Saint Khetaram ji | Rajpurohit Encyclopedia Profile

Sant Kheteshwar Maharaj (also known as Khetaramji Maharaj) was a revered Hindu saint and spiritual leader of the Rajpurohit community in Rajasthan, India. He is best known for establishing Brahmdham Tirth, a prominent pilgrimage center in Asotra, Barmer district, dedicated to Lord Brahma. His life was marked by intense tapasya (austerities), social reform, and the upliftment of his community.

Kheteshwar Maharaj was born into a Rajpurohit family. From a young age, he exhibited a deep inclination toward spirituality. He renounced worldly life and embarked on a path of severe penance, spending years in meditation and austerities at sacred sites like Pipaliya, Pati, and Samdari.

1. Brahmdham Tirth:

   • In 1961, he envisioned and laid the foundation of Brahmdham Tirth in Asotra, now a major pilgrimage site. The temple complex houses a grand shrine of Lord Brahma, rare in Hinduism outside Pushkar.

   • The construction was funded solely by contributions from the Rajpurohit community, emphasizing self-reliance.

2. Social Reforms:

   • Advocated against animal sacrifice, alcoholism, and caste-based discrimination.

   • Promoted education, women's empowerment, and unity within the Rajpurohit community.

3. Miracles and Legacy:

   • Numerous miracles are attributed to him, including healing the sick and divine interventions (e.g., stalling a train until a devotee arrived).

   • After his death on 6 May 1984, it is believed that sandalwood-scented rain fell, symbolizing his sanctity.

• Emphasized devotion, ethical living, and service to parents.

• Discouraged dowry and promoted timely marriages for daughters.

• Advocated vegetarianism and opposed goat-rearing due to karmic implications.

He attained Brahmalin (merged with the divine) during the consecration of the Brahma idol at Brahmdham. His successor, Tulcharamji Maharaj, continued his mission.

The site includes:

• Brahma Temple: The central shrine with idols of Brahma and Savitri.

• Brahmasarovar: A sacred pond.

• Mukund Ashw Samadhi: Memorial of his horse.

• Annual festivals attract thousands of devotees.

• Official records from Brahmdham Tirth Trust.

• Oral traditions and accounts from disciples.