Ramdevra

Village and sacred site (tirtha) in the
northwest corner of the state of
Rajasthan, about sixty miles east of the
city of Jaisalmer. Ramdevra is famous for
the grave of the fifteenth-century saint
Ramdev, as well as the grave of his lowcaste disciple Dadi Bhai. During his lifetime Ramdev was famous for his piety
and generosity, and was credited with
performing various miracles to aid those
in need. Since his death he has come to
be regarded as an incarnation of the god
Krishna. Although pilgrims can come
throughout the year, most come during
the annual religious fair (mela), at which
time the near-deserted town takes on
the semblance of a bustling city. Many
of the visitors come to ask Ramdev
for something, often related to
concerns over health or prosperity.
Others come to show gratitude, especially those whose past wishes have
been granted, and to maintain their
relationship with him.