Jalaram Bapa Mandir

The Jalaram Bapa Mandir is a Hindu temple in Virpur near Rajkot in Gujarat. The temple is near to Kodhaldham temple. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage places to visit in Rajkot. 

The temple was the place where Jalaram Bapa used to live until his death. The main attraction of the temple is the portrait picture of Jalaram Bapa. It also has an original photo of the Bapa one year before his death. The idol of the Baba is in a standing position, wearing a white turban and dhoti kurta. The idol is also holding a stick in the left hand.

The temple celebrates the Jalaram Bapa's birthday every year on the 7th day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. It also organizes a huge fair on the occasion of Jalaram Jayanti. The millions of devotees visit the temple to pay respect and honour to Jalaram and get blessings. The temple also offers arrangements of food and accommodation for the visitors without any cost. The temple does not accept any donations or money.

History

The Jalaram Bapa is also popular as Bapa. He was a Hindu born in 1799 in the village of Virpur. He was son of Pradhan Thakkar and Rajbai Thakkar. His mother, Rajbai Thakkar, had a special love for saints and sadhus, and no saint could leave Virpur without being welcomed. He was a devotee of the Hindu deity Rama.

The Jalaram Bapa became a student of Shri Bhojalram of Fatehpur at the age of 18 in Fatehpur. With the guidance of his teacher, he started 'Sadavrat', a centre for food for Sadhu's saints and the people in need. The tradition of helping and feeding people still goes on. 

Why is Jalaram Bapa famous?

Jalaram Bapa is famous because of his divine form on earth for helping people. People visiting Virpur were always provided with food and help irrespective of caste and religion. The tradition of feeding people still happens in the village.

Why do we celebrate Jalaram Jayanti?

The local people celebrate the Jalaram Jayanti in honour of the Hindu saint. People celebrate the Jayanti as an important event on the 7th day in the month of Kartik. The Jalaram Bapa Mandir is a must visit during the Rajkot tour package.