Saints and Sects of Rajasthan

Saints and Sects of Rajasthan form a significant aspect of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the state. In the study of Rajasthan Art & Culture, these saints and religious sects reflect the deep-rooted traditions of devotion, social reform, and harmony that shaped regional society. Their teachings and movements have greatly influenced the moral values, folk traditions, and collective consciousness of Rajasthan.

Prominent Saints and Sects

Sant Jambhoji (Nirguna)

• Born – At Peepasar village (Nagaur) in 1451 A.D. (Vikram Samvat 1508) on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (Janmashtami).
• Father – Lohatji Panwar; Mother – Hansa Bai.
• Gotra – Panwar; Childhood name- Dhanraj.
• Regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu; Guru – Gorakhnath.
• Founder of the Bishnoi Sampradaya.
• Established on Kartik Krishna Ashtami in 1485 A.D. at Samrathal (Bikaner).
• Instructed followers to observe twenty-nine principles (20 + 9).
• Works composed by Jambhoji
  • Jambhasagar (29 rules)
  • Jambhavani (collection of 120 sayings)
  • Jambh Samhita / Jambh Gita –
    • Collection of 151 sayings
    • regarded by followers as the Fifth Veda and the Nineteenth Purana.
  • Vishnoi Dharm Prakash.
• Major places of worship –
  • Mukam (Nokha, Bikaner) – Samadhi site (1536 A.D.; worship of the cap); 
  • Fair held annually on Amavasya of Phalguna and Ashwin.
  • Peepasar (Nagaur) – Worship of wooden sandals (Khadaun).
  • Lalasar (Bikaner).
  • Ramrawas (Jodhpur Rural).
  • Jangloo (Bikaner) – Worship of begging bowl and robe.
    Jambha (Phalodi).
  • Lohawat (Jodhpur) – Known as the
    • second Mukam; worship of
    • Jambhoji’s footprints.
• Teachings – 
  • Do not wear blue clothes (white clothes preferred).
  • Do not kill living beings.
  • Encouraged widow remarriage.
  • Do not cut green trees.
• Shabdi / Gayana – One who reads the sect’s scriptures.
• Pahal Sanskar – Initiation ritual using consecrated water prepared by Jambhoji; first initiated person – Pulhoji.
• Sathri – Preaching place of the Bishnoi sect.
• Environmentalist – Considered the first pioneer of environmental movement; “Sir saante rukh rahe to bhi sasto jaan” (Even at the cost of one’s head, a tree should be saved).
• Dr. Pemaram described him as the “mute saint” (Gehela-Goonga Sant).
• Mato – Khejri tree.
• “Katha Jaisalmer ki” 
  • A famous poem written by Saint-poet Vilhoji.
  • Information about six contemporary rulers who were his followers 
  • Sikandar Lodi (Delhi Sultan), Nawab Mohammad Khan (Nagaur), Rao Duda (Merta), Rao Jaitsi (Jaisalmer), Rao Sataldev (Marwar), Rana Sanga (Mewar), Rao Lunkaran (Bikaner).

Jasnath Ji (Nirguna)

• Born – 1482 A.D. (Vikram Samvat 1539), Katariyasar village (Bikaner), on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devuthani Ekadashi).
• Father – Hammir Ji; Mother – Roopade (adoptive son); Childhood name – Jaswantsingh.
• Belonged to the Jat community (Gyani Jat); Guru – Gorakhnath.
• Attained knowledge after 12 years of penance at a place called Gorakhmaliya near Bikaner, on Ashwin Shukla Saptami.
• Samadhi – 1506 A.D., Ashwin Shukla Saptami (Katariyasar).
• Established the Jasnathi Sampradaya
  • in 1504 A.D. at Katariyasar (Bikaner).
  • Total 36 principles; followers tie a black thread around their neck.
  • The Jal tree and peacock feathers are considered sacred.
  • Agni Dance – Performed with the chant “Fateh-Fateh.”
  • Paramhans – Followers who renounce worldly life completely (unmarried, wear thick black woolen thread around the neck).
  • Siddha – Followers who wear saffron robes.
  • Major texts of the sect – Simbhudra (collection of Jasnath Ji’s teachings), Konda, Jalam Jhumro, Gorakh Chhand, Siddh Ji ro Sirloko, Jasnathi Purana (36 rules).
  • Major disciples – Hanso Ji, Rustam Ji, Hira Ji.
• Delhi Sultan Sikandar Lodi, impressed by Jasnath Ji’s miracles, donated 500 bighas of land at Katariyasar (Bikaner).
• Major saints of the Jasnathi sect
  • Lalnath Ji (Jeev Samjhotri)
  • Ramnath Ji (Yashogan Purana – regarded as the Bible of the Jasnathi sect)
  • Rustam Ji (associated with Agni Dance)
  • Chaukhnath Ji
  • Sawaidas Ji
  • Jio Ji and Haroji
• Major seats of the Jasnathi Sampradaya –
  • Katariyasar (Bikaner – principal seat)
  • Malasar (Bikaner) – established by Todar Ji
  • Likhmadesar (Bikaner) – by Hanso Ji
  • Poonrasar (Bikaner) – by Halo Ji
  • Bambloo (Bikaner) – by Haroji
  • Panchla Sidha (Nagaur) – by Boyat Ji
• Fair – Held three times a year on Shukla Saptami of Chaitra, Ashwin and Magh months.

Sant Dadu Dayal Ji (Nirguna)

• Born – In Ahmedabad (Gujarat) in 1544 A.D. on Phalgun Shukla Ashtami; childhood name – Mahabali.
• According to popular belief, Dadu Dayal was found in a box/floating chamber in the Sabarmati River by a Brahmin named Lodiram Ji.
• He was brought up by Lodiram Ji and his wife Savitri Devi.
• Two daughters – Shobha Kanwari and Roop Kanwari.
• Contemporary of Amer rulers Man Singh and Bhagwant Das; also known as the “Kabir of Rajasthan.”
• In 1585 A.D., Dadu Dayal met Emperor Akbar at the Ibadatkhana (Fatehpur Sikri) along with Raja Bhagwant Das of Amer.
• Guru – Budun Baba (Vriddhanand Ji / Brahmanand), who was a disciple of Kabir Das.
• Principal seat – Naraina (Dudu).
• Main fair – Phalgun Shukla Ashtami.
• Establishment of Dadu Panth –
  Founded in 1574 A.D. at Sambhar; also known as Nipankh Sampradaya or Brahma Sampradaya.
• Greeting word – “Sattaram” (Satya Ram).
• Place of satsang – “Alakh Dariba.”
• Teachings – On Brahman, world and liberation; delivered in simple mixed Hindi + Dhundhari (Sadhukkadi); literary language – Dhundhari; devotion is beyond sectarian paths (Nipankh Bhakti).
• Dadu Panthis remain unmarried and adopt sons to propagate the sect.
• Death – 1603 A.D., Jyeshtha Krishna Ashtami at Naraina (Phulera).
• After his death, Dadu Panth was divided into five branches –
  • Khalsa – Associated with the lineage of Garibdas Ji; main seat at Naraina.
  • Vairakta – Ascetics who traveled to preach Dadu Panth.
  • Uttarade or Sthanadhari – Preached in North India outside Rajasthan; founder – Banwaridas Ji (disciple of Dadu).
  • Khaki – Ascetics who apply ash on their bodies and keep long matted hair.
  • Naga – Founded by Sunderdas Ji; engaged in agriculture and trade and kept weapons.
• Dadu Khol / Dadu Palka – The cave in the Bhairana hills (Jaipur) where Dadu Dayal’s body was placed.
• In Dadu Panth, the dead are neither cremated nor buried but left in the open for animals and birds.
• Five sacred pilgrimage places – Kalyanpur, Sambhar, Amer, Naraina, Bhairana.
• Major works – Daduri Vani, Dadu ra Duha, Dadu Harade Vani, Ang Vadhu Dadu, Kayabeli (by Dadu Dayal), Sant Gun Sagar, Nam Mala, Vani.
• Total disciples – 152 (52 prominent).
• Raghavdas (Raghodas) mentioned 52 disciples in Bhaktamal.
• These disciples established Dadu Dwaras known as 52 Thambas (pillars). Among them were his two sons – Garibdas Ji and Miskindas Ji.

Major disciples –

• Garibdas Ji –
  • Son of Dadu Dayal
  • successor after his death
  • met Emperor Jahangir
  • major works – Adhyatma Bodh, Anabhai Prabodh, Sasi Pad.
• Sant Rajjab Ji –
  • Born in 1567 A.D. at Sanganer (Jaipur)
  • died at Sanganer
  • belonged to Pathan community; 
  • principal seat – Sanganer.
  • On the way to his marriage, he heard Dadu’s sermons and became his disciple remained in bridal attire throughout life closed his eyes after Dadu’s death 
  •  followers known as Rajjab Panthi or Rajjabats; 
  • major works –
    • Rajjab Vani
    • Sarvangi.
• Sunderdas Ji –
  • Born in 1596 at Dausa
  • father – Parmanand Ji Khandelwal
  • mother – Sati; principal seat – Dausa.
  • Called the “Second Shankaracharya” and “Shankaracharya of Rajasthan.”
  • Strongly opposed Shringar Rasa.
  • Composed 42 works in Pingal language, among which the major ones are:
    • Haribol Chitavani ,Gyan Sarveya, Sundar Granthavali ,SundarVilas,
    • Gyan Samundar, Sundar Saar, Sukh Samadhi ,Bavani, Ramji Ashtak, Pir-Murid Ashtak, Barah Ashtak, Sabaiya etc.

• Bada Sunderdas
  • Real name – Bhimraj (son of Bikaner ruler Jaitsi).
  • He founded the “Naga Panth.”
  • The ascetics of the Naga branch assisted Jaipur ruler Pratap Singh against the Marathas.
  • Their place of residence was called “Chhavani.”
• Jag Gopal Ji
  • Principal seat – Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh).
  • Major works – Prahlad Charitra, Chaubis Guruan ki Leela, Dadu Janm Leela Parchi, Dhruv Charitra, etc.
• Mangalram Ji
  • Author of Sundaroday Sarvottam Granth, which describes the Naga Sampradaya.
• Santdas Ji
  • Belonged to the Agarwal community.
  • Attained live samadhi in 1639 A.D.
• Sant Balind Ji
  • According to Raghavdas’s Bhaktamal,
  • he adopted the Dadu Panth after feeling compassion while hunting a deer.
  • His famous composition is Arilon.
• Jagannathdas Ji
  • Famous works – Vani and Gun Ganjanam.
  • Harade Vani was compiled by Santdas and Jagannathdas.
  • Other disciples –

Bakhanaji	Raghavdas
Jagannadas Ji	Jagjeevan Ji
Miskindas Ji	Matabai
Banwaridas	Jangopal Ji
Madhodas Ji	Naibai, Shobhabai

Charandas Ji (Saguna–Nirguna)

• Born – At Dehra village (Alwar) in 1703 A.D. on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya; died in 1782 A.D. (New Delhi).
• Father – Murlidhar; Mother – Kunjo Bai.
• Childhood name – Ranjit Singh.
• Guru – Shukdev Ji.
• Principal seat – New Delhi.
• The only sect whose principal seat is established outside Rajasthan.
• Fair – Basant Panchami (at the Samadhi in New Delhi).
• Charandasi Sampradaya
  • Established by Charandas Ji on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya.
  • The sect is a mixture of Nirguna and Saguna Bhakti.
  • Total 42 rules; followers wear yellow garments.
  • Major influence – Mewat region and Delhi.
  • Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha dynasty of Jaipur was a follower of Charandas Ji.
  • Charandas Ji predicted the invasion of Nadir Shah (which occurred in 1739 A.D.).
  • The seat (Gaddi) of Saint Ramroop Ji of the Charandasi sect is at Paanon ka Dariba (Jaipur).
  • The “Bade Riyapadi Wala Mandir” and “Toli ke Kuen Wala Mandir” of the Charandasi sect are located in Alwar district.
  • At Dehra, Charandas Ji’s cap, rosary, patched cloth and robe are preserved.
  • Major works –
    • Brahm Gyan Sagar
    • Bhakti Sagar
    • Brahm Charitra
    • Gyan Sarvodaya
  • Major female disciples – Dayabai and Sahjobai.
    • Dayabai – Works: Dayabodh, Vinay Mallika.
    • Sahjobai – Works: Sahaj Prakash, Solah Tithi, Saat Vaar Nirnay.

Sant Mavji (Saguna + Nirguna)

• Born – At Sabla village (Dungarpur) in 1714 A.D. (Magh Shukla Panchami).
• Father – Dalarum Ji; Mother – Kesar Bai.
• Principal seat – Sabla village (Dungarpur).
• Sant Mavji was a devotee of Lord Krishna.
• He founded the Nishkalank Sampradaya.
• Mavji is regarded as the Kalki incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• He emphasized Karma, Bhakti and Yoga.
• Beneshwar Dham –
  • Established by Sant Mavji at the confluence of the Som, Mahi and Jakhm rivers.
  • Fair – Held annually on Magh Purnima; known as the “Kumbh of the Tribals.”
• Chopda –
  • The sayings of Sant Mavji, written in a debate style and famous for prophecies.
  • Divided into five sections – Sam Sagar, Megh Sagar, Ratna Sagar, Prem Sagar, Anant Sagar.
  • Language – Vagdi.
  • Describes the divine plays of Lord Krishna.
  • The Chopdas are taken out only on Diwali and recited on Makar Sankranti.
• Five types of Chopda –
  • Prem Sagar
  • Megh Sagar
  • Som Sagar
  • Ratna Sagar
  • Anant Sagar
    • This text contains a prophecy about the Third World War.
    • Followers of Mavji are called “Sadhus.”
    • Sant Mavji initiated the Lasodiya Movement to eradicate untouchability.
  • One Chopda is preserved in Sabla Temple, another in Punjpur Temple, the third in Sheshpur (near Salumbar in Mewar), the fourth in Vishwakarma Temple (Banswara). It is believed that the fifth Chopda was taken away by the Marathas during their invasion.

Sant Ramcharan Ji (Nirguna)

• Founder of the Ramsnehi Sampradaya; Principal seat – Shahpura.
• Born at Soda village (Tonk) in 1719 A.D. on Magh Shukla Chaturdashi.
• Father – Bakhta Ram Ji; Mother – Devji (Deuji).
• Wife – Gulab Kanwar; Guru – Kriparam Ji of the Gudadh Sampradaya (received initiation in 1751 A.D.).
• Childhood name – Ramkishan (Guru Kriparam Ji gave him the name Ramcharan).
• Believed in the Nirguna worship of Lord Rama.
• While performing penance in Bhilwara, Ramcharan Ji was harassed by idol worshippers and therefore moved to Kuhada village.
• On the invitation of Shahpura ruler Ran Singh, he reached Shahpura and established the main seat (Gaddi) of the Ramsnehi Sampradaya there. Ramcharan Ji died at Shahpura in 1798 A.D.
• Phuldol Festival
  • Celebrated at Shahpura on the second day of Holi; 
  • from Chaitra Krishna Pratipada to Panchami.
• Text –
  • Anabhai Vani (Anabhavani), a compilation of Ramcharan Ji’s teachings in Braj language.
• Rules of the sect –
  • Saints wear pink robes.
  • Followers do not keep beard, moustache or hair on the head.
  • They do not practice idol worship.
• Ramcharan Ji had 12 principal disciples.
• “Ramdwara” – The place of prayer.
• Other seats of the Ramsnehi Sampradaya –
  • Shahpura Branch (Bhilwara) –
    • Founded by Sant Ramcharan Ji; 
    • Main seat of the Ramsnehi Sampradaya.
  • Rain Branch (Merta City, Nagaur) –
    • Founder – Sant Dariyav Ji.
    • Born in 1676 A.D. at Jaitaran (Beawar).
    • Father – Mansa Dhuniya;
    • Mother – Giga.
    • Saying – “Woman is the mother of the entire world and nurtures it.”
    • Guru – Pemdass Ji.
    • Died in 1758 A.D.
• Kherapa Branch (Jodhpur Rural) –
  • Founder – Sant Ramdas Ji.
  • Born in 1726 A.D. at Bikamkor (Jodhpur).
  • Father – Shardul Ji; Mother – Anami
  • Guru – Hariramdas Ji.
• Singhthal Branch (Bikaner) – Founder
  • Hariram Das Ji.
  • Born at Singhthal (Bikaner).
  • Father – Bhagyachand; Mother – Rami Devi; Wife – Champa; Son – Bihari.
  • Guru – Jaimaldas Ji.
  • He said, “Guru is like the Paras stone.” (उन्होंने कहा था कि गुरु पारस पत्थर के समान है)
  • Texts – Rajprakash Mantra and Shri Haripurush ki Vani (compilation of spiritual thoughts of Sant Haridas).
  • Major works –
    • Nishani, Yog Grihasth, Angavaddh
    • Anubhav Vani, Chetavani, Bhaktamal

Sant Laldas Ji (Nirguna)

• Born – 1540 A.D., Dholidub village (Alwar), on Shravan Krishna Panchami; died in 1648 A.D.
• Laldas Ji belonged to the Mev community and worked as a woodcutter; Gotra – Dulot.
• Father – Chandmal; Mother – Samda; Wife – Mogari.
• Children – Daughter: Swaroopa; Sons: Pahada and Qutub.
• Guru – Fakir Gadan Chishti.
• Principal seat – Nagla (Bharatpur); highly revered among the Mev community of Alwar and Bharatpur.
• Preached in the Mewati language.
• Greeting word – “Jairam.”
• Samadhi site – Sherpur (Kotputli–Behror).
• Fairs – Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi and Magh Purnima.
• Major text – Laldas Ji ki Chetavaniyan.
• Founder of the Laldasi Sampradaya.
• Teachings –
  • Nirguna worship of Rama; emphasis on Hindu-Muslim unity; importance of self-effort (Purushartha).
  • Initiation ritual – The initiate’s face was blackened and he was seated backwards on a donkey and taken through village lanes, so that no pride would remain in his life.
  • Mahanand Kayastha was the first initiated disciple.
• When Aurangzeb, son of Shah Jahan, came to meet Laldas Ji, he predicted that Aurangzeb would become the ruler of Delhi and would kill his brothers.

Haridas Niranjani (Nirguna)

• Born – At Kaparod (Didwana) in 1455 A.D.; died at Gada village (Didwana).
• Original name – Harisingh Sankhla; known as the “Valmiki of Kaliyuga” (initially a bandit, later became a saint).
• Principal seat – Gada (Didwana).
• Performed penance at Tikhi Dungari.
• Preached both Nirguna and Saguna Bhakti.
• Fair – From Phalgun Shukla Pratipada to Phalgun Shukla Dwadashi.
• Major texts – Mantra Raj Prakash, Haripurush ki Vani.
• Haridas Ji founded the Niranjani (Nirala) Sampradaya.
• In this sect, the Supreme Being is referred to as “Alakh Niranjan” or “Hari Niranjan.”
• Branches –
  • Nihang – Sustain themselves through alms; wear a khaki-colored patched cloth around the neck.
  • Gharbari – Followers who lead a household (family) life.

Sant Pipa (Nirguna)

• First saint of the Nirguna Bhakti movement in Rajasthan.
• Born – At Gagron Fort in 1425 A.D. on Chaitra Purnima.
• Father – Raja Kadawarab Khinchi; Mother – Lakshmivati.
• Belonged to the Khinchi Rajput clan; Guru – Ramanand Ji.
• Real name – Pratap Singh Khinchi.
• Sant Pipa’s Chhatri – Gagron Fort.
• Sant Pipa’s Cave – Toda village (Kekri); another cave at Gagron.
• Sant Pipa’s Temple – Samdari village (Barmer).
• Works – Pipa Parchi, Pipa Katha, Jog Chintamani.
• Fair – Chaitra Purnima.
• Renunciation – On Pipa Ji’s request, when Ramanand was going to Dwarka, he came to Gagron with disciples such as Kabir and Raidas. At that time, Pipa renounced his kingdom and handed over the throne to his nephew.
• After renouncing the kingdom, Pipa earned his livelihood by tailoring; therefore, the tailor community regards him as their patron saint.
• His hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• He considered Bhakti as the primary means to attain liberation (no salvation without devotion).
• He defeated Firoz Shah Tughlaq in battle.

Sarvagi Sampradaya (Nirguna)

• Main Centre – Sangaliya, Dhod Tehsil (Sikar)
• Founder – Lakkardas Maharaj (1649 AD)
• Greeting word – “Jai Saheb”
• Satsang is organized at the ashram on Amavasya (new moon) and Purnima (full moon) days

Pranami Sampradaya(Saguna + Nirguna)

• Established by Prannath, the followers of this sect adhere to the Nirguna philosophy.
• Birth – Jamnagar (Gujarat)
• Principal seat – Panna, Madhya Pradesh
• In Rajasthan, its influence is seen in Adarsh Nagar (Jaipur).
• Text (Scripture) – Kujalam Swaroopam

Dasi Sampradaya

• Although Meerabai did not establish any sect, later her followers came to be known as the Meera Dasi sect.
• Birth – 1498, Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya (Akha Teej), Kudki (Beawar)
• Father – Ratan Ji Rathore (Jagirdar of Bajoli), Mother – Veer Kanwar
• Grandfather – Rao Duda
• Childhood name – Pemal
• Epithet – Radha of Rajasthan
• Marriage – 1516 AD, to Bhojraj (eldest son of Rana Sanga)
• Spiritual Guru – Goswami Sant Raidas
• Formative teacher – Pandit Gajadhar
  Received initiation from Jeev Goswami and Raidas
• Meera worshipped Lord Krishna in his Murli Manohar form as her divine husband.
• Works –
  • Padavali
    • The padas of Meerabai are considered jewels of devotional literature in the Bhakti movement (Mahadevi Verma)
    • Harjas – Meera’s devotional songs
  • Narsi Mehta ki Hundi, Rukmini Mangal, Meera ri Garibi, Satyabhamaji nu Rusno, Geet Govind, Meerabai: Ecstatic Poems (Robert Bly)
• Narsi Ji ro Mayro – written in Braj language by Ratna Khati under Meera’s guidance
• Meera propagated the simple path of Saguna Bhakti through bhajans, dance, and remembrance of Krishna.
• She is believed to have merged into the idol of Lord Krishna at the Ranchhod Rai Temple (Dakor Ji), Dwarka.
• Meera Mahotsav – Chittorgarh (Ashwin Purnima)
• Postage stamp – Issued on 10 October 1952
• On her 525th birth anniversary, a postage stamp and a ₹525 coin were issued.

Sant Raidas

• Raidas Sect
• Kabir called him the “saint of saints.”
• He came to Chittorgarh during Meera’s time.
• Raidas’s cenotaph (chhatri) is located in Chittorgarh Fort.
• His teachings are compiled in “Raidas ki Parchi.”

Rasik Sect

• Founder – Agradās Ji (disciple of Krishnadas Payahari)
• Established at – Revasa, Sikar district
• Worshipped Lord Rama as a Rasik Nayak
• Agradās belonged to the fourth generation of the disciple lineage of Swami Ramanand
  (Ramanand → Anantanand → Shri Krishnadas Payahari → Agradās)
• Texts –
• Bhaktamal (by Nabhadas), Shri Ram Bhajan Manjari, Hitopadesh Bhasha, Upasana Bavji, Dhyan Manjara, Agrasaar

Nimbark Sect (Sagun)

• Other Names – Sanakadi Sampradaya / Hansa Sampradaya
• Founder – Acharya Nimbark
• Worship of Radha and Lord Krishna in their combined (Yugal) form
• Text – Vedanta Parijat Bhashya
• Philosophy – Propounded Dvaitadvaita (Bhedabheda) doctrine
• Seats (Peeths) –
  • Principal Peeth – Salemabad, Kishangarh (Ajmer), established by disciple Parashuram Dev
  • Second Peeth – Udaipur

Mannathi Sect

• Principal Seat – Mahamandir (Jodhpur)
• The Mahamandir of Jodhpur was built in 1805 AD by Man Singh Rathore for Guru Ays Devanath.

Terapanthi Sect

• Founder – Acharya Bhikshu Swami (Bhikhan Ji)
• Established – 1760 AD
• Birth – Kantalya village (Marwar Junction, Pali)
• Samadhi – Siriyari (Pali)
• The number of initial monks who accepted Bhikhan Ji’s principles was 13, hence it came to be known as Terapanthi.
• He was the first Acharya of Terapanth.
• Acharya Tulsi –
  • 9th Acharya of Terapanth
  • Born – 1914, Ladnun (Didwana)
  • Father – Jhumar Mal
  • Mother – Vandana
  • 1949 – Propounded the Anuvrat doctrine
  • Maryada Mahotsav – from Sardarshahar
  • Famous statement – “Human first, then Hindu or Muslim.”
  • Established Jain Vishva Bharati University, Ladnun
  • Award – Maharana Mewar Foundation Hara Hakim Khan Sur Samman
• Acharya Mahapragya –
  • 10th Acharya of Terapanth
  • Real name – Nathmal Chordia
  • Preksha Dhyan doctrine
• Acharya Mahashraman –
  • 11th Acharya of Terapanth
  • Real name – Mohan Duggar
  • Initiation name – Mudit Muni

Gundad Sect  (Nirgun)

• Founder – Saint das ji
• Main centre – Dantda (Bheelwara)

Nawal Sect (Nirgun)

• Birthplace – Harsolav (Nagaur)
  Birth – Vikram Samvat 1840, Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami
• Main Centre – Jodhpur
  Founded the Naval Sampradaya
• Book – Navaleshwar Anubhavvani
• Opposed untouchability, child marriage, and orthodox practices

Alakhiya Sect (Nirgun)

• Founder – Swami Lalgirith
• Birth – Sulakhaniya village, Churu
• Principal Seat – Bikaner
• Main Texts – Alakh Stuti Prakash, Kundaliyas
• Most followers belonged to the Mochi caste
• Samadhi – Galta Ji, Jaipur

Rajaram Sect

• Propounder – Rajaram Ji
• Main Centre – Shikarpura (Jodhpur Rural)
  A prominent saint of the Patel community
• Gave the message of environmental conservation, similar to the Bishnoi community

Bairagi Nath Sect

• प्रधान पीठ – राताडूंगा (पुष्कर, अजमेर)

Kunda Sect

• Propounder – Rao Mallinath Ji
  A Vam Margi sect
• It prescribes a distinct and unusual system of spiritual practice

Undaria Sect

• Atimargiya sect
• Prevalent among the Bhils of Jaisamand

Kanchaliya Sect

• अतिमार्गीय पंथ

Lashkari Sect (Sagun)

• Founder – Balanadacharya (childhood name – Balwant)
• Birth – 1635 AD, Garhmukteshwar
• Guru – Birjanand (received military training)
• Main Centre – Lohargal (Jhunjhunu), on Malketu Mountain; devotee of Lord Hanuman
• Lashkar Saint – called so because he kept an army
• Followers of this sect carry a sword in one hand and wooden sandals (charan padukas) in the other
• Works / Activities –
• 1675 – Led the religious revolt at Haridwar
• Protected 52 idols during the time of Aurangzeb
• Sent his army to assist Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar and Durgadas Rathore of Marwar against Aurangzeb

Saint Saint Dhanna (Nirgun)

• Birthplace – Dhuvan Kala (Tonk), 1415 AD
  Born in a Jat family
• Guru – Ramanand (left Rajasthan for Kashi/Varanasi and became his disciple there)
• He initiated the Bhakti movement in Rajasthan and was also popular in the Punjab region
• His teachings are compiled in the Adi Granth of the Sikhs
• Main Temple – Boranada (Jodhpur)

Saint Sundardas (Nirgun)

• Principal Seat – Fatehpur
• Sant Sundardas Ji resided at one of the 80 ghats of Kashi along with Goswami Tulsidas.
• Paramhans – The ascetic saints of the Jasnathi sect.

Bhakt Durlabh Ji (sagun)

• Birth – 1696 AD, Vagad
• Field of activity – Dungarpur and Banswara
• A devotee of Lord Krishna; regarded as the Narsinh of Rajasthan.

Female saint

Muslim Saints

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

• Birth – Sisistan (Persia); Death – Ajmer
• Father – Hazrat Khwaja Syed
• Mother – Bibi Sahenur
• Other name – Garib Nawaz
• Guru – Hazrat Sheikh Usman Harooni
• Book written – Kanjul Israr (1215 AD)
• Titles –
  • “Aftab-e-Hind”
  • “Sultan-ul-Hind” (conferred by Muhammad Ghori)
• He came to Rajasthan during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan III and made Ajmer his centre of activity.
• He introduced the Chishti order in Rajasthan.
• Fair (Urs) – Held annually in Ajmer from 1st to 6th Rajab.
• The Dargah of Khwaja Sahib in Ajmer was constructed by Iltutmish.
• Principles –
  • Love of God and service to humanity
  • Hindu-Muslim communal harmony

Shaikh Hamimuddin Nagori

• Birth – 1192 AD
• Place of activity – Suwal village, Nagaur
• Earned livelihood solely through agriculture
  Follower of the Chishti tradition
• Title –
  • Sultan-ul-Tariqin (conferred by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti) – “Sultan of the ascetics”
• He refused the title of “Sheikh-ul-Islam” offered by Iltutmish.
• Urs – Nagaur

Narhad’s Peer

• Other names – Hazrat Shakkar Baba, Dhani of Bagad
• Dargah – Narhad village (Chirawa, Jhunjhunu)
• Urs – Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami)
• Guru – Sheikh Salim Chishti
• Emperor Akbar named his son Salim after Sheikh Salim Chishti
• The Dargah of the Pir of Narhad is a symbol of emotional national and social unity

Peer Fakhruddin

• Dargah – Galiakot (Dungarpur)
• Revered Pir of the Dawoodi Bohra sect
• Major religious centre of the Dawoodi Bohra sect – Galiakot (Dungarpur)
  • Dargah of Miteshah – Gagron Fort
  • Dargah of Malik Shah Pir – Jalore
  • Dargah of Chotila Pir Duleshah – Pali
  • Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba – Sadri (Pali)
  • Dargah of Amir Ali Shah Pir – Dudu (Jaipur)

MISCELLANEOUS

Saint	Religious / Literary Works
Raidas (Ravidas)	Raidas Ri Parchi
Sant Mavji	Mavji ke Chaupade
Prannath Ji	Kujalam Swaroopam
Lalgiri	Alakh Stuti Prakash
Navaldas Navaleshwar	Anubhav Vani
Ramcharan Ji	Arnavani, Ramras Ambudhi
Sant Ramdas	Guru Granth Mahima, Granth Bhaktamal, Granth Ramraksha
Hariram Ji	Nisani
Laldas Ji	Laldas Ji Ri Vani (Sakhi, Shabad), Laldas Ji Ri Chetavaniyan, Laldas Ji Ri Katha
Sant Haridas Ji	Mantra Raj Prakash, Hari Purush Ji Vani, Sakhi
Charandas Ji	Brahm Gyan Sagar, Brahm Gyan Charitra, Nasaket Leela
Rajjab Ji	Sarvangi, Rajjab Vani, Ang Vadhu
Daya Bai	Dayabodh, Vinay Malika
Sahjobai	Sahaj Prakash, Solah Tithi, Saat Vaar Nirnay
Jasnath Ji	Simbhudda, Konda, Gorakh Chhand, Siddh Ji Ro Sir Lokon, Jalam Jhularo
Ramnath Ji	Yashonath Puran (Bible of the Jasnathi sect)
Lalanath Ji	Jeev Sajjhautari
Sant Jambhoji	Jambh Geeta / Jambh Samhita, Vishnoi Dharma Prakash, Jambh Sagar
Sant Dadu Ji	Dadu Ji Ro Doha, Dadu Ji Ri Vani, Kayaveli
Madhodas	Santgun Sagar
Raghavdas	Bhaktamal
Laldas	Naam Mala
Jaggopal	Dadu Janma Leela Parchi
Santdas & Jagannath	Hardevani, Gun Ganjanama, Geetsar, Yoga, Vashishtha Sar
Sundardas	Sundar Granthavali, Gyan Samudra, Sundar Saar, Sundar Vilas
Sant Balind Ji	Orilo
Mangalram Ji	Sanduroday
Garibdas	Adhyatma Prabodh, Anubhai Prabodh, Sakhi
Sant Agradas	Shri Ram Bhajan Manjari, Hitopdesh Bhasha, Upasana Bawji, Dhyan Manjra, Agrasar
Krishnadas Payahari	Jugal Mein Charitra, Brahm Geeta
Gavari Devi	Kirtan Mala
Sant Saman Bai	Pati Satak, Krishnabal Leela, Saulo
Meera Bai	Meera Padavali, Narsi Mehta Ni Hundi, Satyabhama Ji Ni Rusno, Rukmani Mangal
Sant Parshuram	Sakhi ka Joda, Parshuram Sagar, Shri Bawani Leela, Amarbodh Leela
Vallabhacharya	Anubhashya
Ramanujacharya	Shri Bhashya
Ramanand Ji	Ramraksha Stotra, Gyan Leela, Gyan Tilak, Satnami Granth
Nimbarkacharya	Vedanta Parijat Bhashya, Dashashloki Granth
Madhvacharya	Purna Pragya Bhashya