MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS of Rajasthan

Major Sects & Saints of Rajasthan play a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. In Rajasthan History, various religious sects and saints like Meera Bai, Dadu Dayal, and Guru Jambheshwar have influenced society through their teachings, promoting values of devotion, equality, and harmony.

Previous year Questions

Year	Question	Marks
2012	4 Branches of the Dadu sect in Rajasthan.	2 M
2008	Pushtimarg	2 M
2008	Saint Rana Bai	2 M
2007	Pashupat Sect	2 M
1985	Major pilgrimage centres of Dadupanthis	2M
2000	Niranjani Sect	5M
1997, 1994	Saint Jambhoji	5M
1994	Teachings of Sundar Das Ji	5M
2010	Describe the Bhakti saints and folk deities in medieval Rajasthan	10M
2007	Discuss religious beliefs and sects and major saints and their sects	10M
1991	What was the Bhakti movement? Describe the teachings of its prominent saints	10M

MAJOR SECTS

Rajasthan is a land of diverse religious beliefs and practices, where various saints and sects have shaped its cultural heritage. On the basis of methods of worship, Rajasthan spiritual traditions are divided into two major sects: Sagun and Nirgun.   

• Sagun Tradition:
  • This sect Worships God with form, attributes, and idols, focusing on deities like Rama and Krishna.
  • Ramanandi Sect, Vallabh Sect, Nimbark Sect, Nath Sect, Gaudiya Sect, Pashupat Sect, Niskalank Sect, Charandasi Sect.
• Nirgun Tradition :
  • Worship of formless, attribute-less God, emphasizing inner devotion and spiritual realization.
  • Vishnoi Sect, Jamboji Sect, Dadu Sect, Ramsnehi Sect, Parnami Sect, Niranjani Sect, Kabirpanthi Sect, Laldasi Sect.

Vaishnava Sect

Those who worship Vishnu and his ten incarnations as the main deity are called Vaishnavs. In this sect, devotion, kirtan, dance etc. were given priority for attaining God. Ghosundi inscription (2nd century BCE) highlights the prevalence of Vaishnavism in Rajasthan.

Ramanandi Sect :

• It is the oldest branch of Vaishnav Sect.
• Founded by Ramanand ji, the 5th disciple of Ramanuj, who promoted the Bhakti movement in North India.
• Predominance of worshiping lord Ram.
• Made 12 disciples, including Dhanna Ji, Pipa Ji, Kabir, and Anantanand Ji.
• In Rajasthan this sect was established by Shree Krishna Das Ji Payahari, a disciple of Anantanand Ji.
• He defeated Nathpanthis( yogi chaturnath) in a scholarly debate and established the Main branch of this sect in 1503 AD at Galta Ji (Uttar Totadari), Jaipur.
• Ramanandi saints wear sacred thread and Tulsi Beads with vertical Tilak of Gopi Chandan.
• Rasik Sect was Founded by Agradas Ji, a disciple of Payahari Ji, at Raivasa, Sikar. This sect worships Lord Ram as ‘Rasik Nayak.’
• Lashkari Branch: Jaipur’s ruler, Sawai Man Singh Ji, was impressed by a Naga saint of this sect Balanand Ji and had a grand establishment built in Jaipur, later known as the Lashkari Branch.
• Balanand Ji supported Jaipur’s rulers against Maratha invasions and helped Bharatpur’s ruler against Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1760.
• Nirgun Connection: Nirgun followers of Ramanand Ji later established the Ramsnehi Sect.
• Teachings: 
  • Devotion to Lord Ram: Emphasizes complete devotion to Lord Ram as the supreme deity.
  • Equality in Bhakti: Promotes equality, allowing people from all castes and backgrounds to join.
  • Simple Living: Advocates renunciation, humility, and a simple lifestyle.
  • Guru-Disciple Tradition: Stresses the importance of a guru for spiritual guidance.
  • Spread of Bhakti Movement: Encourages spreading the message of love, devotion, and service.
  • Promoted the use of Hindi over Sanskrit to make spiritual teachings accessible to the common people.

Vallabh Sect:

• Founder: Vallabhacharya.
• Main Branch in Rajasthan: Located in Nathdwara (Rajsamand).
• Relocation of Idol: Goswami Damodardas Ji and Govind Ji brought the idol of Shrinathji from Brij area to Sihad village due to a potential threat from Aurangzeb.
• Establishment of Nathdwara: Maharana Raj Singh Ji established the idol, and Sihad village became known as Nathdwara.
• This sect worships the child form of Krishna through ‘seva’ instead of installing idols.
• Branches: The sect has seven branches, five of which are in Rajasthan.
  • Dwarkadheesh Ji – Kankroli (Rajsamand)
  • Mathuresh Ji – Kota
  • Gokulchand Ji – Kaman (Bharatpur)
  • Madan Mohan ji – Kama (Bharatpur)
  • Vitthalnathji – Nathdwara (Rajsamand)
  • Gokulnathji – Gokul (U.P.)
  • Balkrishna Ji – Surat (Gujarat)
• Kishangarh’s ruler, Sawant Singh, became a devoted follower of this sect, renounced his kingdom, moved to Vrindavan, and devoted himself to Krishna as Bhakt Nagaridas.
• Teachings:
  • Devotion to Krishna: Emphasizes complete surrender and devotion to Lord Krishna as the supreme deity.
  • Pushti Marg: Advocates a path of grace, where God’s blessings are central to salvation.
  • Seva (Service): Stresses daily rituals and personal service to Krishna’s idol.
  • Bhakti over Renunciation: Encourages devotion while living a household life rather than renouncing worldly duties.
  • Equality in Devotion: Welcomes devotees from all castes and communities.

Ramshnehi Sect:

The Ramshnehi sect is a Nirgun sect with its roots in the Ramanandi tradition. It has four branches in Rajasthan.

Shahpura Branch :

• Founder: Ramcharan Ji in Shahpura (Bhilwara).
• Practices:
  • Profess Nirgun Bhakti.
  • No idol worship.
  • Celebrates only the ‘Phooldol festival’.
• Text: Teachings compiled in Anvaibhavani.
• Teachings:
  • Reverence for the name “Ram” as the path to Moksha.
  • Rejection of the caste system.
  • Focus on morality, integrity, and religious discipline.
  • Importance of good company and devotion to truth.

Rain Branch : 

• Founder: Dariyav Ji in Rain (Merta).
• Teachings:
  • Emphasized the role of a guru for Moksha.
  • Salvation is achieved through devotion to the guru.
  • “Ram” is the path to freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Sinhthal Branch

• Founder: Hariramdas Ji in Bikaner.
• Teachings:
  • Guru is second only to God.
  • Rejected discrimination between Hindus and Muslims.

Khedapa Branch

• Founder: Ramdas Ji in Khedapa (Jodhpur).

Teachings of the Ramsnehi Sect:

• Ram Bhakti: The name “Ram” is the ultimate path to Moksha.
• Equality: Strong rejection of caste, religious discrimination, and social hierarchies.
• Guru’s Role: The guru is a spiritual guide, second only to God, essential for salvation.
• Morality and Truth: Emphasis on living a life rooted in truth, integrity, and moral values.
• Nirgun Worship: Focus on the formless aspect of God, avoiding idol worship and unnecessary rituals.
• Simple Living: Advocates for minimalism, celebrating only essential festivals like Phooldol.
• Good Company: Encourages the company of virtuous individuals for spiritual growth.
• Universal Brotherhood: Promotes unity among all religions and communities, emphasizing humanity over divisions.
• Discipline: Highlights the importance of self-control and adherence to spiritual discipline.
• Service: Encourages selfless service as a means to connect with the divine.

Nimbark Sect :

• Founder: Established by Acharya Nimbark.
• Introduced the new philosophy of Dvaitadvaita (Dualism-Non-Dualism).
• Also known as the ‘Hans Sect’.
• Worships Radha and Krishna as the divine couple (Yugal Swaroop), considering Radha as Krishna’s consort.
• Brought to Rajasthan by disciple Parshuram Ji.
• He established this sect in Salemabad, Kishangarh (Ajmer).
• Authored the Text ‘Parshuram Sagar’ in Braj language mixed Rajasthani.
• Teachings: 
  • Dvaitadvaita Philosophy: Belief in both dualism and non-dualism.
  • Radha-Krishna Worship: Reverence to Radha and Krishna as the supreme divine couple.
  • Guru Devotion: Emphasis on the importance of a guru for spiritual growth.
  • Selfless Service: Encourages selfless devotion and service to the divine.
  • Equality: Promotes equality among all beings, rejecting caste distinctions.
  • Bhakti: Strong focus on devotion to God (Bhakti Yoga) as the means to liberation.
  • Moral Living: Encourages a life of truth, honesty, and adherence to dharma.

Gaudiya Sect : 

• Founder: The founder of this sect was Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
• Deity Worship: Worships Lord Vishnu in his Sat-Chit-Ananda (eternal, conscious, blissful) form.
• King Man Singh of Jaipur, influenced by this sect, built the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Vrindavan.
• Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur constructed the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur.
• The rulers of Jaipur declared Govind Dev Ji as the king of Jaipur and themselves as his ministers (Diwan).
• The Madan Mohan Ji Temple in Karauli is also associated with this sect.

Vishnoi Sect :

• In 1485 AD, Jambhoji established the Vishnoi Sect at Samarathal. 
• Jambhoji is known to be the incarnation of lord Vishnu.
• His followers are known as Vishnois. Jambhoji introduced 29 principles for his followers to follow, which emphasized the welfare of animals and the protection of trees. 
• One of the core tenets of the sect is the readiness to sacrifice one’s life for the well-being of animals and the environment. Due to his deep attachment to nature, Jambhoji is also regarded as an environmentalist.
• Jamboji once said “Sir sathe rukh rhe to bhi sasto jan” which emphasizes that even if a person has to give up their life (symbolized by “sacrifice of the head”) to protect a tree, it is a noble and valuable sacrifice.
• Major Texts Composed by Jambhoji
  • Jambh Samhita
  • Jambh Sagar Shabdavali
  • Vishnoi Dharmaprakash
  • Jambh Sagar
• Important places:
  • Mukam (Nokha, Bikaner) : It is believed to be the place where Jambhoji attained samadhi.
  • Sambhrathal (Bikaner) : Jambhoji gave his teachings in the form of 29 commandments for a harmonious life.
  • Jambhoj Nagari (Pipasar) : This is Guru Jambhoji’s birthplace, situated in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
• Teachings of Jambhoji
  • Worship of Lord Vishnu: Emphasized complete devotion to Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity.
  • Equality and Social Reform: Rejected the caste system and promoted equality among all people.
  • Opposition to Religious Orthodoxy: Criticized rigid practices in both Hinduism and Islam, advocating for inclusive spirituality.
  • Environmental Protection: Advocated for the protection of animals and trees, urging followers to prioritize nature conservation (For eg. “Sir sathe rukh rhe to bhi sasto jan”)
  • Selfless Service: Encouraged a life of service, sacrifice, and simplicity, focused on the welfare of others and nature.

Modern-day relevance of teachings of Jamboji

• Environmental Conservation : Today, his principles, such as “Sacrificing one’s head to save a tree is still a noble act”, serve as an inspiration for addressing climate change and deforestation.
• Social Equality and Harmony : His teachings inspire efforts to eliminate caste-based discrimination and communal conflicts.
• Spirituality and Inclusiveness : At a time when religion is often misused to create divisions and violence, his inclusive spirituality promotes peace and coexistence.
• Selfless Service and Simple Living : Jambhoji’s emphasis on simplicity and service is a powerful message for a world struggling with consumerism and materialism.
• Solutions for Natural Disasters and Water Crisis : Jambhoji’s environmental rules, like water conservation, tree planting, and soil preservation, offer practical solutions for modern issues like water scarcity and natural disasters.
• Contribution to Global Environmental Movements : His philosophy, “Nature is life,” aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Jasnathi Sect : 

• Jasnathji was born in 1482 AD in Katriyasar (Bikaner). His guru was Gorakhnath. 
• According to popular belief, he performed rigorous penance for twelve years at Gorakhmalia (Bikaner) and preached compassion for all beings.
• The followers of this sect observe 36 commandments, wear a black woolen thread around their neck, and perform the fire dance.
• Jasnathji broke the arrogance of a tantrik named Loh Paangal and defeated him. He also blessed Raolunkaran to become the ruler of Bikaner. Impressed by his miraculous powers, Sultan Sikander Lodhi of Delhi donated land near Katriyasar to him.
• In 1500 AD, Jasnathji met Jambhoji. On Ashwin Shukla Saptami in 1506 AD, at the tender age of twenty-four, Jasnathji took Samadhi at Katariasar. His teachings are preserved in the texts Simbhudada and Konda.
• Lalnathji, Chokhannathji and Sawaidasji were related to this sect.
• Teachings of Jasnath Ji:
  • Compassion and Non-violence: Jasnathji promoted compassion and non-violence towards all living beings. His message was to approach life with love and kindness towards everyone.
  • Opposition to Tantrism: He opposed superstitions and rigid practices associated with Tantrism.
  • Devotion to God: Jasnathji emphasized complete devotion and surrender to God in life.
  • Social Equality: He taught to eliminate inequality in society and to treat everyone with equal respect.
  • Spiritual Practice: He stressed the importance of penance and meditation for attaining self-realization and unity with the Divine.

Laldasi Sect : 

• Founder: Laldas Ji
• Birthplace: Dholidoob Village, Alwar
• Laldasji received initiation from Gadan Chisti of Tijara and founded the Laldas sect, preaching the path of Nirguna (formless) devotion.
• Laldasji’s teachings are compiled in Laldas Ki Chetawani.
• He passed away at the age of 108 in Nagla (Bharatpur).
• According to Laldasji, there is no place for idleness in this sect, and he emphasized the importance of hard work and righteous conduct in life.
• His famous saying was:
  • “Lalji sadhu aisa chahiye, dhan kamaakar khaye, hirdai Hari ki chakari, par ghar kabhi na jaye.“
• This teaching outlines the ideal life of a true saint:
• A saint should never go to others’ homes for alms or service. They must earn their living through hard work, and their heart should be solely dedicated to serving Lord Hari (Ram).
• Like other saints such as Kabir and Dadu, Laldasji believed in the formless, omnipresent, and true essence of God. He strongly advocated for living a life of truth, simplicity, and purity.

Alkhiya sect : 

• The founder of Alkhiya sect, Sadhu ‘Lalgiri’ was born in Churu district.
• He became a Naga Sadhu in his childhood and lived in front of Bikaner Fort for 12 years. Even today, a red stone has been installed in his memory where people of this sect come to offer coconuts.
• He was a cobbler by caste but his disciples included people from all castes. People of this sect do not believe in casteism and high and low.

Shaivite Sect

In Rajasthan, Lord Shiva is worshipped by various names such as Ekling, Giripati, Samadhishwar, Chandrachudmani, Bhavanipati, Achleshwar, Shambhu, Pinakin, and Swayambhu. Archaeological evidence from the 7th-8th century, such as the Ardhanarishwar form of Shiva, has been found in places like Abhaneri and Osian, reflecting the long-standing devotion to Shiva.                   

Shaivism had a profound influence on several dynasties in Rajasthan, particularly the Mewar and Marwar kingdoms. In Mewar, the Lakulish sect had a significant impact, while in Marwar, the Nath sect played a major role in promoting Shaiva beliefs.

Lakulish sect (Pashupat) : 

• Founder: Lakulish, considered the 28th and final incarnation of Shiva by followers of the Pashupata sect.
• Harit Rishi was a saint of the Lakulish sect in Mewar. The royal family of Udaipur was his disciple.
• The Ekling (Shiva) temple in Udaipur is the most prominent temple of the Lakulish sect, built by Bapa.
• The Maharanas of Udaipur regarded Lord Ekling as the king of Udaipur and themselves as his ministers (Diwan).
• The Lakulish sect had a significant influence in Rajasthan, with many temples, including the Sugandha (Sunda) Mata temple in Jalore district, still housing idols of Lord Shiva in the Lakulish tradition.

Nath sect : 

• Matsyendranath was the main propagator of this belief.
• Two branches of the Nath sect are famous in Rajasthan:
  • Bairagi sect, Bhartrihari is considered its first propagator and its main seat is in ‘Ratadunga’ near Pushkar.
  • Mananathi sect, its main seat is in Jodhpur, which was established by Jodhpur’s Raja Mansingh in the Mahamandir (Jodhpur).
• In 852 AD, Yogi Ratan Nath crowned Bhati King Devraj of Lodrava (Jaisalmer) and gave him the title of Rawal, with his monastery located outside Jaisalmer.
• Followers of the Nath sect in Rajasthan include: Nath, Masania, Kalbelia, Oghad, Aghori, Raval.

Niranjani sect : 

• Haridas ji was the founder of this sect.
• He was born in 1452 AD in Kapadod village of Didwana. 
• He was a Sankhla Kshatriya and used to commit robbery to earn his livelihood. He became a Sadhu due to the teachings of a Mahatma. 
• His disciple’s family was called Niranjani sect. 
• The followers of this sect believe in the worship of the word Niranjan.
• There are two types of followers in this sect, Nihang and Gharbari. 
• ‘Nihang’ wear a khaki colored cloth around their neck and earn their livelihood by begging. 
• ‘Gharbari’ are those followers who believe in this sect while being householders.
• His teachings are collected in ‘Mantra Raj Prakash’ and ‘Shri Haripurush ji ki Vaani’. 
• He died in Gadha (Nagaur)

Shakta Religion

• Shakta religion, centered around the worship of Goddess Shakti, has been a prominent practice in Rajasthan, especially among kings, commanders, and soldiers seeking strength and power. Over time, it evolved into distinct sects. Each royal family declared its Kuldevi (family deity), such as:
  • Jodhpur: Nagnechi
  • Amer: Shiladevi
  • Jaisalmer: Swangia Devi
  • Bikaner: Karni Mata

In Rajasthan, Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms, such as Matridevi, Mahishasuramardini, Durga, Parvati, Kali, and Katyayani. The deep devotion to the Shakta tradition is evidenced by several inscriptions, including:

• Bhramar Mata (490 AD) – Ajmer
• Piplaj Mata (959 AD) – Udaipur
• Ambika Mata (960 AD) – Udaipur

These inscriptions not only highlight the ancient tradition of goddess worship but also reflect the widespread practice of Shakti worship in Rajasthan.

Other Sects

Dadu Sect: 

• Dadu Dayal, known as the Kabir of Rajasthan, was born in 1544 CE in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 
• After receiving initiation from Saint Vriddhanand, Dadu moved to Sambhar in 1568 CE, where he worked as a carder and began delivering sermons. Later, he settled in Amer with 25 disciples and stayed there for 14 years.
• His prominent disciples included Garibdas, Miskinsdas, Sundardas, Bakhanaji, Rajjab, and Madhodas. 
• In 1585 CE, Dadu visited Fatehpur Sikri to meet Mughal Emperor Akbar. 
• He traveled across the regions of Dhundhar and Marwar, spreading his teachings. 
• In 1602 CE, Dadu arrived in Naraina and renounced his body on Jyeshtha Krishna Ashtami in 1603 CE. Following his instructions, his body was placed at Dadu Khol near Bherana Hill, which remains a sacred site for Dadu Panthis.
• Teachings:
  • Dadu’s teachings, found in texts like Daduji ki Vani and Dadu ra Duha, focus on Brahma (Supreme Being), Jiva (soul), Jagat (world), and Moksha (liberation).
  • Like Kabir, he was a reformist, emphasizing righteous conduct and seeking ultimate truth.
  • He strongly opposed rituals, caste discrimination, idol worship, and sectarian orthodoxy.
  • Dadu taught that God is one, beyond the divisions of Hindu and Muslim, and preached in the local Dhundhari language.
  • He emphasized purity and simplicity in life, asserting that true devotion to God leads to liberation.
• Alakh Dariba is a notable congregation site for Dadu Panthis.
• After Dadu’s death, the sect divided into six branches:
  • Khalsa
  • Khaki
  • Virakta
  • Uttarade
  • Naga
  • Nihang

Nawal Sect:

• Founder: Naval Das Ji, born in Hassolab village, Nagaur.
• Main Temple: Jodhpur.
• Teachings: Recorded in Navleshwar Anubhav Vani.

SAINTS

Saint Peepa :

• Pipa, a Khinchi Rajput, was born in 1425 CE and ruled Gagron (Jhalawar).
• Peepa was the pioneer who initiated the Bhakti movement in Rajasthan.
• Became a disciple of Acharya Ramanand and Left his kingdom to join Ramanand, along with Queen Sita.
• Distributed his wealth among saints.
• A temple in Samdari village (Barmer) is a major pilgrimage site, hosting annual gatherings on Chaitra Shukla Purnima for the Darji (Tailor) community.
• Teachings:
  • Emphasized bhakti (devotion through chanting God’s name) as the path to salvation.
  • Opposed idol worship and caste-based inequality.
  • Preached that all beings are equal in God’s eyes.
  • Stressed the importance of a guru’s guidance for spiritual realization.
• Literary Contributions:
  • Authored Pipa ki Katha, Pipa-Parchi, Pipa ki Vani, Saakhiyan, and Padas.
  • Composed Chitaavani (17th century), emphasizing devotion and equality.

Saint Dhanna : 

• Born in 1415 CE in Dhuwa village, Tonk district, into a Jat family.
• Showed a spiritual nature from childhood, became a disciple of Acharya Ramanand in Kashi and followed Nirguna Brahm philosophy.
• There are 4 verses in the ‘Adi Granth’ sahib composed by Dhanna ji.
• Teachings:
  • Advocated devotion (bhakti) while living a householder’s life.
  • Emphasized purity in conduct while living a ‘Grahasth life’. 
  • Believed in attaining the ultimate goal through devotion to one’s guru and chanting God’s name.
  • Strongly opposed ostentatious rituals.

Saint Mirabai : 

• Mirabai, known as the Radha of Rajasthan, was a sixteenth-century saint, poet, and devotee of Lord Krishna.
• Born circa 1498 AD in Kudki village (Pali district) in the Rathore family of Merta.
• Inspired by her grandmother to worship Krishna, she considered Giridhar Gopal her eternal groom from childhood.
• Married in 1516 AD to Bhojraj, crown prince of Mewar and son of Rana Sanga.
• Became a widow at a young age and faced opposition from her brother-in-law, Rana Vikramaditya, for her devotion.
• Meera Bai was called a great Satyagrahi by Mahatma Gandhi because her life reflected the core principles of Satyagraha :-
  • Truth (Satya) : She upheld her spiritual truth fearlessly — ‘’Mharo to Girdhar Gopal, Dujo na koi” — showing absolute devotion to Krishna, just as a satyagrahi clings to truth.
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa) : Meera resisted social and royal pressures peacefully. Despite persecution, she never responded with violence — a hallmark of non-violent resistance.
  • Willing Suffering (Tapasya) : She embraced suffering and humiliation with love and grace — “Ya Badnami Mithi lage” — embodying the satyagrahi’s readiness to suffer for a just cause.
  • Discipline and Devotion : Her steadfast daily worship, singing, and spiritual practices showed inner strength and discipline — essential traits of a satyagrahi.
  • Detachment (Vairagya) : She renounced royal luxury to live a simple, devoted life — reflecting the satyagrahi ideal of sacrificing personal gain for higher truth.
• Spiritual Journey :
  • Mira devoted her life to Krishna Bhakti, emphasizing emotional connection and reverence over intellectual knowledge.
  • In her later years, she moved to the Ranchhor Temple at Dakor in Dwarka, Gujarat, where she merged with Krishna in 1547 AD.
  • Her bhakti reflects sweet sentiments, expressing love and direct union with Krishna.
  • Literary Contributions:
    • Teeka Rag Govind
    • Rukmani Mangal
    • Narsi Mehta ki Hundi
    • Narsi ji ro Mayro (By Ratna Khati in supervision of Mirabai )

Saint Ranabai : 

• Born in 1504 AD on Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya in Harnava village (near Makrana, Marwar).
• Disciple of Saint Chaturdas of Paldi.
• Practiced devotion in isolation and sustained miraculously by divine arrangements.
• Followed the principle of chutki atta bhiksha (minimal food).
• Traveled to Mathura and Vrindavan, bringing idols of Lord Gopinath and Radha to Harnava for daily worship.
• Attained Jeevan Samadhi at the age of 66 in Harnava village on Falgun Shukla Trayodashi in 1570 AD.
• Blessed Thakur Raj Singh of Boravad during Jodhpur Maharaja Abhay Singh’s attack on Ahmedabad.
• Revered as a symbol of unwavering Krishna devotion, much like Meera Bai.

Saint Mavji : 

• Born in 1714 AD in Saabla village.
• At the age of 12, left home to perform penance in a cave at the confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers.
• Attained enlightenment on Samvat 1784, Magh Shukla Ekadashi, and established Beneshwar (Vena Vrindavan) on the same day.
• Followers believe Mavji to be the Kalki avatar, the tenth incarnation of Vishnu.
• Teachings : 
  • He accepted both Nirgun and Sagun forms of devotion.
  • Founded the Nishkalank Sect (holy and sinless).
  • Preached religion without caste discrimination and accepted disciples from all communities.
  • He popularised widow remarriage.
  • He awarded tribals to avoid superstitions.
  • To end the caste system, he promoted inter-caste marriages.
• Literary Contribution:
  • Chopada :
    • These are five big handwritten texts consisting of 72 lakh 96 thousand verses, written in the style of debate which are revealed only on Diwali.
    • Theme : Spiritual knowledge, leelas of lord Krishna, Rasleela, contains predictions which have a glimpse of the coming Era.

Sangliya Dhuni : 

• Established by Lakkardas Maharaj in 1649 AD.
• Main center is in Sangliya village, Dhod Tehsil, Sikar District, Rajasthan.
• Followers greet each other with ‘Jai Saheb’.
• Core Beliefs :
  • Advocates equality among all human beings, rejecting caste-based distinctions.
  • Denounces superstitions like the use of amulets.
  • Promotes leading a virtuous life.

Saint Sundardas Ji : 

• Born in 1653 AD in Dausa, Rajasthan, into a Khandelwal Vaishya family.
• Took initiation from Daduji and became his supreme disciple.
• Propagated Nirgun Bhakti and enriched it with poetic and literary excellence.
• Literary Works:
  • Authored 42 books, a significant contribution to Nirgun Bhakti literature.
  • Major works include Gyan Samudra, Bavni, Sundar Vilas, Barh Ashtak, and Sundar Saar.
  • Known for blending poetry with religious teachings.
• Established the Naga Sadhu class in the Dadu sect.
• Had prominent disciples: Dayaldas, Shyamdas, Damodardas, Nirmaldas, Narayandas. These disciples are regarded as the five pillars

Saint Rajjab Ji : 

• Born in 1624 AD in Sanganer, Jaipur.
• On his way to his marriage, he heard the teachings of Dadu Ji, which inspired him to become his disciple.
• Spent his life spreading Daduji’s teachings while remaining in the guise of a groom.
• Literary Contributions :
  • Authored Rajjabwani and Sarvagi, which are key texts in the Dadu sect.

MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS / MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS / MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS/ MAJOR SECTS & SAINTS