Harnath ji Kanot | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Harnath Ji Kanot was a legendary Rajpurohit warrior and nobleman of the Kanot clan, celebrated for his valor, loyalty, and dedication to the Kingdom of Bikaner in the 17th century. He was the second eldest son of Tikayat Kan Singh Ji, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bikaner army. Harnath Ji is especially remembered for saving the life of Maharaja Anoop Singh during a battle and for establishing the prominent settlement of Desalsar Purohitan.

Harnath Ji was born to Kan Singh Ji and his first wife. However, he spent his early life with his mother at the edge of village Hiyadesar, in an area now known as Bhatra Nadi. His father, who favored his second wife and their children, distanced himself from Harnath Ji and his mother. Despite this, Harnath Ji rose through hardship to become a fearless and righteous warrior.

He had a strong spiritual connection with the folk deity Pabuji Rathore, whose values of sacrifice and protection deeply influenced his life and leadership.

In 1689, during the Mughal Empire’s southern campaign against the Bijapur Sultanate, Maharaja Anoop Singh of Bikaner was deployed with his forces to aid in the Siege and Capture of Adoni Fort, a major stronghold in the Deccan region. This campaign was part of Emperor Aurangzeb’s larger objective to annex southern kingdoms into the empire.

Harnath Ji Kanot, the second eldest son of Tikayat Kan Singh Ji and a distinguished Rajpurohit warrior, served as a commander in Anoop Singh’s contingent. The siege of Adoni Fort was intense and marked by entrenched resistance from the Adil Shahi forces.

In a critical moment of the battle, when the Mughal-led forces were ambushed by a sudden counterattack from the defenders, Maharaja Anoop Singh’s life was endangered. Amidst the chaos, Harnath Ji displayed exceptional valor, leading a cavalry charge to break through enemy lines. He rescued the Maharaja and helped regroup the disoriented forces, which turned the tide of the siege.

In recognition of his valor, Maharaja Anoop Singh offered Harnath Ji a village near Lunkaransar, but Harnath Ji respectfully declined, instead requesting Desalsar, a region controlled by the Bhatis and Mandlaw Rathores. He also asked for “khalsa” rights (complete independent authority) and the evacuation of previous Rajput holders.

The Maharaja not only granted his wish but also gave him 7 Beesi warriors, a cavalry force of 140 soldiers (7 x 20), and instructed him to "settle according to your will."

Harnath Ji conquered and re-established Desalsar, renaming it Desalsar Purohitan. He also built a temple of Pabuji, honoring his wife’s devotion to the deity, turning the village into both a military outpost and spiritual center for Rajpurohits.

Upon securing Desalsar, Harnath Ji renamed the village Desalsar Purohitan to reflect his Rajpurohit heritage. In honor of his wife’s deep devotion to Pabuji Rathore, he constructed a temple dedicated to the folk deity, which became a spiritual and cultural landmark of the region.

This act not only signified his religious faith but also anchored Pabuji’s legacy in the heart of the Rajpurohit community.

Harnath Ji had four notable sons:

1. Rughnath Ji – A strategic military commander who defeated the Jodhpur army in the Battle of Gangwana.

2. Ranchhoddas Ji – Founded the village of Kotadi.

3. Ramdas Ji 

4. Jagram Ji Kanot – Played a crucial role in saving Bikaner during the Battle of 1740.

Harnath Ji’s lineage produced several more military stalwarts and noblemen. His grandsons and descendants, including Shimbhuram Ji, Jethmal Ji, and Jawan Ji, became prominent warlords and generals, fighting in many battles and protecting the honor of their clan.

Until India’s independence, his descendants proudly upheld the Rajpurohit martial and spiritual legacy, making Desalsar Purohitan a significant seat of Rajpurohit heritage in Rajasthan.