribal, attired in his colourful garb jumping out of the trolley attached to a tractor, all come to Om Banna with the same thoughts in mind - respect and seeking blessings for safe travels always. 

Rajasthan Tourism's tag line is totally befitting this unique temple - Jaane Kya Dikh Jaye!