Questions related to Rajasthan's Lok Saints and religions are often asked in exams. Keeping in mind the questions related to the prominent Lok Saints of Rajasthan, the information related to the significant Lok Saints of Rajasthan is provided here.
Gogaji:
- Gogaji was born in the 11th century in a place called Dadrewa in the Churu district.
- Gogaji's father's name was Paharasingh, and his mother's name was Bachhalade.
- Gogaji was born into the Chauhan dynasty, and his father, Dadrewa, was a ruler.
- Gogaji's wife's name was Menal, and in some places, her name is also mentioned as Kemalade.
- Information about Gogaji's birth is found in the books "Gogaji Peer Ra Chhand," "Gogapedi," and "Gogagi Chahunchan Ri Nisani."
- Gogaji is also known by various epithets, such as the deity of snakes, Gogapir, Jaharveer, and Nagaraj.
Pabuji
- Pabuji belonged to the Rathore dynasty, and he was born in Kolomand Faloudi (Jodhpur) in 1296 AD (1239 CE).
- The name of Pabuji's father was Dhandhal Ji Rathore, and his mother's name was Kamalade.
- Pabuji is also known and worshipped by the names of 'Avatar of Laxman, Deity of Plague, Deity of Courage and Bravery' and 'Deity of Camels'.
- Information about Pabuji is found in ancient literature, including 'Megh Charan,' which contains verses related to Pabuji, 'Ramanath' with Sorathes, and 'Bankidas' with songs, among others.
- The Rebari and Devasi communities, who are the camel herders of Marwar, consider Pabuji as their revered deity.
Hadbuji
- Hadbuji was born in Bhadel (Nagaur), and his father's name was Maharaj Sankhla.
- Hadbuji is also known by epithets such as 'Knower of Omens, Miraculous Great Being, Seer of the Future, and Accomplisher of Words.'
- In the year 1462 CE, after the death of his father, Hadbuji left the village of Bhundel and came to a village called 'Harammajal' in Faloudi (Jodhpur).
- After arriving in Harammajal, Hadbuji met Ramdevji and became a disciple of Ramdevji's Guru, Bali Nath Ji.
- Hadbuji's mount is a jackal or hyena.
- Hadbuji lived during the reign of Marwar ruler 'Raw Jodha.'
- He is also called a 'Seer of the Future' because he possessed the divine power to see the future. The book 'Sankhla Hadbu Ka Haal' sheds light on Hadbuji's life, revealing that he was both a yogi and a warrior.
Ramdevji
- Ramdevji was born on the second day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada in the year 1462 CE (1405 AD) in the village of Udooka, Samer, near Barmar.
- Ramdevji belonged to the Tanwar Rajput dynasty, and his father's name was Ajmalji, while his mother's name was Mainade. Ramdevji's wife was named Nihalade.
- Ramdevji's guru was Balinath. Ramdevji established the Kamadia sect.
- People consider Ramdevji as a descendant of Arjuna and an incarnation of Krishna.
- Ramdevji is renowned by various names such as Ramsa Pir, Runicha Ra Dhani, Runicha Raghani, Baba Ramdev, the folk deity of communal harmony. His fame extends not only in Rajasthan but also in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.
Tejaji
- Tejaji was born in the village of Khadanal in the Nagaur district in the year 1073 CE on the Chaturdashi of Magha Shukla.
- Tejaji's father's name was Taharji, and his mother's name was Ramkumari.
- Tejaji had his marriage alliance with Pemalade, who belonged to the village of Paner in the eastern part of Parbatsar.
- When Tejaji went to his in-laws' village of Paner (Nagaur) to bring his wife, a Gujar lady named Lacha Gujri prayed to him to save her cows from a group of thieves. Tejaji fought against the thieves and protected the cows of Lacha Gujri. Hence, Tejaji is known as the liberator of cows.
- Tejaji is also known by various epithets such as the deity of snakes, the brave warrior of Dhulia, the liberator of cows, the deity of Kala and Bala, and the benefactor of agricultural activities.
Devnarayan Ji
- Devnarayan Ji was born in the year 1243 CE on the sixth day of Magha Shukla in Gotha Dandavan Asind (Bhilwara), and his childhood name was Udaysingh.
- Devnarayan Ji's father, Sawai Bhoj, was a ruler of Bhinay (Ajmer), and his mother's name was Sedu. His wife's name was Pipalde.
- Devnarayan Ji belonged to the Bagaravat Nagavansh of the Gurjar community and is considered the folk deity of the Gurjar caste. People consider him an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Devnarayan Ji had knowledge of tantra-mantra and Ayurveda.
- Devnarayan Ji's grandfather, Baghji, had 24 sons who became famous under the name "Bagaravat." While fighting against the tyrant ruler Durjanasal, Devnarayan Ji's father, along with 23 of his brothers, lost their lives.
Kallaji Rathore
- Kallaji was born in the year 1544 CE (V.S. 1601) on the eighth day of Ashwin Shukla in Samiyana, Medta (Nagaur).
- Kallaji's grandfather, Doodaji, and father, Achalsingh, were rulers of Medta.
- After the demise of his father, Kallaji was raised by his uncle, Umed Singh. Kallaji's wife's name was Krishnaji.
- Kallaji considered Meera Bai as his aunt.
- Kallaji is known by the epithets of "Char Hathon Wale Devta" (Deity with Four Hands), Kalla, Kalyan, Kamdhaj, and others.
- Kallaji was skilled in the field of medicine.
- Naganechi was the Kuldevi (family deity) of Kallaji. While worshiping Naganechi, Kallaji practiced yoga.
- After having direct vision of Bhairav Ji, Kallaji accepted Yogi Bhairavnath Ji as his guru.
Rawal Mallinath ji
- Rawal Mallinath was born in Tilwara (Barmer) in 1538 CE (1415 V.S.). His father's name was Salakhaji and his mother's name was Janide.
- Mallinath's marriage took place with Rupade. His wife, Ugamasi Bhati, was a disciple and a devout devotee of God.
- Inspired by his wife, Mallinath also became a disciple of Ugamasi Bhati.
- The temple of Mallinath is located on the banks of the Luni River in Tilwara, Barmer.
- Every year, a grand animal fair is organized here, which lasts for a month from Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi.
- The establishment of the Kunda sect was done by Mallinatha, inviting all the saints of Marwar.
- Maharaja Kanharde of Mahewa was Mallinath's uncle. After his father's demise, Mallinatha started living with his uncle and took up the task of administration. After his uncle's death, he became the king of Mahewa.
- With his valor, he expanded his kingdom and assisted his nephew Chundaji in the victories of Mandore and Nagaur.
- The name Malani (Barmer) was given in honor of Mallinath.
Mangaliya Meha Ji
- Mangaliya Meha Ji was born in the 15th century in the Baapni village near Osiya (Jodhpur), and his father's name was Sankhla. Mangaliya Meha Ji was a contemporary of Rao Chunda of Marwar (1383-1423).
- Mangaliya Meha Ji is worshipped by the people of the Mangaliya caste.
- The name of Meha Ji's horse was "Kirad Kabara."
- It is believed that the lineage of the Bhopas (priests) who perform the worship of Meha Ji does not prosper.
- Meha Ji attained martyrdom while fighting against Jaisalmer's ruler Raja Rangadev Bhati.
- The temple of Mangaliya Ji is located in Baapni village (Jodhpur).
- The Bhadrapad Krishna Ashtami is celebrated as Meha Ji's Ashtami.
Alam Ji
Alam Ji is the folk deity of the people of the Barmar region, which is why the shrine of Alam Ji is located in Barmar. Their shrine is called "Alam Ji ka Ghora" (Alam Ji's horse). The shrine of Alam Ji is built on a hillock named "Dhangi Tila/Dhora."
Alam Ji ka Ghora, Horimatra (Barmar), is considered a sacred place for horses. It is believed that people who raise horses come here to breed their horses so that they can have good breeds.
Bhaumiya Ji
Bhaumiya Ji is worshipped as the deity of land or the son of the earth. Bhaumiya Ji is remembered before engaging in activities related to land or digging wells.
The temples of Bhaumiya Ji are located in Jaipur and Dausa. The temple in Jaipur is famous as Naharsingh Ji Bhaumiya.
The idol of Bhaumiya Ji is depicted as a warrior riding a horse, holding a garland in his hand, with the sun and moon on either side of the idol.
Bhumiya Baba
- The temple of Bhumiya Ji is located in the Chotila village of Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple (Sirohi). This temple is situated on the right bank of the Sukri River.
- The Sukri River is also known as the Patit Ganga (fallen Ganges). In this river, the Meena tribe performs the immersion of their ancestors' ashes.
- A fair called "Gautameshwar Mela" is held every year from 13th April to 15th May.
- Another temple of Bhumiya Baba is also located in Arnod (Pratapgarh).
- Bhumiya Baba is considered the "Isht Dev" (preferred deity) of the Meena tribe. The Meena tribe does not break their oaths to Bhumiya Ji.
- In southern Rajasthan, Bhumiya Ji is considered the main folk deity of the Meena tribes of Jalore, Barmar, and Sirohi.
Biggaji
- Bigga Ji was born in the Reedi village (Bikaner), and his temple is also located in Reedi village.
- Biggaji is the Kul Devta (family deity) of the Jat community.
Dungji Jawahar Ji
- Dungji Jawahar Ji was the nephew of Dungar Singh. His full name was Dungar Singh and Jawahar Singh Shekhawat.
- Dungji Jawahar Ji is the folk deity of Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and other Shekhawati regions.
- He played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Dungji was renowned for looting the wealth of the British and distributing it among the poor.
- The songs sung in the Shekhawati region about Dungji-Jawahar Ji are called "Chhavli."
- In 1847, Dungji-Jawahar Ji looted the Naseerabad Cantonment.
Dev Baba
- Dev Baba had good knowledge of veterinary medicine and Ayurveda, which is why he is called the "Protector of the Gujjars," "Deity of the Gwalas," and "Protector of the Gwalas."
- Their temple is located in Nagla Jahaz village (Bharatpur), where a fair is held twice a year on Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami and Chaitra Shukla Panchami.
Iloji
- Iloji is worshiped on the day of Dhulandi.
- Iloji is renowned as the "Deity of the Bachelors" and "Deity of the Deda Char."
Heeramanji
- Heeramanji's temples are located in Thaan Bundi, Kota, Bhilwara, and Ajmer, and Heeramanji is considered the folk deity of the Gujjars.
Jhunjar Ji
- Jhunjar Ji was born in Imloh, Neemakathana (Sikar).
- A fair is held for Jhunjar Ji on Chaitra Shukla Navami (Rama Navami).
- Jhunjar Ji's place of worship is beneath a kejri tree.
Kesariya Kunwar Ji
- Kesariya Kunwar Ji was the son of Goga Ji.
- They were not as famous as their father.
Mamadev
- Mamadev is considered the folk deity of rainfall.
- Buffalo sacrifices are made to please Mamadev.
- Mamadev's temple is located in Syalodda village (Sikar).
Panaraj Ji
- Panaraj Ji was born in Naga village, Jaisalmer district.
- A fair is held for Panaraj Ji in Janarasar (Jaisalmer) on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami and Magha Shukla Dashami.
Rupnath Ji
- Rupnath Ji took revenge for his uncle Pabuji's death by killing Jindarav Khinchi (Pabuji's brother-in-law).
- Rupnath Ji is worshiped as "Balaknath" in Himachal Pradesh.
- Rupnath Ji's temple is located in Sindhudara (Bikaner) and Kolamund (Jodhpur).
Tallinath Ji
- Tallinath Ji was born in Panchota village, Jalore district.
- Tallinath Ji's real name was Gangadev Rathore, and his guru's name was Jalandhar Nath.
- Tallinath Ji is considered a nature-loving deity because he made several efforts to protect trees and plants.
- The area around their village is considered an "Oran" (sacred grove), where no trees are cut. Their equestrian statue is also located in this village.
- Tallinath Ji's main temple is situated on Panchmukhi Hill in Panchota, and it is believed that a thread with Tallinath Ji's name is tied to a person or animal bitten by a venomous creature to neutralize the effect of the venom.
Veera Fatta Ji
- Veera Fatta Ji was born in Santhu village (Jalore), and his temple is also located there.
- A fair is held in Santhu village every year on Bhadrapada Shukla Navami.
