The city of Jodhpur has immersed itself in religious fervor dedicated to the revered folk deity Baba Ramsa Peer. Marking the arrival of the auspicious Bhadva month on Thursday, a unique foot march carrying the idol of Baba Ramdevji set out for Runicha Dham in Ramdeora. Starting from the Shiv Temple at Public Park, the pilgrimage features a grand chariot housing the idol. What makes this journey unprecedented is the installation of the deity's idol on a splendid 8-foot-high glass throne specially crafted by skilled artists from Mumbai.
Artisanship from Mumbai and Chariot Drawn in Jagannath Style
The centerpiece of this pilgrimage is the 8-foot-tall glass throne crafted by artisans brought in from Mumbai. Installed with ceremonial rituals, the shrine sits atop a majestic chariot. The foot march is organized in the style of the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, with pilgrims manually pulling the chariot with ropes rather than relying on motor vehicles. More than 100 devotees are actively participating, pulling the chariot by hand while chanting devotional slogans and singing hymns dedicated to Baba Ramdevji.
180 km Route Covered Across 9 Key Halts Over 5 to 6 Days
The total distance from Jodhpur to Runicha Dham in Ramdeora spans approximately 180 kilometers. The group of pilgrims plans to cover this journey entirely on foot over a duration of 5 to 6 days. The march follows a designated itinerary passing through nine major halting points, including Balarwa, Tivri, Ghevra, Chamu, Lorta, Dechu, Mandla, Lawa, and Pokhran before ultimately arriving at Ramdeora. Local communities along the route are preparing warm receptions at every stop, complete with arrangements for food, drinking water, resting facilities, and evening devotional music programs.
City Procession, Maha Aarti by Achalanand Giri Maharaj, and Fireworks at Masuria
Before the yatra commenced from Public Park, elaborate religious rituals were performed, highlighted by a Maha Aarti conducted by Achalanand Giri Maharaj. Following the ceremony, the procession moved through key city thoroughfares including Sojati Gate, Jalori Gate, and 12th Road, eventually reaching the famous Baba Ramdev Temple in Masuria. Devotees gathered along the route to welcome the chariot. At Masuria temple, an evening Maha Aarti was followed by a vibrant fireworks display, after which the pilgrims resumed their march toward Ramdeora.
Preparations and Daily Rituals Since the First Monday of Sawan
Preparations for this grand march had been underway since the beginning of the holy month of Sawan. The idol of Baba Ramdevji was initially installed for public darshan at the Public Park Shiv Temple on the first Monday of Sawan. Throughout the period, women devotees performed daily bhajans, and various religious rituals were conducted, including a traditional offering of 56 Bhog to pray for peace and prosperity. With the commencement of the Bhadva month, this devotional effort culminated in the grand rath yatra setting off for Runicha Dham.
