LAXMINATH TEMPLE

The first fort, built by Rao Bika at the end of the 15th century and of which only a vague trace remains, stood on the esplanade opposite the Hindu temple of Lakshminath (photos prohibited). The latter is dedicated to Laxmi, wife of Vishnu and goddess of Fortune and tutelary deity of the sovereigns and merchants of Bikaner. She is invoked during the festival of Diwali, as she is supposed to bring luck and good fortune to those who worship her. It would have been built for the wife of a maharaja, originally from Jaisalmer, who refused to eat unless a temple similar to the one in her home town was built. Modest in size, it houses some recent brightly colored murals. Once a day, devotees chant Sanskrit songs during a particularly amazing puja (prayer). The ceremony takes place between 10 and 11:30 a.m. each day, but the time varies depending on the sun. Inside the temple, two rows are formed: on one side the men, on the other the women. The ceremony lasts 11 minutes, during which the faithful sing, recite prayers and incantations dedicated to Laxmi. Some are even in a trance. At the end, blessed boxwood leaves are thrown at the faithful. Everyone picks up a leaf and eats it as a protection. To attend the puja, you must be accompanied by a Hindu devotee. Cameras are forbidden; everyone must leave their shoes at the entrance.