Bijad ji | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Bijadji was the elder son of Rajpurohit Basantji. Upon the death of Basantji, Bijadji succeeded him as the Tikai, or head Rajpurohit, of Khed State, which was under the Rathore domain. During this time, Rao Tidaji ruled Mahewa, a principality in western Rajasthan.

The eldest son and rightful successor of Rao Tidaji, Rao Salkhaji, was captured by the Sultan of Dobra. Faced with the reluctance and fear of the Rathore court to challenge the Sultan, Bijadji, together with his brother Bahadji, resolved to act decisively.

They embraced the life of ascetics, adopting the guise of jogis (wandering saints) and undertaking rigorous tapasya (spiritual penance) for several years. This spiritual discipline prepared them for their diplomatic mission.

Traveling to the Sultan’s capital, the brothers began performing yajnas (Vedic fire rituals) openly, attracting attention due to their austere lifestyle and reputed miracles. Their spiritual stature earned them the respect of the local populace, which in turn provoked curiosity from the Sultan.

The Sultan personally visited their ashram and, impressed by their asceticism and the accounts of miracles, offered to grant them a boon. Bijadji requested the release of Rao Salkhaji. Moved by their sincerity, the Sultan agreed and handed over Salkhaji to the brothers.

Following their triumphant return, Rao Salkhaji was granted the jagir of Salkhawasni as a token of gratitude and honor. Bijadji and Bahadji settled in Badli, marking the formal end of their ascetic lives.

Bijadji performed a symbolic act of renunciation by throwing his matted hair (jata) onto a local jaalki tree, signifying his return to householder life. However, due to their long absence and the disguise of ascetics, their families initially failed to recognize them. Their wives, unaware of their true identity, refused to accept them.

The matter was resolved through the intervention of Rao Salkhaji, who confirmed their identities. Following this, the Manna and Jagarwal Rajpurohit clans consented to give their daughters in marriage to Bijadji and Bahadji respectively, ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

Bijadji’s reputation for truthfulness and impartiality earned him the role of a trusted mediator in political disputes. He notably mediated a conflict between Jagmalji, son of Rawal Mallinathji, and Jaitmalji, the ruler of Siwana.

However, after Jagmalji violated the peace by killing his uncle Jaitmalji, Bijadji withdrew from the Mallani region in protest. Subsequently, he allied himself with Viramji, signaling his disapproval of Jagmalji’s actions and maintaining his personal integrity.

In recognition of his unwavering loyalty, bravery, and spiritual dedication, Bijadji was granted the Thikana of Badli. He had two sons:

• Harpalji, who succeeded him as Tikai of Marwar, and jagirdar of badli

• Dharayatji, who received the jagir of Kanodiya.

Bijadji’s life remains emblematic of the Rajpurohit tradition of combining spiritual austerity, political service, and moral leadership. He is remembered as a key figure who upheld dharma and served as a truthful, impartial advisor and protector of the Rathore realm.

• Marwar ka Itihas – G.H. Ojha

• Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat

• Rau Jaitsi ra Chhand – Amar Singh Rajvi

• Marwar ka Itihas – Bishveshwar Nath Reu

• Jaitmalot Rathoro ka Itihas