Gogaji Temple
 The shrine dedicated to Gogaji at Gogamedi | |
 | |
| Location | Gogamedi, Nohar, Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, India |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 29°09′36″N 75°01′23″E / 29.160038°N 75.023113°E |
| Type | Folk-deity shrine |
| Material | Stone, lime mortar, marble |
| Beginning date | c. 10th–11th century |
| Completion date | Renovated on 26 June 1911 |
| Dedicated to | Gogaji |
| Website | https://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/Hanumangarh/gogaji.htm |
Gogaji Temple, Gogamedi (locally known as Gogamedi Temple) is a renowned shrine dedicated to the folk-deity Gogaji, located on a raised mound in Gogamedi, Nohar, Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, India. Managed by the Rajasthan Devasthan Department, the temple attracts thousands of devotees across different faiths, especially during the annual fair.[1]
History
[edit]Gogaji Temple is believed to date back approximately 950–1,000 years. According to legend, Gogaji—also known as Jaharveer or Gugga Veer—took samādhi at this site.[2] In 1911, Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner initiated a major renovation of the marble mausoleum.[3]
Architecture
[edit]The temple combines Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. It is constructed from stone and lime mortar, with flooring in patterned black and white marble.[4] The sanctuary houses a marble samādhi depicting Gogaji on horseback with a snake around his neck, and a lance in hand. Four minarets stand at each corner, reflecting Indo-Islamic influence.[5]
Religious significance
[edit]Gogaji is revered as a protector against snakebites and venerated by both Hindu and Muslim communities.[6] Devotees believe applying sacred ash (*bhabhoot*) or visiting the shrine can cure venomous bites.[7]
Annual fair
[edit]A grand fair, known as the Gogamedi fair, is held annually from the full moon of Shravan to the full moon of Bhadrapada (around August–September).[8][circular reference] The highlight, *Goga Navami*, occurs on the ninth day of the dark half of Bhadrapada and spans three days.[9][circular reference]
During the fair, devotees sing bhajans and folk songs, carrying multicoloured flags (*nishans*) and dancing to traditional instruments such as the damru and chimta.[10] According to estimates, up to 2–3 million devotees—including those from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi—attend.[11]
Location and access
[edit]Gogamedi is situated roughly 359 km from Jaipur and 2 km from Gogamedi Railway Station, on National Highway 65.[12][circular reference][13]
Cultural heritage
[edit]The temple is a symbol of communal harmony, observed by both Hindus and Muslims.[14] Pilgrims often offer onions and pulses as donations—a tradition rooted in the legend of Gogaji’s last battle.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Gogamedi Temple in Rajasthan". Government Self‑Reliant Category Temple Shri Gogaji, Gogamedi. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi Temple – History & Story". Hindu Blog. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Goga Ji". Rajasthan Devasthan Department. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Goga Ji". Rajasthan Devasthan Department. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Temple of Shri Gogaji, Hanumangarh". All About India. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi Mandir – गोगामेड़ी मंदिर". BhaktiBharat. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Goga Ji". Rajasthan Devasthan Department. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Fairs & Festivals of Rajasthan – Gogamedi Animal Fair". Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi". Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi Mandir – गोगामेड़ी मंदिर". Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi Mandir – गोगामेड़ी मंदिर". Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi". Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogamedi Temple – History & Story". Hindu Blog. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Goga Ji". Rajasthan Devasthan Department. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ "Gogaji Temple – unique offerings". MyAdhyatm. Retrieved 12 July 2025.