The Meera Bai Temple, located in Merta, Rajasthan, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu as Charbhuja Nath, the four-armed God. The history of the temple is steeped in divine occurrences and legends that have contributed to its significance.
According to the temple's lore, the deity appeared in a
dream to Rao Dudoji, expressing the desire for a temple to be built on the very
spot where it stands today. The idol of the deity is said to have emerged from
the ground at this sacred location. Meera Bai, the renowned saint poet, and
granddaughter of Rao Dudhoji, is believed to have merged with the deity at this
temple, leading to its association with her name.
A fascinating tale involves a cobbler's cow, whose daily
visits to the temple resulted in the miraculous exudation of milk from her
udders for the deity. This extraordinary event led to the discovery of the idol
and the subsequent construction of the temple. Even today, the first offering
to the deity is of Jeenagar (Mochi) caste, honoring this historical connection.
The temple was originally constructed by Rao Dudhoji, with later contributions from Meera Bai and Jaimal. To the right and left of the main deity, statues of Shri Keshab Das and Shri Girdhar Gopal ji are installed. The front gate features statues of Meera Bai and Jaimal. Legend has it that the monolithic statue of Meera Bai was carved by a sculptor who vowed not to consume any food until its completion. The statue of Meera Bai and idol of Shri Charbhuja ji are placed in a position that their eyes are fixed on each other.
The temple houses a black murti of Sri Chaturbhuja Nath ji,
along with the worship of other deities such as Surya Bhagwan, Bhairu Nath,
Char Bhuja Senapati, Apsara, Dharm Raj, Ganesha, Hanuman, Vaishnava Devi,
Jaimal, Beera Bai, Kamadhenu, Shiva Pariwar, among others. Worship follows the
tenets of the Vaishnav sect, incorporating daily pooja that involves the
veneration of the deity in various forms - childhood, adolescent, and old age.
The Meera Bai Temple hosts significant festivals and
rituals, including non-stop kirtan (chanting of names) from the 6th to the 13th
day in the bright half of the Shravan month. Special worship is held on Pavitra
Ekadashi, accompanied by a procession from the deity's temple. Narasimha
Chaturdashi, Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and other festivals contribute to the
vibrant tapestry of celebrations at the temple.
Additionally, a small museum within the temple premises
showcases the life events of Meera Bai through paintings and sculptures,
offering visitors a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural
significance associated with this revered saint poet.