Veer Teja

Veer Teja (29 January 1074 - 28 August 1103) 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 Shiva's eleven primary incarnations. He is mainly worshipped in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. He is commonly known as the God of Snakes in Rajasthan, because it protect against snake bites or also worshipped as Dhauliya Veer.

Early life As per historians, he was born on Friday, Magha Shukla 14 samvat 1130 (29 January 1074) in the family of Dhaulya gotra Jats. His father‟s name was Chaudhary Tahar, a chieftain of Khirnal in Nagaur district in Rajasthan.

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

Story

Halsotia: The Sacred Duty In the rural heartland of Rajasthan, tradition dictated that the chieftain Teja, must initiate the ploughing of fields after the first monsoon rains in the month of Jyestha. This ritual, known as “halsotia,” held immense significance. Tejajembraced this duty with unwavering determination, ready to turn the soil and honour age-old customs.

When Teja was on his way to confront the dacaits, Basak Naag, a snake, was burning in the fire, and he saved him from burning. That snake cursed and wanted to bite him. Teja assured that he would come back after taking Lachha cows back.After that, he 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.

Teja 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 Teja.

Commemoration 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 Teja, who is revered as a folk-deity and hailed for his commitment to truth and promise.

In September 2011, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp depicting Teja. 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.

Teja’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.

Personal life

Teja 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, practised sati pratha when Tejaji sacrificed his life for cows.

Gallery This section includes pictures of some temples dedicated to Veer Teja.