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Gogaji
Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area who
is known as Goga Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the
Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him
and regard him as a peer (saint). Staunch believers have faith
that invoking Gogaji will help to cure a snake bite or other
diseases and many visit the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or for
expressing their gratitude when their wishes come true. This
fair lasts for 3 days, annually in the month of Bhadrapada.
The samadhi is a marble structure with two minarets and
fortified by a boundary wall. The idol of Gogaji is seated on a
blue horse with a snake coiled around the neck. An inscription
in Persian can be seen at the main entrance which describes
Mahmud Ghaznavi's regard for Gogaji, he had arranged for the
renovation of the memorial as a token of gratitude when his wish
was fulfilled.
The main mode of worship is rubbing incense at the samadhi.
Offerings of coconuts, batashas (sugar drops) and cash are made
at the samadhi. Priests are engaged for conducting special
prayers in which praises of Gogaji are sung. The atmosphere
inside the hall is serene and sanctified. Fragrance and
incense heighten the feeling of purity and devotion.
Outside the main hall, Nath priests can be seen carrying whips
(replicas of Gogaji's chabuk) which are considered lucky and
offerings are made to them. Many people can be seen singing and
dancing, carrying multicoloured flags called nishans in
their hands. Drums and gongs provide rhythm to the hymn singing.
The Samadhi of Gogaji is located 3 Kms away from the railway
station of Goga Medi. This Northern Railway station is 359 Kms
away from Jaipur |