By Anil Sharma, IANS
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) : Pilgrims visiting the annual Ramdevra fair here in this desert district buy an extra train ticket while returning home. They say the extra ticket is for Baba Ramdev, the presiding deity who according to local belief accompanies the devotees back home after the 10-day event.
The fair, which ends Sunday, is held in Ramdevra village, about 500 km from the state capital Jaipur, every August or September. The village got its name after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput, who took “samadhi” (deep meditation culminating in death) in 1458.
According to local legend, he had miraculous powers. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. But, irrespective of caste, creed or religious affiliations, devotees throng the shrine dedicated to the saint.
“I come here every year and buy two tickets while returning. One is for Baba Ramdev. This way we take our god with us,” says Radhe Shyam, a visitor from Ujjain.
“It’s an old ritual. We believe this act brings prosperity in the family.”
People believe Baba Ramdev goes with the devotees, lives with their family and fulfils all wishes and desires.
“People buy the second ticket for Baba Ramdev. It’s the trust people have in their god. We have been following it because it works and brings peace and prosperity,” says Panna Lal, a resident of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Echoing similar views, Shivpujan Singh who came from Gujarat says: “I came here with three of my family members. But I have bought four tickets, as we (my family) want Baba to go with us. He has miraculous powers and will stop evil forces from approaching our family.”