Visiting Bikaner and looking for unique cultural experiences? Then you must add royal cenotaphs Bikaner to your Bikaner itinerary.
The beautiful structures built in honor of the royal family of Bikaner are special.
Read more: India itinerary ideas for spending 1 to 4 weeks
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
What is the Cenotaph?
Cenotaphs are monuments or tombs built in honor of some significant people. But these tombs are empty and are not built over the place where they were buried.
Cenotaphs have been built all over the world for many centuries to honor Important people. They are even built to commemorate the soldiers killed in the war. Some of the famous cenotaphs around the world are located in London, France, the USA, Hong Kong, Hiroshima, Canada, and India.
Read Next: A Perfect Itinerary for Rajasthan
Royal Cenotaphs of Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, India there are many royal families that have built Cenotaphs or ‘Chhatris’ in honor of the deceased royal family members. The ‘Chhatri’ literally means an umbrella because that is the design of the cenotaph that resembles one.
Since the royal families of Rajasthan are Hindus, they are not buried but lit on a pyre. The famous Royal cenotaphs in Rajasthan are located in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Alwar, and Bundi.
Read Next: 3 Days in Jaisalmer Itinerary
Devi Kund Sagar Bikaner
The Bikaner Cenotaphs are located 9 km from Bikaner, in Devikund Sagar, on the outskirts of the city. This is the crematorium ground of the Royal family of Bikaner of the Bikaji dynasty. The cenotaph is built over the place where the royal member was cremated.
The Bikaji dynasty was founded by Rao Bika of the Rathore clan of Rajputs in 1488 and established the city of Bikaner.
Read More: The Best Itinerary for Udaipur
Who are Bikaner cenotaphs built for?
The cenotaphs are built in memory of the kings, queens, and even children of the Royal family. But the chhatris for men, women, and children are different. The chhatris for the kings have a vertical memorial slab inside it that may have some design on it. The cenotaphs for the queens will have their footmarks inside them on a horizontal slab. While those children called ‘nada’ will not have an umbrella over it, just the rectangular raised platform.
The earliest cenotaph is of Rao Kalyan Mal, the 5th ruler of Bikaner and the last cenotaph is of Maharaja Narendra Singh, who died in 2003.
Read More: The Best Itinerary for Jodhpur
What are the cenotaphs built of?
The chattris that were built earlier were built of the red and pink sandstone that is easily available in this area. They later started getting constructed in white marble. Some cenotaphs even have intricate carvings and paintings made on walls and ceilings.
Learn More: 10-Day North India Itinerary
The architecture of the cenotaphs
The architecture of the Royal Cenotaphs is what makes them special and visited. It is built on Rajputana architecture with influence from Mughal architecture.
There are cenotaphs of some rulers who had important contributions and built bigger and more special than others. The chhatri of Maharaja Anup Singh Ji who ruled from 1669 -1698 AD is built in white marble on 16 pillars and has tales of Lord Krishna and animals carved on its pillars. Another magnificently built cenotaph is of Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji under whose rule Bikaner prospered.
Timings
9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fees
The entry fee for Indians is INR 5 while for foreigners is INR 10.
Things to Take Care
- The footwear needs to be removed at the entrance as the Royal Chhatris of Bikaner are considered sacred.
- It gets very hot during the afternoon, especially in summer, so prefer to visit in the morning or evening. The floor also gets very hot and becomes difficult to walk.
- The floor does have pigeon droppings in places.
- It is prohibited to Climb on the steps and inside the cenotaphs, hence respect the rules even if no one is watching (especially for people taking Instagram-worthy pics.)
How to reach Royal Cenotaphs?
Since Devi Kund Sagar is located on the outskirts of Bikaner, it is advisable to take a cab or an auto. Public transport is not feasible. If taking an auto, it would be better to hold it outside while you visit the place.
It would be best to combine it with the fun trip to the National Research Center on Camel.
In essence, the royal cenotaphs in Bikaner at the Devi Kund Sagar are a bucket list-worthy attraction in Bikaner.
Read Next: A Perfect Itinerary to Exploring Jaipur in 3 Days
Save the Royal Cenotaphs Bikaner pin to Pinterest
Sharing is nice 🙂 If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to subscribe to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.