Saint Mavji of Vagad and ‘Mini-Kumbh’ Beneshwar in Rajasthan

Abstract

Rajasthan is the sacred land of valour and illustrious rulers such as Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga, Sawai Jai Singh, and Udai Singh, whose courage, resistance, and contributions left an enduring mark on medieval Indian history. However, alongside it is developed a rich and influential tradition of saints, devotees, and spiritual gurus. As a result large numbers of devotees has emerged and begin to follow their spiritual paths. This Guru- Shishya tradition has flourished across different regions, attracting and giving rise to diverse forms of religious and devotional expression. The Bhakti movement emerged as a powerful spiritual and social force in Southern Rajasthan to counter and suppress religious orthodoxy, social inequalities, and political upheavals. Saint tradition especially in Vagad region flourished by Saint Mavji (nishklank sampradaya), Swami Swatantratanand, Guru Baleshwar Dayal, Guru Govind Giri, Surmal Das and Gavri Bai (meera of Vagad) emphasized on personal devotion, faith and the divinity through three forms Saguna, Nirguna and Mishrit Bhakti etc. It contributed considerably to the religious, cultural, and social aspects of Southern Rajasthan hitherto.