{{About|Balotra district|Balotra headquarter|Balotra}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2023}}{{Infobox settlement | name = Balotra district | official_name = | other_name = | settlement_type = District | total_type = Total | native_name = | image_skyline = Income Tax Office, Balotra.jpg | image_caption = '''Income Tax Office, Balotra''' | image_map = Balotra in Rajasthan (India).svg | map_caption = Location of Balotra district in Rajasthan | coordinates = | coor_pinpoint = Balotra, Rajasthan | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Rajasthan | subdivision_type2 = Division | subdivision_name2 = Jodhpur | established_title = Established | established_date = | seat_type = Headquarters | seat = Balotra, Rajasthan | parts_type = Tehsils | parts_style = para | p1 = Balotra district has 9 tehsils: Pachpadra, Siwana, Sindhari, Samdari,Dhorimanna,Gudamalani, Patodi,Kalyanpur and Gira. | area_total_km2 = 10,551 | area_footnotes = | population_as_of = 2011 | population_total = 970760 | population_urban = | population_density_km2 = auto | demographics_type1 = Demographics | demographics1_title1 = Literacy | leader_title = | leader_name = | leader_title1 = | leader_name1 = | leader_title2 = | leader_name2 = | timezone1 = IST | utc_offset1 = +05:30 | registration_plate = | blank_name_sec1 = | blank_info_sec1 = | blank_name_sec2 = | blank_info_sec2 = | website = {{URL|http://balotra.rajasthan.gov.in}} }}
'''Balotra district''' is a district of Rajasthan state of India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2023-03-20 |title=Rajasthan: Balotra residents thank Gehlot for declaring it new district |url=https://theprint.in/india/rajasthan-balotra-residents-thank-gehlot-for-declaring-it-new-district/1458260/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> This district came into existence on 7 August 2023 by separating from Barmer district.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news | date=2023-03-17 |title=Ahead of Assembly polls, Gehlot announces formation of 19 new districts in Rajasthan |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ahead-of-assembly-polls-gehlot-announces-formation-of-19-new-districts-in-rajasthan/article66632231.ece |url-status=live |access-date=2023-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317180332/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ahead-of-assembly-polls-gehlot-announces-formation-of-19-new-districts-in-rajasthan/article66632231.ece |archive-date=17 March 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Balotra's district headquarters is Balotra town.<ref name=":0"/> Balotra district is bordered by Jaisalmer district in the north, Jodhpur Rural district in the east, Pali, Jalore district in the south and Barmer district in the west. The area of Balotra district is 10,551 sq km. The total population of Balotra district is 9,70,760.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basic Population Figures of India, States, Districts, Sub-District and Village, 2011 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42554/download/46180/2011-IndiaStateDistSbDistVill-0000.xlsx}}</ref>
==Villages== <!---♦♦♦ Only add a location to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
*Araba Dudawatan *Padru, Balotra *Dandali *Kanana, Balotra *Nagana, Balotra *Majivala *Nalgudha, Rajasthan *Tirsingri Sodha *Sarawadi Purohitan *Dheera, Balotra *Manpura Kharda
==People and Culture== Mallinath cattle fair - It takes place every year during the month of April. The fair takes place in Tilwara, an area also known for archaeological discoveries, and goes on for two weeks. This fair is one of the biggest cattle fair of India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-14 |title=Rajasthan: Shri Mallinath cattle fair will begin from March 28 in Barmer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/shri-mallinath-cattle-fair-will-begin-from-mar-28-in-barmer/articleshow/90190879.cms |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-04-01 |title=1,200kg buffalo charms visitors at Tilwara cattle fair |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/1200kg-buffalo-charms-visitors-at-tilwara-cattle-fair/articleshow/68661883.cms |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
==Tourist Attractions== *'''Siwana Fort''' Siwana Fort is located approximately 35 kilometers from Balotra district in Rajasthan, India. The fort was constructed in the 10th century by Veer Narayan Parmar, the son of King Bhoj. It is a significant historical site, showcasing architectural elements from the period of its construction.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Naravane |first=M. S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lF0FvjG3GWEC&dq=siwana+fort&pg=PA111 |title=The Rajputs of Rajputana: A Glimpse of Medieval Rajasthan |date=1999 |publisher=APH Publishing |isbn=978-81-7648-118-2 |language=en}}</ref>
*'''Bhimgoda Tirth''' Bhimgoda Tirth is a revered pilgrimage site with historical ties to the Mahabharata era. According to legend, Bhima of the Pandavas struck the ground with his knee to produce water at this location. The site also holds significance due to the meditation of Māncharam. Under the guidance of Abhayram Maharaj, the temple at Bhimgoda Tirth gained prestige, further establishing it as a sacred place of worship. The site is also known for the famous Gangaur Mela, an annual festival. One of the notable features of Bhimgoda Tirth is the continuous flow of sweet water from the surrounding hills, which occurs throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite news |title= पांडवों के अज्ञातवास की याद दिलाता है सिवाना गढ़ का भीमगोडा तीर्थ, साल के 365 दिन अमृतरूपी बहता है पानी|work=Dainik Bhaskar |date=10 December 2018 |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/balotra/news/remembrance-of-pandavas39-ignorance-bhimgoda-pilgrimage-of-shivana-fort-water-flows-for-365-days-of-the-year-022147-3385275.html}}</ref>
*'''Peepalun Village and Chhappan Hills''' Peepalun village, situated at the base of Siwana, is known for its Chhappan Hills. During the Sawan (monsoon) season, and particularly during the rainy months, the area becomes a popular destination for devotees who visit the temple located in the region. The temple can be accessed by traversing a route that passes through seven hills. The site is a significant pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors during the monsoon period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-31 |title=सात दुर्गम पहाडिय़ों के पार है भोले का हल्देश्वर धाम {{!}} Faith of devotees in Savane in Haldeshwar Dham |url=https://www.patrika.com/barmer-news/faith-of-devotees-in-savane-in-haldeshwar-dham-3186446?amp=1 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Patrika News |language=hi}}</ref>
===Temples of Balotra and Surrounding Regions===
Balotra district is home to several significant temples, each with historical and religious importance. These temples attract millions of devotees annually, contributing to the area's cultural and spiritual significance. Below are some of the major temples in and around Balotra:
*'''Nakoda Jain Pilgrimage''' Located approximately 13 kilometers from Balotra, the Nakoda Jain Temple is a prominent Jain pilgrimage site. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Parshwanath and Bhairuji and is considered one of the largest pilgrimage destinations among Jain followers. The temple is renowned for its intricate artwork and serves as a major center for Jain religious practices, drawing millions of devotees every year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple Profile |url=https://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/Barmer/nakodaji.htm |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in}}</ref>
*'''Brahma Temple, Asotra''' {{Main|Brahma Temple, Asotra}}
Brahmdham Asotra, located in the vicinity of Balotra, is a temple of the Rajpurohit community. The temple was established by the community's guru, Khetaram Ji, and is dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is the third temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, adding to the religious and cultural heritage of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=बृह्मधाम आसोतरा के 38 वें पाटोत्सव में उमड़े श्रद्धालु, युवाओं ने की दो दिन तक सेवा |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/rajasthan/barmer/devotees-gathered-in-the-38th-patotsav-of-brihamdham-asotra-youth-served-for-two-days/1177135 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Zee Rajasthan |language=hi}}</ref>
*'''Rani Bhatiyani Temple''' Situated around 5 kilometers from Balotra, the Jasol Dham is home to the Mata Rani Bhatiyani Temple. The temple holds significant religious importance, especially on the thirteenth day of the Bhadrapad month when millions of devotees visit for darshan. The temple remains a center of faith and devotion for the followers of Mata Rani Bhatiyani.<ref>{{Cite web |last=शर्मा |first=सुरभि |date=2025-02-13 |title=Mata Rani Bhatiyani Temple : माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर जसोल जानें इतिहास |url=https://janbhakti.com/hindu-temples/mata-rani-bhatiyani-temple/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=जनभक्ति - हिन्दू धर्म की विस्तृत जानकारी |language=en-US}}</ref>
*'''Bithuja Temple''' Located approximately 6 kilometers from Balotra, the Bithuja Temple is closely associated with Baba Ramdev Ji, who is believed to have rested here. Often referred to as "Mini Ramdevra," the temple draws millions of devotees annually who visit to pay homage to Baba Ramdev Ji, a prominent folk deity of Rajasthan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Automation |first=Bhaskar |title=बाबा रामदेव के अवतरण दिवस पर बिठूजा धाम में हुई 101 दीपकों से महाआरती, 11 फीट लंबी ध्वजा की अर्पित |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/balotra/news/rajasthan-news-mahaarti-with-11-lamps-11-feet-long-flag-was-offered-in-bithuja-dham-on-the-incarnation-day-of-baba-ramdev-062506-5381969.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014113136/https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/balotra/news/rajasthan-news-mahaarti-with-11-lamps-11-feet-long-flag-was-offered-in-bithuja-dham-on-the-incarnation-day-of-baba-ramdev-062506-5381969.html |archive-date=14 October 2019 |access-date=2025-04-12 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Nagnechi Mata Temple''' The Nagnechi Mata Temple is situated 35 kilometers from Balotra and holds great significance as the Kuldevi (clan goddess) of the Rathores. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, and it remains an essential site for the Rathore community.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-02 |title=उद्योग मंत्री पहुंचे बालोतरा: नागणेची माता के दर्शन किए, बोले-मंदिर म��ं श्रद्धालुओं को मिलेगी बेहतरीन सुविधा |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/barmer/balotra/news/had-darshan-of-nagnechi-mata-said-devotees-will-get-excellent-facilities-in-the-temple-132532553.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206101945/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/barmer/balotra/news/had-darshan-of-nagnechi-mata-said-devotees-will-get-excellent-facilities-in-the-temple-132532553.html |archive-date=6 February 2024 |access-date=2025-04-12 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Rani Rupade Mata Temple''' Located 12 kilometers from Balotra, the Rani Rupade Mata Temple has undergone significant renovations, giving it a new appearance. The temple is deeply revered by millions of devotees who have faith in the deity. Adjacent to the Rani Rupade Mata Temple is a temple and memorial dedicated to Mallinath Ji, a folk deity. A large cattle fair is held here every year from Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi, further emphasizing the religious and cultural importance of the site.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-05 |title=रावल मल्लीनाथ और राणी रूपादे के मंदिर में भरा मेला: राज्य मंत्री केके विश्नोई ने कहा- धर्म की सार्थकता सेवाकार्यों से ही - Balotra News |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/barmer/balotra/news/a-huge-fair-was-organised-in-the-temple-of-rawal-mallinath-and-rani-rupade-133596029.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907015425/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/barmer/balotra/news/a-huge-fair-was-organised-in-the-temple-of-rawal-mallinath-and-rani-rupade-133596029.html |archive-date=7 September 2024 |access-date=2025-04-12 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref>
== See also ==
* Balotra * Balotra Railwey Station
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://balotra.rajasthan.gov.in/ Official website]
{{coord missing|Rajasthan}}
Category:Districts of Rajasthan Category:Balotra district