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{{Short description|Indian folk deity}}
{{Short description|Indian folk deity (1074–1103)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
'''Veer Teja Ji''' or '''Tejaji''' is a [[Rajasthan]]i folk deity. He is considered one of the major eleven incarnations of [[Shiva]] and worshipped as a deity in whole (Rural & Urban) Rajasthan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-snake-festival-idUSKCN11L2C4|title=In India, getting bitten by a snake seen as good luck|author=Reuters Editorial|work=U.S.|access-date=16 October 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.india.com/news/india/rajasthan-celebrates-unique-snake-festival-to-bring-good-fortune-1491059/|title=Rajasthan celebrates unique snake festival to bring good fortune|last=ANI|date=16 September 2016|work=India.com|access-date=16 October 2018|language=en}}</ref>
{{EngvarB|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image = Kuwar Sa.jpg
| image = Kuwar Sa.jpg
| caption = Tejaji riding a horse
| caption = Veer Tejaji riding his Leelan
| name = Veer Teja
| name = Veer Teja <br/> [[-ji|Ji]]
| deity_of = [[Hindu]]
| deity_of =  
| birth_place = [[Kharnal]], [[Nagaur]] ([[Rajasthan]], India)
| birth_place = [[Kharnal]], [[Nagaur]] ([[Rajasthan]], India)
| birth_date = 1074
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1074|01|29}}
| death_date = 1103
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|1103|08|28|1074|01|29}}
| father = Tahar Dev
| father = Tahar Dev
| mother = Ramkunwari
| mother = Ram Kunwari
| siblings =  
| siblings = Rajal (sister)
| spouse =  
| spouse = Pemal
| affiliation = [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]], [[Avatar]] of [[Shiva]]
| affiliation = Avatar of [[Shiva]]
| mantra =  
| mantra =  
| weapon =  
| weapon = [[Spear]]
| consort =  
| consort =  
| abode =  
| abode =  
| mount =  
| mount =  
| gender = Male
| parents = Tahar Dev (father) <br/> Ram Kunwari (mother)
| festivals = Teja Dashmi
| death_place = [[Sursura]], [[Ajmer]]
| animals = Leelan (mare)
| weapons =
}}
}}


Veer Teja was born around 1074 in Khadnal, Rajasthan, India. His parents, Ramkunwari and Tahar, were [[Jats]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dufZAAAAMAAJ&q=tejaji+RAJPUT|title=Honour, Status & Polity|last1=Jain|first1=Pratibha|last2=Śarmā|first2=Saṅgītā|publisher=Rawat Publications|year=2004|isbn=978-8-170-33859-8|pages=336|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=joLWAAAAMAAJ&q=tejaji+RAJPUT|title=Folk Bronzes of Rajasthan|last=Aryan|first=Subhashini |publisher=Lalit Kala Akademi|year=1994|pages=80|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="Hooja"/>
'''Veer Tejaji Jat''' (29 January 1074 - 28 August 1103)<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Gupta |first=Dr Seema |title=Veer Tejaji - The Symbol of Folk Faith |url=https://cajlpc.centralasianstudies.org/index.php/CAJLPC/article/download/58/686/ |journal=Central Asian Journal of Literature, Philosophy and Culture |volume=01 |pages=42}} “ ''As per historians, he was born on Friday, Magha Shukla 14 samvat 1130 (29 January 1074)''. </ref> also known as '''Tejaji Maharaj''', or simply '''Tejaji''', was a great warrior, social reformer, cow protector and [[Folk religion|folk-deity]] in [[Rajasthan]]. In rural parts of northern Rajasthan, he is revered as a deity and is considered to be one of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva's]] eleven primary incarnations.<ref name="Murphy">{{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Anne |editor1-last=Mills |editor1-first=Margaret A. |editor2-last=Diamond |editor2-first=Sarah |editor3-last=Claus |editor3-first=Peter J. |editor1-link=Margaret Mills (folklorist) |title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia |year=2003 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-93919-5 |page=596 |entry-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC&pg=PA596 |entry=TĒJAJI |quote=Tējaji was a Jāt of Karnala near Nagaur, in Marwar}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=ANI |date=16 September 2016 |title=Rajasthan celebrates unique snake festival to bring good fortune |url=https://www.india.com/news/india/rajasthan-celebrates-unique-snake-festival-to-bring-good-fortune-1491059/ |access-date=16 October 2018 |work=India.com |language=en}} “ ''Teja is considered to be one of the eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva and worshipped as a deity in rural Rajasthan. Devotees sang and danced to the sounds of drums and instruments, holding snakes in their hands and receiving their bites. It is believed that the snake bites cures ailments and bring good fortune''.”</ref> He is mainly worshipped in the states of [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Haryana]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], and [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=अजमेर |first=सुमित सारस्वत |date=4 September 2022 |title=सांप को दिया वचन निभाया, अब लोक देवता के रूप में होती है इस गौ रक्षक की पूजा |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/rajasthan/tejaji-maharaj-story-kept-promise-given-snake-cow-protector-is-worshiped-as-folk-deity-rajasthan-ann-2207935 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=[[ABP News]] |language=hi}} “ ''वीर तेजाजी को भगवान शिव का ग्यारहवां अवतार माना जाता है. राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, गुजरात, उत्तर प्रदेश, हरियाणा और अन्य राज्यों में इन्हें लोक देवता के रूप में पूजा जाता है.''”</ref> He is commonly known as the ''God of Snakes'' in Rajasthan, because it protect against snake bites or also worshipped as ''Dhauliya Veer''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2023 |title=Nagaur News: वीर तेजाजी ने एक वचन के लिए दे दिए थे प्राण, सांपों वाले देवता के रूप में पहचान |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/nagaur-nagaur-veer-tejaji-maharaj-gave-life-for-promise-people-worship-today-as-lord-of-snakes-and-cows-5422749.html |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=In India, getting bitten by a snake seen as good luck |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-snake-festival-idUSKCN11L2C4 |access-date=16 October 2018 |work=Reuters Original |language=en-US}} “ ''Veer Teja or Tejaji was a legendary Rajasthani folk hero, also considered to be one of the major eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva and worshipped as a deity in rural Rajasthan''.”</ref>


Legend has it that Teja died in 1103. The story says that he died because of snake bite, he allowed a snake to bite his tongue, that being the only unwounded area of his body. In return, the snake promised that no person or animal would die from a snakebite if they sought the blessings of Teja.<ref name="Hooja">{{cite book |last1=Hooja |first1=Rima |title=A History of Rajasthan |date=2006 |publisher=[[Rupa & Co.|Rupa Publications]] |isbn=978-8129108906 |page=428 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tosMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA428 |access-date=2019-02-16}}</ref>
==Early life==
Veer Tejaji was born on 29 January 1074, in the family of Tahar Dev, a Dhauliya [[Jat]], chieftain in [[Kharnal|Kharnal, Nagaur]] and Ram Kunwari in [[Kharnal]] village of [[Nagaur district]] in [[Rajasthan]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Statesman News |date=2 March 2023 |title=Ahead of Global Jat Mahakumbh, Gehlot sets up 'Veer Tejaji Welfare Board' in Rajasthan |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ahead-of-global-jat-mahakumbh-gehlot-sets-up-veer-tejaji-welfare-board-in-rajasthan-1503158914.html |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=The Statesman |language=en}} “ ''Veer Teja or Satyavadi Veer Tejaji is a Rajasthani folk deity. Its history says that Kanwar Tejaji ji is considered to be the eleventh incarnation of Lord Shiva and he was born in Dholiya gotra of Nagvanshiya Jat''.”</ref>  


People in Rajasthan particularly call upon this promise on Shukla tenth of the month of Bhadrapada, a day that is set aside for marking his death.<ref name="Hooja"/>
As per the historians, it is believed that Ram Kunwari, Tejaji mother, got a boon from [[Nagaraja]] and gave birth to a baby named, Teja Ji. His parents were worshippers of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tejaji Maharaj Story: सांप को दिया वचन निभाया, अब लोक देवता के रूप में होती है इस गौ रक्षक की पूजा |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/rajasthan/tejaji-maharaj-story-kept-promise-given-snake-cow-protector-is-worshiped-as-folk-deity-rajasthan-ann-2207935 |access-date=4 September 2022 |website=ABP NEWS|date=4 September 2022 }} “''राजस्थान में नागौर जिले के खरनालियां गांव में तेजाजी का जन्म हुआ था. नागवंशी क्षत्रिय जाट घराने के एक जाट परिवार में जन्मे वीर तेजाजी सामान्य किसान के बेटे थे. तेजाजी के पिता ताहड़ देव और माता रामकंवरी भगवान शिव के उपासक थे. मान्यता है कि माता रामकंवरी को नाग-देवता के आशीर्वाद से पुत्र की प्राप्ति हुई थी''.”</ref>


Anthropologists say the Tejaji following sect is protagonist that includes an element of protest against the caste system.<ref>Dhali, Rajshree Popular Religion in Rajasthan: A Study of Four Deities and Their Worship in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century, 2014, p. 229</ref>
== Story ==
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
 
Tejaji Temple Kharnal.JPG|Teja temple at [[Kharnal]] in [[Nagaur]], [[Rajasthan]]
=== Halsotia: The Sacred Duty ===
Tejaji's marriage.JPG|Painting depicting Tejaji's marriage at [[Pushkar]]
In the rural heartland of Rajasthan, tradition dictated that the chieftain Tejaji, must initiate the plowing of fields after the first monsoon rains in the month of [[Jyeshtha (month)|Jyestha]]. This ritual, known as “halsotia,” held immense significance. Tejaji embraced this duty with unwavering determination, ready to turn the soil and honor age-old customs.<ref name=":0" />
Tejaji Mandir Sursura.JPG|[[Sursura]] [[Ajmer]] Teja Dham, where Tejaji died
 
</gallery>
=== Bhabhi’s Taunts and the Quest for Pemal ===
[[File:Tejaji Temple at palot.jpg|thumb|Tejaji Temple at [[Palot]] Village]]
Tejaji’s mother urged him to perform the ploughing, known as Halsotia, because his father and brother were out of village due to some work. So,Tejaji started ploughing his fields and his sister-in-law was responsible for bringing him food in fields during ploughing (locally known as “Chhak”), one day she arrived late. Frustrated, Tejaji’s anger flared when she taunted him about his wife’s absence- Pemal (Tejaji wife) was still at her father’s home. Determined to rectify this perceived shame, Tejaji resolved to retrieve his wife from her in-laws’ abode. Before bringing Pemal back, Tejaji faced another task: reuniting with his sister, Rajal. Pemal had requested that Rajal be there to welcome her.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Tejaji Temple at Palot village.jpg|thumb|Tejaji Temple at [[Palot]] Village]]
=== War with Meenas ===
When Tejaji was on his way to bring his sister, Rajal back he encountered some  meena [[Dacoity|dacoits]]. In fight Tejaji emerged victorious and proceeded to Tabiji, Ajmer, securing permission from his sister’s husband, to bring Rajal back to [[Kharnal]].
 
=== Journey to [[Paner]] ===
When Tejaji arrived at his in-laws house, he found his mother-in-law was busy in milking cows. His entry on his leelan mare startled the animals, disrupting their peaceful routine. Unfortunately, his mother-in-law failed to recognize him because Tejaji was married to Pemal when he was only nine months old. Tejaji's mother-in-law gave Tejaji a curse that he would be bitten by a black snake for disturbing her cows.<ref name=":0" />
 
Tejaji’s anger flared, and he decided to return to [[Kharnal]] without Pemal. However, Pemal was upset by her mother's reaction and requested that her father and brother stop Tejaji. Lachha Gujari, Pemal’s friend, stepped forward and shared the story of Pemal’s suffering to Tejaji. Then Tejaji stayed at Lachha’s Gujari house, where he met Pemal for the first time.<ref name=":2" />
 
=== Lachha Cows Incident ===
When Tejaji and Pemal are talking to each other at Lachha House, a knock is echoed by Lachha Gujari. Lachha urgently informed Tejaji that the Meenas from Chang had stolen all her cows and requested help from Tejaji. Without hesitation, Tejaji mounted his Leelan and rode off alone to confront the dacoits who had taken Lachha's cows.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= 24 September 2023|title=Veer Teja Dashmi : तेजाजी को मिला था सर्पों के देवता बनने का वरदान, एक वचन के लिए दिया था बलिदान |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/rajasthan/state/ajmer/veer-teja-dashmi-know-the-history-of-lok-devta-tejaji-who-sacrificed-his-life-for-promise/rj20230924152113637637884 |access-date= |website=ETV Bharat News |language=hi}}</ref>
 
When Tejaji was on his way to confront the dacaits, Basak Naag, a snake, was burning in the fire, and Tejaji saved him from burning. That snake cursed and wanted to bite him. Tejaji assured that he would come back after taking Lachha cows back.After that, Tejaji fought with the Meenas in the valley of Chang, about 15 km from Sursura. He killed all 350 Meenas in the fight and got back the cows of Lachha Gujari.<ref name=":1" />
=== Death of Teja Ji ===
Tejaji, after returning cows to Lachha, produced himself before Basak Naga, the snake, and asked the snake to bite his body. Basak Naga did not find any unwounded places on Tejaji's body, and then Tejaji asked him to bite on his tongue. Basak Naga gave a boon to Tejaji that he will be a deity of [[Kali Yuga|Kalyug]] and will be worshipped. That’s why Tejaji is also called a man of words. Tejaji died on ''Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi'' Saturday, V.S. 1160, or 28 August 1103 at the age of 29. The date of the martyrdom of Tejaji is celebrated as Teja Dashmi.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Ram |first=Saint Kanha |title=Shri Veer Tejaji Ka Itihas Evam Jiwan Charitra (Shodh Granth) |publisher=Veer Tejaji Shodh Sansthan |year=2015}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=19 February 2021 |title=Veer Tejaji – A Great Warrior and Folk Deity, who sacrificed his life for Cow protection !! |url=https://trunicle.com/veer-tejaji-a-great-warrior-and-folk-deity-who-sacrificed-his-life-for-cow-protection/ |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=Trunicle |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=कौन है वीर तेजाजी, जिनके नाम से बोर्ड का गठन करने जा रही राजस्थान सरकार |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/rajasthan/nagaur/who-is-veer-tejaji-rajasthan-government-made-new-welfare-board-on-there-name/articleshow/98371230.cms |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=Navbharat Times |language=hi}}</ref>


== See also==
Tejaji is also known as God of Snakes, because of this when anyone gets bitten by snake, then there are rituals to visit Tejaji temple and seek blessings from Tejaji.<ref name=":3" /> Apart from being called as God of Snakes, Tejaji was also a great protector of cows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=6 October 2022 |title=Lok Devta Tejaji: वचन पालन के लिए तेजाजी महाराज ने दिया था बलिदान, जानिए जाटों के आराध्य देव की अमर गाथा |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/rajasthan/state/nagore/lok-devta-veer-tejaji-maharaj-had-sacrificed-his-life-for-cow-protection-know-their-history-and-importance/rj20221006062408060060002 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=hi}} “ ''गायों की रक्षा को दी प्राणों की आहुति: इतिहासकार घनश्याम मुंडेल बताते हैं कि सर्पदंश के कारण लोक देवता तेजाजी महाराज की मृत्यु हुई थी. तेजाजी महाराज बचपन से ही बहादुर थे. एक बार की बात है जब तेजाजी महाराज अपनी बहन को लेने उनके ससुराल पहुंचे तो पता चला कि दस्यु गिरोह उनकी बहन की सारी गायों को लूटकर ले गए. जिसके बाद तेजाजी महाराज अपने एक साथी के साथ जंगलों में बहन की गायों को छुड़ाने के लिए निकल गए. इस दौरान बीच रास्ते में एक सांप तेजाजी के घोड़े के सामने आ गया और उन्हें डसने की कोशिश करने लगा. यह देख तेजाजी ने उस सांप को वचन दिया कि जब वो अपनी बहन की गायों को छुड़ाकर आएंगे तब वो उन्हें डस ले. तेजाजी का वचन सुनकर सांप उनके रास्ते से हट गया''”</ref>
*Tejaji Temple at [[Kharnal]] - place where Tejaji was born
*Tejaji temple at [[Paner]] - place where Tejaji was married
*Shree Veer Tejaji samadhi sthala Temple, [[Sursura]] - place where Tejaji attained Nirvana


==Commemoration==
==Commemoration==
In September 2011, [[India Post]] released a commemorative stamp depicting Tejaji.<ref>[http://www.rajasthanvoice.com/2011/09/special-postal-stamp-released-on-folk.html#comment-form Rajasthan Voice: Thursday, September 8, 2011, Special postage stamp released on Folk deity Veer Teja]</ref>
[[File:Stamp_of_India_-_2011_-_Colnect_259277_-_Teja_Ji_Maharaj.jpeg|thumb|India Post, Government of India releases commemorative postage stamp of Tejaji Maharaj|right|220px]]Teja [[Dashami]] is a festival celebrated in [[Rajasthan]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) of the [[Paksha|Shukla Paksha]] (bright fortnight of the Moon) in the month of [[Bhadrapada]]. The occasion commemorates the life and sacrifice of Tejaji, who is revered as a folk-deity and hailed for his commitment to truth and promise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2020 |title=Teja Dashami: All you need to know about Tejaji Maharaj |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/teja-dashami-2020-all-you-need-to-know-about-tejaji-maharaj/643978 |access-date=28 August 2020 |website=Times Now}}</ref>
 
In September 2011, [[India Post]] issued a commemorative postage stamp depicting Tejaji.<ref>[http://www.rajasthanvoice.com/2011/09/special-postal-stamp-released-on-folk.html#comment-form Rajasthan Voice: Thursday, September 8, 2011, Special postage stamp released on Folk deity Veer Teja]</ref> The [[Government of Rajasthan]] later constituted the Rajasthan State Veer Tejaji Welfare Board for Farmers, comprising seven members including a chairman and vice-chairman. The board is tasked with reviewing the socio-economic conditions of farmers and recommending measures to address their backwardness.<ref name=":4" />
 
Tejaji’s life has also been depicted in cultural media. A Rajasthani-language film titled Veer Tejaji was produced in the 1980s. In November 2023, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] visited the Tejaji Temple at [[Kharnal]] village, [[Nagaur|Nagaur, Rajasthan]], to pay homage to the folk deity.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCK9f15cJeU PM Modi performs Darshan and Pooja at Veer Tejaji Temple, Kharnal, Rajasthan]</ref>
 
== Personal life ==
Tejaji married Pemal, daughter of Raimal, chieftain of [[Paner]] village in the [[Ajmer district]] of Rajasthan. He was just nine months old at the time of marriage, while Pemal was six months old, and they got married at Pushkar Ghat on Pushkar Purnima in 1074. His wife, Pemal, and his sister, Rajal, practiced [[Sati (practice)|sati pratha]] when Tejaji sacrificed his life for cows.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jain |first1=Pratibha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dufZAAAAMAAJ |title=Honour, Status & Polity |last2=Śarmā |first2=Saṅgītā |date=2004 |publisher=Rawat Publications |isbn=978-81-7033-859-8 |language=en}}</ref>


A [[Rajasthani language]] movie titled ''Veer Tejaji'', based on the life of Tejaji was made in the 1980s.
==Gallery==
This section includes pictures of some temples dedicated to Veer Tejaji.
 
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Tejaji Temple Kharnal.JPG|Tejaji temple at [[Kharnal]], [[Nagaur]], [[Rajasthan]]
File:Tejaji's marriage.JPG|Painting depicting Tejaji's marriage in [[Pushkar]], [[Rajasthan]]
File:Tejaji Mandir Sursura.JPG|Teja Dham at his death place in [[Sursura|Sursura, Ajmer]]
File:Tejaji Temple at Palot village.jpg|Tejaji temple at [[Palot]] village
</gallery>
== See also ==
*[[Kharnal]] - Tejaji birth place
*[[Paner]] - Tejaji marriage place
*[[Sursura]] - Tejaji [[samadhi]] place


==References==
==References==
Line 52: Line 88:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Madan Meena: Tejaji Gatha (Hadoti & Hindi), Kota Heritage Society, Kota, 2012 {{ISBN|978-81-8465-686-2}} (Published under the World Oral Literature Project, University of Cambridge, UK)
* [[Madan Meena]]: Tejaji Gatha (Hadoti & Hindi), Kota Heritage Society, Kota, 2012 {{ISBN|978-81-8465-686-2}} (Published under the World Oral Literature Project, University of Cambridge, UK)


{{DEFAULTSORT:Teja, Veer}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Teja, Veer}}
[[Category:Folk deities of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Folk deities of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Hindu folk deities]]
[[Category:Hindu folk deities]]
[[Category:1304 deaths]]
[[Category:1103 deaths]]
[[Category:1250s births]]
[[Category:1074 births]]
[[Category:Regional Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Regional Hindu gods]]

Latest revision as of 23:45, 22 February 2026


Veer Teja
Ji
Veer Tejaji riding his Leelan
AffiliationAvatar of Shiva
WeaponSpear
AnimalsLeelan (mare)
GenderMale
FestivalsTeja Dashmi
Personal information
Born(1074-01-29)29 January 1074
Kharnal, Nagaur (Rajasthan, India)
Died28 August 1103(1103-08-28) (aged 29)
Sursura, Ajmer
ParentsTahar Dev (father)
Ram Kunwari (mother)
SiblingsRajal (sister)
SpousePemal

Veer Tejaji Jat (29 January 1074 - 28 August 1103)[1] also known as Tejaji Maharaj, or simply Tejaji, was a great warrior, social reformer, cow protector and folk-deity in Rajasthan. In rural parts of northern Rajasthan, he is revered as a deity and is considered to be one of Lord Shiva's eleven primary incarnations.[2][3] He is mainly worshipped in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.[4] He is commonly known as the God of Snakes in Rajasthan, because it protect against snake bites or also worshipped as Dhauliya Veer.[5][6]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Veer Tejaji was born on 29 January 1074, in the family of Tahar Dev, a Dhauliya Jat, chieftain in Kharnal, Nagaur and Ram Kunwari in Kharnal village of Nagaur district in Rajasthan.[7]

As per the historians, it is believed that Ram Kunwari, Tejaji mother, got a boon from Nagaraja and gave birth to a baby named, Teja Ji. His parents were worshippers of Lord Shiva.[8]

Story[edit | edit source]

Halsotia: The Sacred Duty[edit | edit source]

In the rural heartland of Rajasthan, tradition dictated that the chieftain Tejaji, must initiate the plowing of fields after the first monsoon rains in the month of Jyestha. This ritual, known as “halsotia,” held immense significance. Tejaji embraced this duty with unwavering determination, ready to turn the soil and honor age-old customs.[1]

Bhabhi’s Taunts and the Quest for Pemal[edit | edit source]

Tejaji’s mother urged him to perform the ploughing, known as Halsotia, because his father and brother were out of village due to some work. So,Tejaji started ploughing his fields and his sister-in-law was responsible for bringing him food in fields during ploughing (locally known as “Chhak”), one day she arrived late. Frustrated, Tejaji’s anger flared when she taunted him about his wife’s absence- Pemal (Tejaji wife) was still at her father’s home. Determined to rectify this perceived shame, Tejaji resolved to retrieve his wife from her in-laws’ abode. Before bringing Pemal back, Tejaji faced another task: reuniting with his sister, Rajal. Pemal had requested that Rajal be there to welcome her.[1]

War with Meenas[edit | edit source]

When Tejaji was on his way to bring his sister, Rajal back he encountered some meena dacoits. In fight Tejaji emerged victorious and proceeded to Tabiji, Ajmer, securing permission from his sister’s husband, to bring Rajal back to Kharnal.

Journey to Paner[edit | edit source]

When Tejaji arrived at his in-laws house, he found his mother-in-law was busy in milking cows. His entry on his leelan mare startled the animals, disrupting their peaceful routine. Unfortunately, his mother-in-law failed to recognize him because Tejaji was married to Pemal when he was only nine months old. Tejaji's mother-in-law gave Tejaji a curse that he would be bitten by a black snake for disturbing her cows.[1]

Tejaji’s anger flared, and he decided to return to Kharnal without Pemal. However, Pemal was upset by her mother's reaction and requested that her father and brother stop Tejaji. Lachha Gujari, Pemal’s friend, stepped forward and shared the story of Pemal’s suffering to Tejaji. Then Tejaji stayed at Lachha’s Gujari house, where he met Pemal for the first time.[9]

Lachha Cows Incident[edit | edit source]

When Tejaji and Pemal are talking to each other at Lachha House, a knock is echoed by Lachha Gujari. Lachha urgently informed Tejaji that the Meenas from Chang had stolen all her cows and requested help from Tejaji. Without hesitation, Tejaji mounted his Leelan and rode off alone to confront the dacoits who had taken Lachha's cows.[10]

When Tejaji was on his way to confront the dacaits, Basak Naag, a snake, was burning in the fire, and Tejaji saved him from burning. That snake cursed and wanted to bite him. Tejaji assured that he would come back after taking Lachha cows back.After that, Tejaji fought with the Meenas in the valley of Chang, about 15 km from Sursura. He killed all 350 Meenas in the fight and got back the cows of Lachha Gujari.[11]

Death of Teja Ji[edit | edit source]

Tejaji, after returning cows to Lachha, produced himself before Basak Naga, the snake, and asked the snake to bite his body. Basak Naga did not find any unwounded places on Tejaji's body, and then Tejaji asked him to bite on his tongue. Basak Naga gave a boon to Tejaji that he will be a deity of Kalyug and will be worshipped. That’s why Tejaji is also called a man of words. Tejaji died on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi Saturday, V.S. 1160, or 28 August 1103 at the age of 29. The date of the martyrdom of Tejaji is celebrated as Teja Dashmi.[11][9][12]

Tejaji is also known as God of Snakes, because of this when anyone gets bitten by snake, then there are rituals to visit Tejaji temple and seek blessings from Tejaji.[3] Apart from being called as God of Snakes, Tejaji was also a great protector of cows.[13]

Commemoration[edit | edit source]

India Post, Government of India releases commemorative postage stamp of Tejaji Maharaj

Teja Dashami is a festival celebrated in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh on the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of the Moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. The occasion commemorates the life and sacrifice of Tejaji, who is revered as a folk-deity and hailed for his commitment to truth and promise.[14]

In September 2011, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp depicting Tejaji.[15] The Government of Rajasthan later constituted the Rajasthan State Veer Tejaji Welfare Board for Farmers, comprising seven members including a chairman and vice-chairman. The board is tasked with reviewing the socio-economic conditions of farmers and recommending measures to address their backwardness.[7]

Tejaji’s life has also been depicted in cultural media. A Rajasthani-language film titled Veer Tejaji was produced in the 1980s. In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tejaji Temple at Kharnal village, Nagaur, Rajasthan, to pay homage to the folk deity.[16]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Tejaji married Pemal, daughter of Raimal, chieftain of Paner village in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. He was just nine months old at the time of marriage, while Pemal was six months old, and they got married at Pushkar Ghat on Pushkar Purnima in 1074. His wife, Pemal, and his sister, Rajal, practiced sati pratha when Tejaji sacrificed his life for cows.[17]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

This section includes pictures of some temples dedicated to Veer Tejaji.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Gupta, Dr Seema. "Veer Tejaji - The Symbol of Folk Faith". Central Asian Journal of Literature, Philosophy and Culture. 01: 42. “ As per historians, he was born on Friday, Magha Shukla 14 samvat 1130 (29 January 1074).
  2. ↑ Murphy, Anne (2003). "TĒJAJI". In Mills, Margaret A.; Diamond, Sarah; Claus, Peter J. (eds.). South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. p. 596. ISBN 978-0-415-93919-5. Tējaji was a Jāt of Karnala near Nagaur, in Marwar
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 ANI (16 September 2016). "Rajasthan celebrates unique snake festival to bring good fortune". India.com. Retrieved 16 October 2018. “ Teja is considered to be one of the eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva and worshipped as a deity in rural Rajasthan. Devotees sang and danced to the sounds of drums and instruments, holding snakes in their hands and receiving their bites. It is believed that the snake bites cures ailments and bring good fortune.”
  4. ↑ अजमेर, सुमित सारस्वत (4 September 2022). "सांप को दिया वचन निभाया, अब लोक देवता के रूप में होती है इस गौ रक्षक की पूजा". ABP News (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 5 August 2024. “ वीर तेजाजी को भगवान शिव का ग्यारहवां अवतार माना जाता है. राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, गुजरात, उत्तर प्रदेश, हरियाणा और अन्य राज्यों में इन्हें लोक देवता के रूप में पूजा जाता है.”
  5. ↑ "Nagaur News: वीर तेजाजी ने एक वचन के लिए दे दिए थे प्राण, सांपों वाले देवता के रूप में पहचान". News18 हिंदी (in हिन्दी). 22 February 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  6. ↑ "In India, getting bitten by a snake seen as good luck". Reuters Original. Retrieved 16 October 2018. “ Veer Teja or Tejaji was a legendary Rajasthani folk hero, also considered to be one of the major eleven incarnations of Lord Shiva and worshipped as a deity in rural Rajasthan.”
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Service, Statesman News (2 March 2023). "Ahead of Global Jat Mahakumbh, Gehlot sets up 'Veer Tejaji Welfare Board' in Rajasthan". The Statesman. Retrieved 5 August 2024. “ Veer Teja or Satyavadi Veer Tejaji is a Rajasthani folk deity. Its history says that Kanwar Tejaji ji is considered to be the eleventh incarnation of Lord Shiva and he was born in Dholiya gotra of Nagvanshiya Jat.”
  8. ↑ "Tejaji Maharaj Story: सांप को दिया वचन निभाया, अब लोक देवता के रूप में होती है इस गौ रक्षक की पूजा". ABP NEWS. 4 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022. “राजस्थान में नागौर जिले के खरनालियां गांव में तेजाजी का जन्म हुआ था. नागवंशी क्षत्रिय जाट घराने के एक जाट परिवार में जन्मे वीर तेजाजी सामान्य किसान के बेटे थे. तेजाजी के पिता ताहड़ देव और माता रामकंवरी भगवान शिव के उपासक थे. मान्यता है कि माता रामकंवरी को नाग-देवता के आशीर्वाद से पुत्र की प्राप्ति हुई थी.”
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Veer Tejaji – A Great Warrior and Folk Deity, who sacrificed his life for Cow protection !!". Trunicle. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  10. ↑ "Veer Teja Dashmi : तेजाजी को मिला था सर्पों के देवता बनने का वरदान, एक वचन के लिए दिया था बलिदान". ETV Bharat News (in हिन्दी). 24 September 2023.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ram, Saint Kanha (2015). Shri Veer Tejaji Ka Itihas Evam Jiwan Charitra (Shodh Granth). Veer Tejaji Shodh Sansthan.
  12. ↑ "कौन है वीर तेजाजी, जिनके नाम से बोर्ड का गठन करने जा रही राजस्थान सरकार". Navbharat Times (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  13. ↑ Bharat, E. T. V. (6 October 2022). "Lok Devta Tejaji: वचन पालन के लिए तेजाजी महाराज ने दिया था बलिदान, जानिए जाटों के आराध्य देव की अमर गाथा". ETV Bharat News (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 21 August 2024. “ गायों की रक्षा को दी प्राणों की आहुति: इतिहासकार घनश्याम मुंडेल बताते हैं कि सर्पदंश के कारण लोक देवता तेजाजी महाराज की मृत्यु हुई थी. तेजाजी महाराज बचपन से ही बहादुर थे. एक बार की बात है जब तेजाजी महाराज अपनी बहन को लेने उनके ससुराल पहुंचे तो पता चला कि दस्यु गिरोह उनकी बहन की सारी गायों को लूटकर ले गए. जिसके बाद तेजाजी महाराज अपने एक साथी के साथ जंगलों में बहन की गायों को छुड़ाने के लिए निकल गए. इस दौरान बीच रास्ते में एक सांप तेजाजी के घोड़े के सामने आ गया और उन्हें डसने की कोशिश करने लगा. यह देख तेजाजी ने उस सांप को वचन दिया कि जब वो अपनी बहन की गायों को छुड़ाकर आएंगे तब वो उन्हें डस ले. तेजाजी का वचन सुनकर सांप उनके रास्ते से हट गया”
  14. ↑ "Teja Dashami: All you need to know about Tejaji Maharaj". Times Now. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  15. ↑ Rajasthan Voice: Thursday, September 8, 2011, Special postage stamp released on Folk deity Veer Teja
  16. ↑ PM Modi performs Darshan and Pooja at Veer Tejaji Temple, Kharnal, Rajasthan
  17. ↑ Jain, Pratibha; Śarmā, Saṅgītā (2004). Honour, Status & Polity. Rawat Publications. ISBN 978-81-7033-859-8.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Madan Meena: Tejaji Gatha (Hadoti & Hindi), Kota Heritage Society, Kota, 2012 ISBN 978-81-8465-686-2 (Published under the World Oral Literature Project, University of Cambridge, UK)
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