PithadJi Sodha | Thakar | Jagirdar | Rajpurohit History

Pithad Ji Sodha, along with Rao Duhad Rathore (ruler of Khed) and Lumb Rishi (a Saraswat Brahmin sage), travelled to Kannauj to bring back the idol of Maa Nagnechi (originally known as Chakreshwari Mata).

They placed the idol in the village of Nagana, where she became known as Nagnechi or Nagana Rai Mata Ji.

• Temple Tradition: Every day, after aarti in the morning and evening, the pujari and devotees chant:
  "Hail Pithad Ji Sodha" and "Hail Duhad Ji Rathore".

Originally, the priests of the temple were Sodha Rajpurohits since it was their Kuldevi temple. However, due to bali (goat sacrifices) occurring in the temple premises, the Sodha Rajpurohits left this priesthood and entrusted it to Sevag Brahmins.

Pithad Ji’s descendants remain the main trustees of the Maa Nagnechaya Temple at Nagana.

Pithad Ji Sodha fought alongside Rao Duhad Rathore in almost every major battle in Marwar, serving both as a warrior and a trusted ally.

Pithad Ji Sodha hailed from the village of Tirsingri (Tehsil Pachpadra, District Barmer), the Patvi Thikana (principal seat) of all Sodha Rajpurohits.

Once, Aana Baghela raided the area to steal cattle. Pithad Ji Sodha, along with Rao Duhad Rathore and Dedhda Dholi, pursued and confronted him. A fierce battle ensued to rescue the cattle.

All three fought valiantly and attained martyrdom in the conflict.
In their memory, a chabutra (memorial platform) with Heroic Memorial/Stones were built near the pond of Tirsingri Sodha.

Pithad Ji Sodha was granted the Jagir of Tirsingri by Rao Duhad Rathore.

According to some bahis (family records), it is mentioned that nine jagirs of the Sodhas were all granted to Pithad Ji. One of these, Valsi, later became known as Tirsingri.

However, in other accounts, these jagirs are listed as granted to different Sodha Rajpurohits — possibly indicating that they were initially given to Pithad Ji but later redistributed among other Sodha Rajpurohits.

"सोढ़ो लायो सगतने, प्रगट प्रोहित पेंथड ।
लूंब ऋषि (ने) संग लाविया खेत्र नगाणे खेथड" ।।
Translation: "Sodha brought the holy gathering, and the great purohit Pithad appeared.
Along with Lumb Rishi, he brought the Kuldevi to the land of Nagana."

"सोढ़ो लायो सगत ने, धूहड राव धरा।
चक्रेश्वरी नागणेची रख प्रोहित राव रा" ।।
Translation: "Sodha brought the holy gathering, with Rao Duhad standing firm.
The Rajpurohit of the Rao established Chakreshwari as Nagnechi."

1. Bharat Kul Bhushan Karnot

2. Rajpurohit Jati ka Itihas, Part-1

3. Pali ka Yugyugeen Itihas

4. Sodha Rajpurohit's Bahis

5. Multiple books on history of NaganaRay Temple