Om Singh Rathore, also known as Om Banna, died in an accident in December 1988. The 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet (RNJ 7773) bike he was riding crashed. The bike was confiscated, but it disappeared from the police station multiple times and reappeared at the crash site, even with the fuel empty and the wheels chained. The bike became the deity, and a shrine was built, located near Chotila village on the Pali-Jodhpur highway, Rajasthan. Travelers seek protection by praying in the shrine, even offering alcohol to the deity. Inspired by the shrine, a movie called Dug was made in 2026. (The Print 7 May 2026)
Legend and myth: An accident and its aftermath produce a shrine in which people worship. Now, priests officiate, and a management looks after the administration. Instead of investigating how the motorbike ended up at the crash site, it was attributed to a power that is worshipped as a god.
Death and deity: The motorbike involved in the accident could be logically considered as an agent of death. But it is elevated to the status of a deity. Humans exchange truth for a lie and choose their own gods. (Romans 1:25) Rumors were spread that the new deity protects people from accidents.
Object of worship: God is only worthy of worship. (Exodus 20:3) Angels, human beings, animals, birds, reptiles, and non-living things do not deserve worship. Even a motorbike could become an idol and be worshipped by people.
Strange offering: God is Holy, and those who worship him should do so in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 96:9) In this shrine, alcohol is the offering to the motorbike deity.
Fear of death: People throng this shrine, as they are afraid of death. God has delivered the disciples from the fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15) Also, they have the promise of protection when they go out and come in. (Psalm 121:8) God could send His angels to protect his saints, as he had done to Elijah and others. (II Kings 6:17)
Do I love and serve the Lord of Lords and God of Gods faithfully?