Devotees flock to the ancient Shree Mahalakshmi Temple located on Dauji Road in Bikaner to offer prayers to the goddess of wealth during the sacred festival of Diwali. Standing at approximately 91 years of age, this historical temple serves as a major center of religious faith in the city. While visitors arrive throughout the year, the religious significance of the shrine multiplies manifold during the festival of lights.
Establishment in the Year 1932
According to Rajendra Kumar Shrimali, a trustee and priest of the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Trust, this historical place of worship was established in 1932 by Yamuna Dutta Shrimali, who served as the royal priest of the princely state of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh, the then ruler of Bikaner, personally attended the consecration ceremony and performed the role of the chief host. This historical connection ensures that the ancient temple maintains a deep and unique bond with the former royal family.
Special Attire Sent by the Royal Family
A distinctive tradition continues with unwavering dedication as the former royal family sends special attire for Goddess Mahalakshmi twice a year. The first set of clothing arrives during the auspicious festival of Diwali, while the second set is sent on the eighth day of the Shradh Paksha. The deity is adorned in these garments sent by the royals on these special occasions, drawing immense enthusiasm from the gathered devotees.
Unique Idol Depicting Elephants and Kalash
The divine idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi installed inside the temple remains a major center of attraction for visitors, showing the deity seated gracefully upon a lotus flower. The sculpture features water vessels held in the trunks of elephants, which represent auspiciousness, prosperity, and wealth according to traditional Hindu beliefs. Worshippers gather here to seek blessings for domestic harmony and abundance.
Temple Doors Remain Open All Day on Diwali
On normal days, roughly 200 to 300 devotees visit the shrine daily, though this number surges into the thousands on Fridays. On Diwali, a continuous stream of worshippers arrives from early morning until late at night. To accommodate the massive crowds, the temple doors stay open throughout the day so that every devotee can complete their rituals and worship without inconvenience.
Yellow Rice Offerings by Unmarried Youths
Another fascinating folk belief is associated with the ancient temple, where unmarried young men of marriageable age bring yellow rice to the shrine on special occasions to submit their prayers. They seek the blessings of the goddess to find a suitable life partner and pray for future prosperity. For the residents of Bikaner, this shrine remains an ultimate symbol of unflinching faith and devotion.
