In Rajasthan, on the highway between Pali and Jodhpur, lies an unusual temple that has become a pilgrimage for many: the Bullet Raja Mandir. It’s not a typical shrine; here, the deity is a motorcycle—a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet, to be exact. This is the resting place of Om Banna, or as locals call him, Bullet Baba. Every day, hundreds of devotees stop by to pray for safe journeys, leaving offerings.
The Mysterious Accident of Om Banna
The legend began on May 5, 1988, when Om Singh Rathore, known as Om Banna, was riding his motorcycle from Bangdi to Chotila. Tragically, he lost control and crashed into a tree, dying instantly. His motorcycle fell into a ditch at the site of the accident. The next day, local police took the bike to a nearby police station, thinking it was secured. But the following morning, the motorcycle had mysteriously returned to the same ditch.
Confused, the police repeated this process, even draining the bike’s fuel tank and locking it away. Yet, every single time, the bike reappeared at the accident site by dawn. The locals started to believe that Om Banna’s spirit was guiding them, and soon, news of this miraculous motorcycle spread through nearby villages.
Realizing the significance of what they witnessed, villagers began to worship the motorcycle, leading to the construction of the shrine we see today. The Bullet Baba Mandir now attracts not just locals but travelers from far and wide. Devotees come to pray, applying tilak marks on the bike and tying red threads for blessings. Offerings include flowers, coconuts, sweets, and surprisingly, bottles of liquor—a nod to Om Banna’s former life.
The Essential Stop for Travelers on the Highway
It’s said that those who don’t stop to pay their respects risk facing misfortune on their travels. The eternal flame at the shrine symbolizes the undying spirit of Om Banna, and local folk songs are sung in his honor.
If you find yourself traveling along the Pali-Jodhpur highway, be sure to visit the Bullet Raja Mandir. This place is not merely a temple; it represents a remarkable story of faith and guardianship.
