In the middle of Hanumangarh, in Rajasthan, Gogaji Temple is a significant vortex of religious devotion to the local deity Gogaji. This deity is said to possess magical powers over snakes. Commonly known as the ‘Snake God,’ it is believed that Gogaji protects his devotees from snake bites and other harmful things. Gogaji Temple magically includes an enchanting experience amidst mythology, spirituality, and heritage. A visit to this temple allows you to closely feel the divinity here.
Location
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The Gogaji Temple is located in Gogamedi village, a small village near Nohar in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. It is about 120 km away from the district headquarters atop a small hillock. Gogamedi village occupies some of the arid Thar regions; picturesque yet remote, adding to the mystique of the Gogaji Temple. Photography at Gogaji Temple is a common activity that captures the architectural beauty.
How To Reach
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By Air: The nearest airport to Gogaji Temple is in Bikaner, about 225 km away. Gogaji Temple provides limited domestic flights. Hence, visitors from metropolitan cities would have to travel via Jaipur or Delhi, as the operating flights are more frequent.
By Road: It is well-connected by road with most cities in Rajasthan, such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. The state and private buses frequently fort from Hanumangarh to many places. Once you reach the city, you can quickly get local buses and taxis to Gogaji Temple.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is situated almost 25 km away in Nohar. The city is well-connected with major cities through the railway station at Nohar, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner. From Nohar onwards, the visitors can take a taxi ride or connect to local buses towards the temple.
Places To Visit Around Gogaji Temple
Here are five must-visit places around Gogaji Temple, in the vicinity that are worth exploring to add to the experiences during your trip:
1. Bhatner Fort
Photo: Nishantsrivastava / Wikimedia Commons
The Bhatner Fort is one of India’s oldest forts, built over 1,700 years ago on the banks of Ghaggar River. The fort underwent many attacks as part of its capture firstly by Timur and then by Prithviraj Chauhan. Still, it remained unconquered for centuries due to its extraordinary strength. In 1805, it was finally captured by Raja Surat Singh of Bikaner. The magnificent architecture includes beautiful entrance gates and a magically styled temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Hanuman.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Kalibangan Archaeological Museum
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The Archaeological Museum at Kalibangan acts as a storehouse for the quintessence of the ancient Harappan civilisation. Some fascinating items include collections of pottery items, seals, and terracotta figures. Also, there are tools generally used by the Indus Valley people to explain the patterns of their daily lives, trade, and culture. Elaborate displays have been arranged in the museum depicting sophisticated urban planning and architectural advancement. This museum still allows the history enthusiast to wholly submerge themselves into one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
3. Gogamedi Panorama
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It serves Gogamedi village in the district of Hanumangarh, which has enriched religious and cultural values. Panorama at Gogamedi is a breathtaking glimpse of the surroundings, attracting nature lovers and photographers. During the Gogamedi Festival, a fair is organised annually in enormous regard to Shri Gogaji, the snake god. A panoramic view of the area combines with spiritual turf for visual beauty and cultural richness.
Timings: All day
Entry Fee: Free
4. Temple Of Mata Bhadrakali
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mata Bhadrakali Temple is a very reverential religious kshetra for one of the many avatars of Goddess Durga. Within the temple lies an intricately carved shape which is placed on the red stone deity built by Maharaja Ram Singh. Nestled serenely on the banks of the Ghaggar River, the temple offers serene surroundings to devotees for spiritual solace. It serves the locals and tourists who come to offer respect here.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Masitavali Head
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Masitavali Head is located at Masitavali village, situated at a distance of about 34 km from the main city of Hanumangarh. Normally, it is an entrance to the largest irrigation project in Asia under the name Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna. This place combines nature with human ingenuity. With its serene atmosphere, scenic views, and the imposing structure of the irrigation project that changed into gold, the agricultural potential of the area tourists are thronging to this place.
Timings: All day
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
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Several accommodation options are available in and around Hanumangarh. For a comfortable stay, travellers can opt for budget hotels, guest houses, or lodges near the temple. Some popular options include Hotel Maharaja Palace, located about 20 kilometres from the temple. It offers well-maintained rooms with modern amenities. For a more authentic experience, there are also traditional guest houses available in the village of Gogamedi itself.
Where To Eat
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When it comes to dining, Hanumangarh offers a variety of local Rajasthani cuisines. Restaurants like Hotel Pratap Palace and Rasoi Dhaba serve traditional dishes such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and bajra roti. For a more local experience, small eateries around Gogamedi offer simple yet delicious vegetarian meals. These places are perfect for a quick bite after visiting the temple.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Gogaji Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is mild. Summers in Hanumangarh can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, making it less ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. Winter months, especially around the time of the annual Gogaji Fair in August, see a large influx of pilgrims and tourists. The temple and surrounding areas are especially lively during this period.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The trip cost to Gogaji Temple can vary depending on your mode of transportation and accommodation. On average, a budget trip, including travel, accommodation, and meals, would cost around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person for a 2 day stay. Luxury options and extended stays could raise the cost to ₹7,000 or more. Entry to the temple is free, but you might incur small costs for local transport and guides.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable clothing, as the region is hot and dry for most of the year.
- Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when entering the temple.
- Photography is allowed, so don’t forget to take some memorable photos at Gogaji Temple.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially during peak pilgrimage times.
- Ensure you check Gogaji Temple timings before planning your visit.
The spiritual allure of Gogaji Temple combined with its cultural significance makes it a must-visit destination in Rajasthan. Whether you’re a devotee seeking blessings or a traveller searching for heritage experiences, the temple and its surroundings offer something unique for everyone. Plan your trip today with TripXL and explore the sacred and historical wonders of Rajasthan, starting with the mesmerising temple.
Cover Photo: Glavo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only