Lok Devta

Lok Devta of Rajasthan are an integral part of the spiritual and cultural identity of the state. In Rajasthan history, these folk deities are remembered for their bravery, devotion, and service to society. Lok Devta of Rajasthan include Gogaji, Veer Teja, Pabuji, Ramdevji, Devnarayan Ji, Harbhu Ji, Mehaji Manglia, Mallinath Ji, and Kallaji.

Previous year Questions

Year	Question	Marks
2000	Kalla Ji Rathore	2M
1984	Ramdevra	2M
2010	Shakti worship in Rajasthan	5M
2000	Pabuji	5M
2000, 2008	Devnarayan Ji	5M
1999	Goga Ji	5M
1997	Veer Teja Ji	5M
1997	Baba Ramdev	5M
2000	Explain the contribution of the major folk deities of Rajasthan to social and cultural progress	10M

A new chapter in Rajasthan’s folk tradition began in the 13th century with the growing influence of Islamic culture following Turkish invasions. During this period, some great individuals set examples of social and religious reforms. They emphasized devotion to the true Almighty over idol worship and rituals.

These great personalities inspired people through their sacrifice, courage, and service to society. Their virtues earned them divine status, and they came to be worshipped as folk deities. Gogaji, Tejaji, Pabuji, and Mallinath are some of the folk deities who achieved immortality through their simplicity, devotion, and welfare of the masses.

Panch peer : These are five local deities of Rajasthan Pabu ji, Harbu ji, Ramdev ji, Mangliya Meha ,Goga ji 

Gogaji : 

• Birthplace: Dadrewa (Shirshmedi), with his memorial at Ghurmedi.
• Parentage: Son of Zewar and Bachchal.
• Considered a contemporary of Gorakhnath and Mahmud Ghaznavi.
• Battle and Martyrdom: Fought a battle with his cousins, Arjan and Surjan, over property. In the battle, he killed them but attained martyrdom while saving his cattle.
• He is believed to protect people from snakebites, with his worship said to nullify venom.
• Teachings : 
  • Unity and Tolerance: Worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims, Gogaji’s legacy symbolizes unity across communities.
  • Cultural Influence: His teachings and memorials, such as those in Gogamedi (Hanumangarh), continue to inspire devotion and respect for cultural harmony.

Veer Teja : 

• Birth: Born in 1073 CE on Magh Shukla Chaturdashi in Kharnal village (Nagaur) to Taharji and Ramkunwari.
• On his way to his in-laws at Paner, Tejaji went to free stolen cows of Lachha Gujari from the Mer people. During this journey, he encountered a snake at Sursura.
• Tejajii, stopping the snake from biting him, promised that he would come back to him after freeing the cows. 
• Martyrdom: After successfully rescuing the cows, he returned to the snake, keeping his promise. Despite severe injuries, he allowed the snake to bite him, succumbing to the snakebite on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami in Sursura (Kishangarh).
• Teachings : 
  • Devotion and Promise-Keeping: Tejaji’s story teaches the importance of keeping one’s promises, even at the cost of personal harm.
  • Protection of the Weak: He is revered as a protector of the weak, symbolizing courage and duty.
• Tejaji is celebrated during Teja Dashami (Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami), when a cattle fair is held at Parbatsar, Nagaur, drawing thousands from across the region.

Pabuji : 

• Birth: Pabuji, born in 1239 AD to Dhandhalji Rathore, in the village of Kolu (near Barmer), is a revered folk deity.
• Marriage and Battle: During his marriage to Sodhi, daughter of Surajmal Sodha, Pabuji intervened in a conflict where his rival, Jindrao Khinchi, surrounded the cows of Deval Charani. He rode Deval’s saffron mare to free the cows and fought bravely.
• Martyrdom: Pabuji died in 1276 AD in a battle, sacrificing his life while protecting the cows, gaining respect and reverence as a martyr.
• Pabuji is worshiped as the god of camels and is also believed to have introduced camels to Marwar.
• Texts related to Pabu Ji :
  • Pabu ji ra Chand – by Kavi Meha
  • Pabu ji ke Geet – by Bankidas
  • Pabu ji ke Sorthe – by Ramnath
  • Pabu Prakash – by Aasiya Modji
• Teachings:
  • Bravery and Sacrifice: Pabuji’s life highlights courage, sacrifice, and the willingness to stand up for what’s right.
  • Promise-Keeping: His commitment to fulfilling his promises, even in difficult situations, is a key lesson.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: Pabuji is seen as a protector of the weak, symbolized by his defense of the cows and Deval Charani.
  • Devotion and Service: His devotion to duty, even at the cost of his life, sets an example of selfless service.

Ramdevji : 

• Early Life: Ramdevji, born in Undu-Kashmir village (Barmer district) to Ajmalji of the Tanwar dynasty and Mainade, is considered a contemporary of Mallinath Ji.
• Marriage and Settlement: He married Netalde, daughter of Dalji Sodha of Amarkot, and gave Pokhran as dowry to his niece. He later settled in Ramdevra (Runiche), where he took samadhi on Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi in 1458 AD.
• Place of Worship: Ramdevji is worshipped in Ramdevra, and a significant fair is held there on Bhadrapad Shukla Dwitiya. The fair is known for promoting communal harmony.
• He founded “Kamadiya Sect” which performs Terah Tali dance. 
• Teachings :
  • Social Equality: Ramdevji strongly opposed the caste system, emphasizing the idea that all individuals are equal, regardless of their caste.
  • Rejection of Idol Worship and Pilgrimages: He rejected idol worship and traditional pilgrimages, focusing instead on devotion through simplicity and direct spiritual practice.
  • Religious Unity: Worshipped as both a Hindu incarnation of Lord Krishna and a Muslim “Ramsa-pir,” he promoted unity between different religious communities.
  • Social Reform: Ramdevji was a social reformer who emphasized liberation through devotion to God, the guidance of a Guru, and the importance of Satsang. Rejecting idol worship and the caste system, he advocated equality, viewing all humans as reflections of the same divine. He described Harijans as precious jewels and highlighted Ajapa Jaap as the key to immortality.
  • Selfless Service: Ramdevji encouraged service to others, particularly protecting the weak and marginalized, reflecting his role as a protector of the poor.
  • Spread of Literature: Ramdevji was an educated saint who contributed to literature through his writings, including his famous work Chaubbis Baniya.

Devnarayan ji : 

• Early Life: Devnarayan, born around 1243 AD to Bagdawat chief Bhoj and Sedu Gurjar, lost his father before birth in a conflict with the ruler of Bhinay. To protect him, his mother took him to Malwa.
• Marriage and Revenge: At the age of ten, Devnarayan married Pipalde, daughter of Jai Singh Dev Parmar, while returning to Rajasthan. He later avenged his father’s death by killing Bhinay Thakur in a battle over cows.
• Place of Worship: Devnarayan is primarily worshipped in Asind (Bhilwara), where an annual fair is held on Bhadrapad Shukla Saptami in his memory.
• The ‘phad of Devji’ is considered to be the longest phad among folk deities. Jantar instrument is played while singing this Phad.

Harbhu ji : 

• Early Life: Harbhuji was the son of Maharaj Sankhla of Bhundel (Nagaur) and a contemporary of Rao Jodha (1438-1489 AD). After his father’s death, he moved to Harabhajmal and renounced worldly attachments.
• Spiritual Journey: Inspired by Ramdevji, Harbhuji gave up his weapons and took initiation (diksha) from Guru Balinathji. He became a devoted ascetic, focusing on spiritual practices.
• Blessings to Rao-Jodha: When Rao Jodha sought to free Mandor from Mewar, he gave Harbhuji a dagger with his blessings. Later, after the successful conquest, Rao Jodha gifted Harbhuji the village of ‘Bengti.’
• Harbhuji was believed to have mystical powers. He was regarded as a Shakun Shastri (one whose words always come true) and was renowned for his spiritual insights and miracles.
• Place of Worship: His main place of worship is at Bengti (Phalodi), where devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. They also pray at Harbhuji ki Gaadi after their wishes are fulfilled.

Mehaji Manglia : 

• Early Life: Mehaji Manglia was born into a Kshatriya family but was raised by his maternal grandfather in the village of Manglia, which led to his name “Mehaji Manglia.” He was a contemporary of Rao Chunda.
• Martyrdom: Known for his self-respecting nature, Mehaji Manglia made many enemies. Ultimately, he attained martyrdom in a battle against Rao Ranangdev Bhati of Jaisalmer.
• Spirituality and Mysticism: Mehaji was also known for being a good Shakun Shastri, possessing spiritual knowledge and the ability to predict outcomes.
• Place of Worship: His temple is situated in Bapni, where an annual fair is held on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami. 

Mallinath Ji : 

• Birth and Early Life: Mallinathji was born in 1358 AD as the eldest son of Rawal Salkha of Marwar and Janide. After his father’s death, he began managing the administration under his uncle Kanhadde at Mahewa.
• Ruler of Mahewa: He became the ruler of Mahewa in 1374 AD after his uncle’s death. Mallinathji expanded his territory by defeating the army of Nizamuddin, the Subedar of Malwa, in 1378 AD.
• Spiritual Journey: Inspired by his queen, Rupade, Mallinathji became a disciple of Ugamsi Bhati in 1389 AD and received diksha in yoga-sadhana. Known for his precognition, he was said to perform miraculous feats, akin to divine powers.
• Hari Kirtan: Mallinathji organized a grand Hari kirtan in 1399 AD, bringing together all the saints of Marwar. He passed away on Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya in the same year.
• Worship and Legacy: His temple is located in Tilwara village (Barmer) on the banks of the Luni river, where a major cattle fair is held annually from Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi to Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi. The western pargana of Jodhpur was named Malani in his honor, and he is still highly revered in Malani (Barmer).

Kallaji : 

• Early Life: Kallaji was born in 1544 AD in Samiyana village, near Merta (Nagaur), on Ashwin Shukla Ashtami. He was the grandson of Rao Duda of Merta and the son of Achal Singh. Mirabai was his maternal aunt, and was a significant figure in his life. Kallaji was raised by his uncle, Ummed Singh. He was a devoted worshipper of his Kuldevi, Nagnechi.
• At the age of 16, Kallaji left Merta and moved to Mewar. Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar granted him the estate of Bagor. Kallaji was also given the estate of ‘Rundela’ (Udaipur). Kallaji played a key role in maintaining peace by controlling the unruly Bhils with both his war and diplomatic skills, earning respect from Maharana Udai Singh, who appointed him as a special feudal lord in his army.
• Martyrdom: During Akbar’s invasion of Chittor in 1568 AD, Jaimal, severely injured, sat on Kallaji’s shoulder, giving him swords in both hands while he himself fought with two swords. Kallaji and Jaimal displayed extraordinary bravery in the battle. When Jaimal was seriously injured, Kallaji attempted to treat him, but a Mughal soldier attacked from behind, decapitating Kallaji. According to popular belief, after his head was severed, Kallaji’s body continued to fight with the Mughals and reached Rundela, where he ultimately died.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Kallaji’s bravery, sacrifice, and prestige are immortalized in the folk literature “Kalla Pachisi.” His devotion transcends religious boundaries, as Muslims also visit his places of worship. Kallaji is revered as a symbol of communal harmony, with his universal acceptance as a deity who provides welfare to all.

Socio-cultural significance of folk deities of Rajasthan : 

The folk deities of Rajasthan continue to have a profound influence on the region’s socio-cultural landscape. Their relevance is reflected in the following ways:

Moral and Ethical Guidance:

Folk deities like Tejaji, Gogaji, and Ramdevji promote values of bravery, sacrifice, and upholding promises. These deities symbolize virtues that resonate with people today, inspiring actions to protect the weak, maintain honor, and fight injustice.

Political Support:

The blessings of folk deities have historically played a role in political affairs. For example, Harbhuji blessed Rao Jodha with his dagger, which he used in the conquest of Mandor, symbolizing divine support in political success and fostering stability in the region.

Cultural Identity and Regional Pride:

Festivals and fairs, such as Ramdevji Fair and Mallinathji’s Cattle Fair, not only preserve local customs but also strengthen cultural identity. These events create a sense of pride and belonging among the people of Rajasthan.

Social Reforms:

Deities like Ramdevji opposed social inequalities such as the caste system, idol worship, and pilgrimages. His teachings emphasized equality and rationality, which continue to inspire progressive thoughts even today.

Spread of Regional Literature and Arts:

Ramdevji is credited with the creation of Chhabbis Baniya, a literary work that promotes spiritual knowledge. Likewise, Pabuji’s Phad and other oral traditions preserve and propagate regional stories and beliefs, keeping the artistic heritage alive.

Healing and Well-being:

Beliefs in deities like Gogaji, who is revered as a protector against snakebites, continue to influence the daily lives of people. Such traditions blend spiritual practices with practical beliefs in health and protection.

Economic Impact:

Pilgrimage sites dedicated to these deities attract tourists, boosting the local economy. The Tejaji Cattle Fair and other related fairs also promote trade and commerce, providing a platform for regional products.

Promotion of Social Unity:

Folk deities like Ramdevji are revered by people across different religions, with Hindus worshipping him as an incarnation of Krishna and Muslims as Ramsa-pir, fostering communal harmony and bridging social divides.