Guman Kanwar | Revered Figure | Rajpurohit History

Sati Guman Kanwar (fl. 19th century) was a brave female warrior and Sati from the Rajpurohit community, revered for her valor, sacrifice, and defense of her ancestral land. She belonged to village Phulasar in present-day Rajasthan, India. Her heroic legacy lives on through folk memory and a shrine where she is worshipped as a divine mother and protector.

कुल जादम पर कोप ने, बणी रूप विकराल
सेवड मां गुमनां सती, झूली अगन झाल

Guman Kanwar was born in the village of Kharabera, the daughter of Shri Chandrasingh Sewad. She was married to Mukand Singh Rajpurohit, the son of Chaturbhuj Rajpurohit, a respected figure who played a significant role in the political and social unity of the region.

In Vikram Samvat 1847, a fierce dispute broke out over the Kankar (border) of village Phulasar. During this violent clash with neighboring enemies, Mukand Singh and other family members died while defending their land. Guman Kanwar, demonstrating unmatched courage, fought the enemies and upheld the honor of her family and village.

Following her husband’s martyrdom, Guman Kanwar performed sati, committing herself to the funeral pyre in the warrior tradition of her time. This act of supreme sacrifice elevated her status to that of a Sati Avatar, honored and worshipped by future generations.

Her father-in-law, Chaturbhuj Rajpurohit, was instrumental in settling the Phulasar Sasan in Vikram Samvat 1808. He played a critical role in resolving a long-standing feud between the Bhati rulers and the Pokarnas  by paying 100 gold coins to the Maharawal of Jaisalmer.

As a result, Luna Rawji and 11 others were released from prison, and peace was restored. In gratitude, 43 villages of the Pokarna community donated the Phulasar estate to Chaturbhuj. This diplomatic success marked a significant moment in Rajpurohit history.

Later, when Dantla’s Bhati rulers once again attempted to seize control of Phulasar’s land, Guman Kanwar took a stand. On Vikram Samvat 1847, Magh Vadi Dooj (Thursday) during the auspicious time of Pushya Nakshatra, she prepared halwa with her own hands, distributed it to her sons as prasadi, and then voluntarily committed sati on the Phulasar border — a symbolic act to protect the sovereignty of her homeland.

Sati Guman Kanwar is honored as a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and devotion. A memorial shrine stands in her name in Phulasar, where villagers and visitors offer prayers, believing she grants protection and blessings. She is considered a divine guardian, and her memory is preserved through oral tradition, songs, and rituals.

Her descendants include Multan Singh and Kheen Singh, both respected members of the Rajpurohit lineage. Her story is often recited to inspire future generations with values of bravery, loyalty, and pride in one's heritage.

"जो कोई सतीजी रा गुण गावै (जस गावै) अर सतीजी री शरण में जावै, वारै घरां नवनिधि आवै। दूध, पूत अर वंश बधावै। वारै घरां संकट कदैई कोनी आवै। जो सतीमात रा दरसण पावै, वांरौ कारंज अवस सरै।"

Translation:
Whoever sings the glories of Sati Guman Kanwar and seeks her refuge will be blessed with abundance, children, and lineage. Misfortunes will never enter their home, and all wishes shall be fulfilled.

She is also believed to respond to heartfelt invocations of her descendants, offering spiritual protection and guidance in times of distress.

• Sati Mata Inscription (Phulasar)

• Rajpurohit Jati Ka Itihas, Bhag-2

• Sati Mata – Dr. Indubala Rajpurohit