Located in the north western Indian state of Rajasthan, Barmer district is well-known for its hand block printing and carved wooden furniture. The headquarters of the district is Barmer town. The major towns in the district are Chohatan, Baytu, Guda Malani, Shiv, Balotra and Siwana.

The town of Barmer is 224 kilometers from Jodhpur via Balotra and 198 kilometers via Panchpadra. The city of Jaisalmer is 157 kilometers from here while Jaipur is 588 kilometers away. The city of Ahmedabad is 485 kilometers from Barmer.

Barmer district is situated in the Thar Desert or the Great Indian Desert. The district is well-known for its dance and folk music. One can find the Bhopas or priest singers here. They are known for their music composition honoring war heroes and the deities of the region. Another type of folk musicians, the Muslim Dholis or drummers are also famous here.

The population of the district is around 1963758, according to 2001 census. Males constitute 10, 35,813 of the population while females comprise 9, 27,945 residents. The district is divided into 8 tehsils, 4 blocks and 1999 villages.

There are a number of attractions in Barmer district like Asotra, Batada Kua, Brahma Temple, Jain Temple, Jogmaya Temple, Mahabar Dunes, Surya Mandir Temple, Kher Temple, Viratra Mata Mandir, Kiradu, Nakoda, Nimbari, Garib, Pipa Mandir and Bhimgoda. 
One can see mud huts with beautiful folk motif decorations. The people wear colorful costumes and there are a number of shops selling traditional handicrafts. Barmer festival is held every year in the month of March which is a major tourist attraction of the district.

KIRADU TEMPLES

The plinth has moldings and jadyakumbha or inverted cymarecta. The figurative bands or the tharas featuring elephants, horses and human beings are notable. The jangha or the middle portion of the wall is the rupadhara or figurative band, which is placed below the niche. The niche is of bigger size on the bhadra or the cardinal facet to place a bigger image. The multi-turreted spire is no more. The half annulets below the vases have dainty foliage patterns. The toranas or decorated arches span over the spaces between the pillars are no more. The decoration on the exterior of the mandapa is equally elegant and varied. The notable are the scenes of combat and palace life, kaudakapalik rites and scenes from the Ramayana and from everyday life.

There are other three smaller Shiva temples. Architecturally they are not so beautiful but some sculptural depictions of ritual eroticism, temple building, Bhishma Pitamah lying on a couch of arrows and scenes from daily life, such as a group of acrobats are worth noticing.

The Kiradu group of temple has remained mostly unknown and underestimated because of its location. A visit to Kiradu is a must for keen students of temple architecture.

Nakoda Prashvanath Temple is situated en route from Jodhpur to Barmer. The ambience in and around this temple is very calm and offers a bliss which is simply captivating. It is surrounded from all the sides by the valleys. The hills have an elevation of 1,500 feet. The image of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanath is in the black stone apart from the other statues the different parts of India and also the world as well to come and pay visit to this lovely piece of architectural wonder. There are also the other temples that are located in the vicinity of Prashvanath Temple at Nakoda such as the Charbhuja temple and the Shiva temple that are around 500-600 years old.

VIRATRA TEMPLES

Ancient Temple of Sree Vakrangi Mata (VankalMa), the KulDevi of Nandwana community, near Chohtan in Barmer.

Held at Veertara (12 km from village Chohatan), the fair venerated goddess Vakaldevi and is held thrice a year in the month of Chaitra, Bhadrapada & Magha. It is famous for Jagdambe ma Mandir(temple).

Vankal Devi or Viratra Devi, is Community Godess (Kuldevi) of Nandwanas and Bhopa community of Rajasthan. The beautiful temple is located in the dessert landscape of Village - Dhok thehsil - Chohtan, District - Barmer(Rajasthan). Stituated in the SW Rajasthan the Chohtan is well connected by roads from District headquater. Barmer the second largest desert district of Rajasthan is well connected from major cities of India. 
Constructed by carving out from White Marble blocks the Temple itself is a place to admire. The other temple which is situated at hill top can be visited after climbing nearly 1400 stairs. This temple has been renovated in recent. Reaching here one can take the great view of dessert and INDO-PAK border particularly in evening.

One can reach to the nearest district Barmer and travel by bus or taxi to CHOUHTAN. At Chohtan taxis (individual or share basis) are always ready to head towards Temple.