Bhilwara in Rajasthan is usually known as a textile city and the gateway to Mewar, but a small town in the same district, Gulabpura, carries a very different kind of story. Here, the sacred dhuni, a ritual fire, of saint Gulab Baba has been burning without a break for four hundred years, and that flame has become the very identity of the town. Gulabpura is seen as far more than just a town, it is regarded as a major centre of faith, history and religious belief, and devotees travel here not only from within Rajasthan but from other parts of the country to bow before the dhuni.
Who was Gulab Baba, and how the town got its name
Locals believe Gulabpura was named after this revered ascetic saint, Gulab Baba. Many years ago he performed intense penance at this very spot, and that penance turned the place into a centre of devotion. Over time a settlement grew around it, and people began calling it Gulab Baba's town, that is, Gulabpura. Local resident KD Mishra says Gulab Baba came from a Brahmin family and, as a child, lived in Bhinay village near Gulabpura.
A sister in law's taunt that changed the course of a life
According to KD Mishra, one day Gulab Baba was heading out to graze cows and asked his sister in law to pack food for him. She was caught up in other work at the time and could not prepare it. The young Gulab Baba grew upset and insisted that only she tie up his food. Exasperated, she said, half in jest, that if he became a sadhu, food would come to him on its own. That single remark took root in the boy's mind, and he decided then and there to become an ascetic.
Twelve years of harsh penance and the founding of the dhuni
Having made up his mind, Gulab Baba left home with a friend and travelled to Masuda, where he sought out a saint and asked to be accepted as a disciple. The saint initially dismissed him as just a child, but seeing his persistence and dedication, eventually allowed him to undertake penance. Gulab Baba then practised rigorous austerity for about twelve years. Pleased with his devotion, the saint blessed him to return to his village and establish a dhuni there. Carrying that blessing, Gulab Baba went back to Bhinay, continued his penance and lit the dhuni. From that day on, the area came to be known as Gulab Baba's town, Gulabpura.
The 400 year old flame that still burns today
Word of Gulab Baba's penance and the miracles associated with him gradually spread far and wide. People came to believe that the wishes of many devotees were fulfilled through his blessings. That is why, even today, large numbers of people arrive at his dhuni seeking solutions to their problems and praying for prosperity. Devotees bow here and pray for the wellbeing of their families, growth in business and good health. The dhuni of Gulab Baba remains one of the most important centres of faith for devotees, and a steady stream of visitors arrives here every day from morning to evening. On special occasions, on amavasya, on purnima and during religious events, thousands of devotees gather at the site.
A grand annual fair draws crowds from several states
After offering prayers at the dhuni, devotees present offerings and seek Gulab Baba's blessings. People believe that a prayer made with a sincere heart reaches Gulab Baba and that he fulfils the wishes of his devotees. A grand fair is organised here every year, drawing large numbers of devotees not just from Rajasthan but also from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and several other states. During the fair, religious programmes, devotional singing, community feasts and cultural events are held, and the entire area is immersed in a devotional atmosphere. The fair also holds great importance for local traders, since the surge of visiting devotees brings a noticeable boost of activity to the markets.
Gulabpura's new identity as a religious tourism hub
Today, Gulabpura's identity is no longer limited to being an industrial and trading town, it has also become a significant centre of religious tourism. Devotees who come here to visit Gulab Baba's dhuni also get to experience the region's religious and cultural traditions. It is the grace and blessings attributed to Gulab Baba that have given this small town its distinct identity. That is why Gulabpura is known today, not just across Rajasthan but across the country, as a symbol of faith and devotion.
