Taranagar

Taranagar is a city and a municipality in Churu district in the Indian state of Rajasthan, about 120 miles northeast of Bikaner. Taranagar was earlier known as Reni, named for the lady Rinkali who came here to live from Vishalnagar Koyalapatan, currently Foga in Sardarshar (Rajasthan). Reni was the headquarters of the nizamat and the tehsil of the same name in the state of Bikaner in Rajputana. In 1948, the town was renamed for King Tara Singh, who ruled it in mid-18th century. The first king of Taranagar was Ranakpal. He lost the empire to Chayal Rajputs, who ruled it for more than 1000 years, then Rao Bikaji conquered it. Reni was part of Jangladesh and capital of the Jakhar gotra jat, ruled prior to its annexation by the Rathor rulers. The present name of the town is Taranagar.

Taranagar is well known for its antiquity is a famous Jain temple built in 942. It has very old statues of Jain Tirthankars. Chhatri of Anand Singhji and Tara Singhji, or saints' homes, are quite popular. A temple, a little away from the town, is known as Shyam Pandia. It is said to be as old as Dwapar Yug. As the legend goes, it is believed that Bhima of The Mahabharata fame was sent here to call for the services or blessings of the then pujari of the temple, Saint Shyam Pandia, for the