Om Banna (also called Shri Om Banna and Bullet Baba is a shrine located in the Pali district near Jodhpur, India, dedicated to a deity called Om Banna. It is 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Pali and 53 kilometers (33 miles) from Jodphur on the Pali-Jodhpur highway near the town of Chotila.The motorcycle is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet RNJ 7773.
Hundreds of devotees show up every day to pray for a safe journey.
History
On May 5, 1988, Om Banna (formerly known as Om Singh Rathore; banna, an honor word used for Rajput youth) was traveling from the town of Bangdi near Sanderao de Pali, to Chotila, when he lost control of his motorcycle and hit a tree. He was killed instantly as the motorcycle fell into a nearby ditch. The morning after the accident, local police took the motorcycle to a nearby police station. The next day, it was reported that he had mysteriously disappeared from the station and was found at the scene of the incident. The police once again took the motorcycle, this time emptying its fuel tank and locking it up. Despite his best efforts, the next morning he disappeared again and was found at the crash site. Legend has it that the motorcycle kept returning to the same ditch. He thwarted all attempts by the police to keep him at the local police station; the motorcycle always returned to the same place before dawn.
This came to be seen as a miracle by the local people, and they began to worship the “Bullet Bike”. News of the motorcycle miracle spread to nearby towns, and they later built a temple to worship it. This temple is known as “Bullet Baba Temple”. The spirit of Om Banna is believed to help distressed travelers.
Worship
Every day, nearby villagers and travelers stop and pray to the bicycle and its late owner Om Singh Rathore. Passers-by stop to bow their heads and leave offerings in honor of the helpful spirit, and some drivers also offer small bottles of alcohol on the spot. A person who does not stop to pray at the shrine is said to face a dangerous journey. Devotees also apply the mark ’tilak’ and tie a red string on the motorcycle. Local people sing popular songs on behalf of Om Banna.
The tree that caused Om Banna’s death remains adorned with offerings of bracelets, scarves, etc.
Offerings include incense sticks, flowers, coconut, liquor, red string, and candy. An eternal flame is kept in the sanctuary.
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