Sati Rukama Kanwar | Revered Figure | Rajpurohit History

Rukma Kanwar was the grandmother (dadi maa) of Raju Singh Ji, a brave warrior and son of Surgaavasi Jawan Singh Ji. Raju Singh was known for his courage, especially in defending the ancestral lands of Phulasar against invading Bhatis from Dantal led by Dhankalsingh Bhati. The Bhatis attempted to forcibly occupy the karada bhoomi (ancestral farmland) of Phulasar, resulting in a fierce battle.

Raju Singh confronted the invaders with valor. In local poetic verses (Sankaliya Duha), his bravery is immortalized:

"Rajoo jisaa sapoot, olai keei ubrai,
Kaako Bherusingh subhat, veri dekhat darai."

As Raju advanced, his divine energy (brahm tejas) was said to increase with every step. Despite being heavily outnumbered and injured in combat, he continued to fight with unshaken resolve. The villagers later lit a lamp (deep) at the battleground, commemorating the event.

When news of the battle reached his family, Raju Singh, bloodied but alive, recounted the incident. His grandmother, Rukma Kanwar Ji, deeply pained by the injuries and betrayal faced by her grandson, expressed profound anguish. She regretted not standing beside Raju during the fight and vowed never to let such disgrace fall upon their lineage again.

To reaffirm the family's pride and sacrifice, she personally prepared a meal (without using even a sickle), using her own hands to plough the soil and serve it as prasadi.

Rukma Kanwar, firm in her resolve, declared her decision to embrace jauhar (self-immolation) as a sacred vow to protect dharma and destroy the evil intentions of enemies. She ordered a rath (chariot) and wooden funeral pyre to be prepared, and purified the land with milk and curds before sitting on the pyre.

While seated, she chanted the Gayatri Mantra, praying for the welfare and courage of her descendants:
She proclaimed:

"Ae mhara potra, thane Suraj karva ro taaro.
Sir raakhiyaan jaat sir, sir katiyaan sir soyi.
Amar karela naam, ameen raaj dulaaro."

On Kartik Sudi Dashami, Vikram Samvat 1871 (approx. 1814 AD), Rukma Kanwar Ji performed jauhar and became immortalize, blessing her family and vowing to protect them eternally. Her final words carried a divine prophecy:

"Mhen vairiya ro satyanash karoon; jin mein koi meen na mekh."
(“I shall destroy the enemies, without even a trace of fault.”)

Today, Sati Rukma Kanwar Ji is worshipped as a divine protector. Devotees believe that visiting her shrine removes suffering and brings prosperity. Her grandsons Multan and Kheen Singh Ji would often pray to her in times of need, considering her ever-present and benevolent.

Her story continues to be passed down in the oral traditions of Rajasthan through doha, chhand, and lok katha. Her message to always follow truth, speak truth, and live righteously is still remembered:

"Saty boljo, saty ra maarg chalo, ar nek vichar rakhjo."

Rajpurohit Jati ka Itihas Bhag -2 - Dr Prahlad Singh Rajpurohit
Sati Mata- Dr Indubala Rajpurohit
Oral tradition and folk narratives of Phulasar.
Family archives of Langera Thikana.
Chhand and Doha literature compiled from local bards.