Day 15 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
This shrine is unusual in that its central deity is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet, and it has become a legendary stop for those seeking a safe journey.
WHY MOTORCYCLE
Om Singh Rathore, the son of a local village leader, was affectionately known as Om Banna. On 2 December 1988, while riding his motorcycle, he lost control and struck a tree, dying at the scene.
What followed makes the story of the temple truly mysterious.
Local authorities moved the motorcycle to the nearest police station, but the next morning the bike was gone. It was eventually discovered back at the site of the accident.
Surprised, the police took the bike back, emptied its fuel tank, and secured it with chains and locks. Despite these measures, the legend says, the motorcycle mysteriously returned to the ditch where it had first fallen before dawn the next day.
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| Image courtesy: NDTV |
The primary object of worship, the Royal Enfield Bullet (RNJ 7773), is now housed in a protective glass box. While devotees bring traditional offerings such as flowers, incense, and sweets, it is also common for people to present bottles of alcohol to honour the spirit of Om Banna.
In a unique twist on traditional tilak ceremonies, worshippers apply the sacred mark of tilak to the bike’s headlight and tie red threads to the motorcycle. The tree that Om Banna struck during his fatal accident is also considered part of the shrine; it is heavily ornamented with offerings of bangles and scarves.
Locals and travellers believe that Om Banna’s spirit remains at the site to help distressed travellers. Some even claim to have seen a mysterious figure riding the motorcycle along the highway at night.
Whether viewed as a miracle or a fascinating piece of local folklore, the object of devotion is something unusual: a motorcycle that serves as a “guardian angel” for thousands of travellers every year. It's all about faith!
(Information sources: NDTV, ABC News)
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