Who Was Veer Tejaji?

Veer Tejaji was born in Kharnal village (Nagaur district) in 1074 CE (Vikram Samvat 1130). Known for his bravery, truthfulness, and vow-keeping nature, he is revered as a folk hero and deity in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The Legend of Tejaji

One of the most famous legends narrates Tejaji’s encounter with a snake. On his way to rescue his sister, Tejaji promised a snake that he would return to fulfill its wish to bite him. After completing his duty, he returned and offered his tongue – the only uninjured part of his body – to the snake, fulfilling his word. This supreme act of truthfulness made him immortal as the deity of vows and protector from snakebites.

Why Teja Dashmi Is Celebrated

Teja Dashmi is observed as the birth anniversary of Veer Tejaji Maharaj. Devotees pray for protection from snakebites, prosperity, health of cattle, and abundant crops. It also inspires people to follow the path of truth and righteousness.

Teja Dashmi Rituals

• Morning Bath: Devotees start the day with a ritual bath and wear clean clothes.
• Temple Visit: People visit Tejaji temples (Than) and offer flowers, milk, and sweets.
• Snake Worship: Milk is offered to anthills or snake idols as a symbolic act of protection.
• Reciting Tejaji Katha: Folk singers narrate Tejaji’s story in villages and temples.
• Charity: Devotees observe fasts and donate food, grains, and clothes to the poor.

Fairs & Cultural Celebrations

Teja Dashmi is marked by grand fairs in Nagaur, Kharnal, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh. Devotees gather to participate in processions, wrestling competitions, cattle fairs, and devotional singing. Women perform Gair dance and sing folk songs in honor of Tejaji.

Significance

The festival promotes values of truthfulness, bravery, environmental harmony, and respect for all creatures. Farmers believe Tejaji Maharaj protects their crops and cattle from diseases and natural calamities.