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Gogaji Temple, Gogamedi

Gogamedi, Nohar–Bhadra area, Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan

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Gogaji Temple, Gogamedi
Photo: Sharmaji8, CC BY-SA 4.0

About

Gogamedi in Hanumangarh district is the samadhi place of Gogaji, one of the most loved folk deities of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. He is called Goga Veer and Jaharveer, and Muslim devotees call him Jahar Pir or Goga Pir. The temple stands on a high mound, and its building mixes Hindu and Muslim styles, a sign of the faith that all communities share here. Inside, the murti shows Gogaji on horseback, holding a lance, with a snake coiled around his neck. In villages people especially remember him when they pray for the safety of their families and cattle, and in beliefs about snakes.

The story

Folk tradition says Gogaji was born at Dadrewa, in today's Churu district, to Jewar Singh, a Chauhan ruler, and Queen Bachhal. Bachhal had no child, and she served Guru Gorakhnath with deep devotion. Pleased, the Guru gave her a guggal fruit as prasad, and Gogaji was born; his name is linked to that guggal. He grew up to be a brave warrior and a dear disciple of Guru Gorakhnath.

Gogaji is remembered for protecting cows and his people. The stories tell of a quarrel over land with his cousins Arjan and Surjan, and of battles against invaders who came from outside. Tradition says that with Guru Gorakhnath's blessing he took samadhi at this very place. So Dadrewa is called his birthplace and Gogamedi his samadhi sthal.

Close by is Gorakh Tila, where Guru Gorakhnath is believed to have done tapasya for twelve years, and his dhuna (sacred fire) is still honoured there. Devotees first bow at Gorakh Tila and then offer dhok at Gogaji's samadhi. The present temple building was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century.

Visiting

The Bhadrapad fair (August–September) is the busiest time; for a calm visit, October to March is cooler and pleasant. Gogamedi has its own small railway station, about 1–2 km from the temple. Dadrewa in Churu district, Gogaji's birthplace, is about 80 km away, and many devotees visit both.

Festivals

  • Goga Navami (Bhadrapad Krishna Navami)
  • Gogamedi fair (in Bhadrapad, from around Raksha Bandhan to about Bhadrapad Purnima)
  • Bhadrapad Shukla Navami

Devta dhams

Sources