Write an essay on the main public gods of Rajasthan.

Any person who works for the religion, public and protection of the cow, and sacrifices his life for such cause, is called a Public God. There are two distinct types of Public Gods:

a) Those who worked to protect cows, uplift untouchables and worked for religions: Pabuji, Gogaji and Tejaji

b) Those who influenced masses with bravery and miracles: Devnarayan and Harbhuji.

TEJAJI: Tejaji was born in Nagaur district of Rajasthan, and is celebrated as a cow protector. One day, as he had gone to visit his in-laws, he was asked to stay at the house of a neighbour. At night, thieves took away the neighbour’s cows, and Tejaji followed the thieves on his horse, to get the cows back. However, on his way, he was met by a snake, who told him that he would bite Tejaji. Tejaji promised him that he would allow the snake to nite, once he has freed the cows from the thieves. When Tejaji returned with the cows, he was covered in blood. The snake was confused and asked where he should bite. Tejaji took out his tongue, the snake bit him and he died in trying to save the cows.

GOGAJI: Gogaji was born by the blessings bestowed by Gorakhnath upon his mother, Bacl. He married Kemalde, the daughter of Pabuji’s elder brother. He fought against Ferozshah of Delhi. but, his own brothers fought against him, in Sultan’s army. When he told this to his mother, she dismissed Gogaji from the family. This saddened Gogaji, and he buried himself alive. The navmi of Bhadrapad is celebrated as Goga Navmi.

PABUJI: Pabuji belonged to Kolugarh in Rajasthan. His greatest supporters were Chanda and Dama. Pabuji received a proposal for marriage from Dewal. Dewal owned a beautiful mare, which was used in taking care of the cows. A man named Jindrao Klinchi had an eye on the mare. So to protect the mare, she was sent away to Pabuji for the day of the marriage. However, when marriage preparations were going on, Jindrao seized his opportunity and took away Dewal’s cows. When this news reached Pabuji, he left all ceremonies and rode the amre to get the cows back from Dewal. Pabuji was able to get the cows back, but he died in the process. Hence, he is immortalised as a cow protector.

DEVNARAYAN: The Phad of Devnarayan is the story of Devnarayan’s life. According to the story, he was one of the 24 sons of Hiraram of Mandalji. Devnarayan fought against many atrocious rulers, and his successes made him so popular that he was worshipped as a god. He was known as the incarnation of Vishnu in the Gurjar society in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and eradicator of sufferings and hardships. He was a protector of cows, and founded 5 cows of Bagadawt. These cows had special qualities, and were bestowed with eternal blessing. He also maintained an army of shepherds, who take care of his livestock that consisted of 98000 cows. His followers built temples called Devras, and can be found in Ajmer, Chittorgarh and Tonk.