Rajasthani Folk Deities Quiz

Rajasthani Folk Deities

• Folk deities are revered individuals who exemplified courage, strength, and social values.
• They are seen as saviors and bringers of prosperity, embodying divine powers and popular faith.
• Shrines and temples dedicated to these figures are centers of devotion for the local community.
• These deities typically oppose discrimination based on caste or social status, and are protectors of cows.
• They are healers for incurable illnesses.
• The rise of Islamism (11th-14th centuries) in Western Rajasthan brought socioeconomic and religious turmoil.
• This led to the emergence of folk deities as a response to these upheavals.
• They are champions of interfaith harmony and address the needs of marginalized communities.
• Many folk deities are associated with pastoral traditions, and serve as guardians of livestock.
• Stories and sayings about these deities were documented in the 15th and 16th centuries through various mediums like poems, verses, chronicles, and songs.
• The popularity of these deities was often related to their connection to the values and concerns of rural underclass.
• They personified bravery, and their tales became part of the collective memory.
• These figures are commemorated through songs and dances at their respective shrines.

Important Terminology Related to Folk Deities

• Nabha: Small metal figurines (gold, silver, brass, copper) worn by devotees around the neck, representing their deity.
• Parcha: A supernatural act or task performed by or through the deity's divine power.
• Chirja: Devotional songs, hymns, or mantras, particularly sung by women during night vigils.
• Devre: Elevated platforms or structures in rural Rajasthan where folk deities are venerated.
• Panchpir: In Marwar region, a group of five folk deities (including Pabuji, Hadbhuji, Ramdevji, Mangliya, and Meha).

Key Folk Deities

Ramdevji

• A prominent and revered folk deity, an avatara (incarnation).
• Believed to be the son of Ajmal and Mena.
• A social reformer, who fiercely opposed idol worship, pilgrimages, and caste hierarchies.
• Emphasized the importance of virtuous actions and karma, believing that fate is determined by one's deeds.
• Preached interfaith harmony and was revered by Muslims as 'Ram Sa Peer'.
• Main shrine located in Ramdevra.
• Celebrated with a large fair during the Bhadrapada month.
• Other Significant shrines are located on Mașuria Hill (Jodhpur), Virathia Khurd, Suratkhera (Chittor), and a smaller Ramdevra in Gujarat.

Gogaji

• A prominent figure among the Panchpir, believed to have been a Chauhan ruler in Jevar Dederva (Churu).
• Fought valiantly to protect cows.
• Depicted as a warrior deity and revered for healing snakebites.
• His shrines are often found beneath khejadi trees.
• Popular festival celebrated on Goganaumi (Krishna Navami in Bhadrapad).
• Referred to as Jahlar Pir by Muslims and an incarnation of Vishnu by Hindus.

Pabuji

• Born in 1239 AD in Marwar, the son of Dhandhal.
• A warrior who fought to protect the cattle.
• Referred to as the deity of camels.
• Local traditions and folk tales about him are memorialized.
• Celebrated festival on Chaitr Amavasya in Kolumand (Jodhpur).
• Respected within the Rajputs and the nomadic communities.

Hadbhuji

• Son of Maharja Sankhela of Bhodla (Nagar).
• Took the role of a ascetic, and disciple of Bali.
• Advisor and assistant to Rao Jodha, helping him to conquer and secure Mandor.
• Served to enlighten people from lower castes about spirituality.
• The principal shrine is at Bangadi village.
• Celebrated for providing assistance in times of trouble, and revered for wisdom.

Other Deities

• Tejaji: A deity of the Jat community, revered for cow protection. Died from snakebite after protecting cows. Referred as "the protector of cows."
• Mehaji Mangliya: A deity associated with the Mangliya community. Revered for cow protection and associated struggles against powerful people of Mewar. Celebrated with a fair on Krishna Janmashtami.
• Mallee Nath: A seer and miracle worker. A significant figure for the Tharparkar cattle fair. Main shrine in Tilwara.
• Talinaath: Local deity for the local communities in Jalore.
• Devji/Devanarayanji: A venerated deity among the Gujjars. Associated with cattle. Associated with various fairs and rituals.
• Bhuria Baba/Gautamishwer: A prominent figure for the Mina community.
• Kallaji: A deity acknowledged as a protector, and mediator, and depicted as a warrior deity with four arms.
• Bhoumiya and Kesariya Kunwar: Deities protecting the land and those who suffer from snakebites, respectively.
• Other Deities mentioned in the text are: Jhunghar Ji, Jhrada Ji/Roopnath, Fatta Ji, Panrajji, Hariran Baba.