Devi Kund in Bikaner

Located at a distance of 8 km from the Bikaner city, Devi Kund or Devi Kund Sagar is a collection of Cenotaphs (Chattris), an amazing proof of classic Rajputana style of architecture that has been mixed with Islamic architecture. These chattris are made of white marble and red sandstone and are decorated with intricate carvings.

Originally a royal crematorium, Devi Kund was erected in the memory of the deceased members of the royal family of Bikaner. These cenotaphs narrate the tales of bravery of Bikaji rulers.

Out of all, the cenotaph of Maharaja Suraj Singh is the prettiest one. This cenotaph stands out because of the use of Rajput-style paintings on the ceiling. Alterations in the architecture of the chattris were done due to the gender of the royal family member for whom it was being erected.

While the cenotaphs of adult men were white in color with a stone slab on which their name was carved, the cenotaphs of the royal ladies had a horizontal plate with their footprints. Some cenotaphs are of royal children who had early deaths. These cenotaphs are not only one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bikaner but are also architectural gems with festooned frescoes.

Some of the royal cenotaphs of Bikaner include Chattris of Bikaner rulers starting from Rao Kalyan Singhji and going up to the last ruler Maharaji Karni Singhji, along with the royal ladies and other important people. There is also a Chattri of the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, Jet Singh was also cremated here.

Then there are cenotaphs for 22 Satis belonging to the royal family who existed before Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji. You also come across a chattri of Sata (male sati), one of the rulers.

Entry fee: INR 30 per person