"Secret underground library of Rajasthan": With 900,000 books Rajasthan hides deep in the Thar desert, one of Asia's biggest libraries as a unique treasure trove with a capacity to seat 5000 people at once, built by Bhadariya Maharaj (saint)

Rajasthan is known for many things, especially for its rich history, grand palaces, stories of kings and queens, colourful culture and delicious cuisine. But, how many of you are aware of the underground library that Rajasthan hides, deep in the Thar Desert. Yes, a hidden library, which is also one of Asia’s biggest and has over 900000 books!
Where is this secret library?
The library is built in the Bhadariya village of Pokaran Tehsil in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. This unique treasure trove in the Thar region has the capacity to seat 5000 people at once, which makes it one of the biggest libraries in Asia.
What makes it unique is the fact that it is built 16 ft under the ground and, because of its location, the library remains cool even during hot and humid summers.
History of the library
The library was built by Harbansh Singh Nirmal, who is also known as Bhadariya Maharaj (saint). Hailing from Punjab, he himself was an avid reader. The collection of library consists of books from different regions of the world. There are thousands of books that were gifted to him on various occasions by people. He started collecting these books in the year 1998 and then funds were allotted to construct a temple for a goddess here.
|
According to the residents of the village, Maharaj stayed in the library for several years and read almost all the books there. The books present in the library range from science and astronomy to astrology and history. One can also find dictionaries, Atlas and epics inside this treasure trove.
This bibliotheca features 562 glass shelves, where all the books are well-preserved and are made available to scholars and learners, who come here from all over the world for research and learning purposes.
This place is a bibliophile’s dream come true and must be visited by every book lover. Now, the library is being looked after by the villagers and the temple devotees.
|
References:
Rare Book Society of India
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- "भाई चारा": In Udaipur, communal tensions spike after 15-year-old Devraj Mochi, who recently portrayed Lord Ram, is stabbed by schoolmate Ayan Sheikh, leading to city-wide closures, internet suspension, and Hindu groups reciting Hanuman Chalisa in protest
- "Every relic of the past is a link to the echoes of history": Unearthing a 2,300-year-old elephant statue in Odisha's Puri, opens a time portal to Emperor Ashoka's era, illuminating the influence of Buddhism and its profound symbolism in ancient India
- Talwar from India dated to the Late 18th Century on display at the Queen’s Gallery in Edinburgh
- "Will spoil environment": In Ajmer, a class 12 student victim of gang rape faces school exclusion, triggering CWC action and advocacy to restore her education rights, amidst societal backlash & ongoing efforts to secure her supplemental exam participation
- 8 innocent children died when a Rajasthan school roof collapsed—students had warned the Education Minister, but no one listened, and ₹4.28Cr meant for repairs lay buried in government files, untouched, while only 5 teachers took the fall
- Details of carvings at the Prasanna Chennakesava temple, Somnathpur - 1895
- “A river seems like a magic thing. Magic, moving, living part of earth itself”: Maharaja Ganga Singh, also known as Bhagirath of Kalyug who made Sutlej river of Punjab flow in the desert by constructing 'Ganga-Canal' that Congress renamed to Indira Canal
- Ashok Gehlot-Led Congress Govt in Rajasthan unleashed bulldozer to demolish 300-year-old Hindu temple in Alwar, houses of 85 Hindu families to ‘widen road’ citing masterplan: Over hundred families homeless in Rajgarh
- "Return to the root and you will find the meaning": Silver rhyton discovered at Deylaman, Iran, inscription & leading art historians identify the artifact as representing Durga Mahishasuramardini, a new insight into high-quality production of silver icons
- Close view of sculpture of Kurmavatara (tortoise incarnation of Vishnu), Garhwa, Allahabad District - 1875
- "फूलों का तारों का, सबका कहना है": In Udaipur, 15-year-old Devraj tragically succumbs to injuries after his classmate, Ayaan Sheikh, brutally stabbed him; amidst tears, his sister had tied him rakhi for his long life; his mother demands Ayaan to be hanged
- "ॐ त्रयम्बके यजामहे सुगंधि पुष्टिवर्धनम उर्वारुक्मिव बन्धनान मृत्योमुर्क्षीय मार्मतात्!!!": Rudra, the Wild God; a hunter with his arrow - One face of the ekamukhalinga, directed toward the door, stands for the four visible faces, total presence of Shiva
- "आख़िर कब तक": Jodhpur faces a horrifying 24-hour spree as a 15-year-old is gang-raped in Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, the fourth such assault in the district, where she was lured to an isolated area behind the biomedical waste dumpyard and brutally raped
- "रहे ना रहे हम": Bulbul Rakshak found hanging at a beauty parlour in Rajasthan's Churu, her phone shattered and with unexplained injuries on her body; suspects Arshad, Amjad, Wahid, and Muzaffar booked, several Hindu organizations to call for a 'Bandh'
- Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf despite being land-rich itself turns to the State government for financial assistance in order to pay its workers’ salaries
















