Thikana Bisu Kalan, located in the Marwar region of Rajasthan, is the present jagir (estate) of the Shrirakh/Chhirakh clan of the Paliwal Rajpurohits. This historic village holds deep cultural, religious, and political significance for the Rajpurohit community and is a testament to centuries of valor, sacrifice, and service.

The Rajpurohits of Bisu Kalan belong to the Shrirakh (श्रीरख)/Chhirakh (छिरख) lineage — a branch of the Paliwal Rajpurohits of the Gargacharya gotra. Presently, the village is home to approximately 500 Shrirakh families, totaling a population of around 5,000 individuals.

The village derives its name “Bisu” from the ancient temple of Bisahath Devi (बीसहथ माता), where the goddess with twenty arms is enshrined. This temple, believed to be from the 9th–11th century CE, is considered sacred and central to the religious identity of the village.

According to local folklore, the temple was built by Lakha Phulani, the Jadeja ruler of Kutch-Bhuj. After Rao Siha Rathore’s conquest of Lodurva (Jaisalmer), his Rajpurohit Devpal Dev (considered the founding ancestor of the Sevad Rajpurohits) performed the first worship ritual at the temple, thus establishing the goddess Bisahath as their Kuldevi (ancestral deity).

Today, the Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohits of Bisu Kalan continue to manage the temple and uphold its religious traditions.

The Shrirakh Rajpurohits of Bisu Kalan have a rich history of sacrifice, resistance, and justice, demonstrated through multiple generations. Key historical events include:

A unique funeral custom of the Shrirakh Rajpurohits was to construct a pond in memory of a dignified deceased person during Baikunthi (funeral feast):

• Lalarlai – built in memory of Lalsingh

• Desan Nadi – for Devichandji (Desanji)

• Khimasar – built after Khimsingh’s death

No new ponds have been constructed in over 200 years, marking Khimasar as the last such memorial.

Well-known proverbs glorify the resolve and protective nature of the Shrirakh Rajpurohits:

• “Bair leno hove to bego Bisu aavje” – If you seek revenge, come to Bisu without delay.

• “Bisudi tharo sharno” – Bisu, your refuge is unmatched.

Once, the Shrirakhs sheltered a pregnant woman from the rival Kotda family, despite threats from local powers. As a consequence, they renounced the purohitai (religious office) of Kotda, which was later given to the Rajgurus of Bisu Khurd, who were their nephews.

• Bisahath Devi Temple – 9th–11th century temple dedicated to the 20-armed goddess

• Thakurji Temple – Located atop a hill (Tekri), primary place of daily worship

• Shiv Mandir

• Bhairuji Mandir

• Khimasar Pond

• Other ponds and small shrines throughout the estate

Former Jagir:

• Reevdi (Jaisalmer) – Granted by Maharawal of Jaisalmer

Present Jagirs:

• Bisu Kalan

• Fogera

These were granted to the Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohits by Rathore rulers of Marwar in recognition of their spiritual authority, diplomatic skill, and martial service.

The Shrirakh/Chhirakh clan of Paliwal Rajpurohits traces its ancestry to the original Paliwal community of Pali town, once a thriving economic and religious center ruled by Paliwal Rajpurohits.

In 1291 CE, when Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji attacked Mandore and later Pali, the Paliwals faced extreme religious persecution. On Rakshabandhan (Raksha Bandhan), Vikram Samvat 1348, the Khilji army defiled temples and water sources with cow blood, resulting in mass resistance.

• Countless Paliwal men donned saffron robes and died defending dharma

• Thousands of women performed Jauhar (agni-snaan) to avoid dishonor

• The event is memorialized as the "Lakha Jammar" — the mass martyrdom of lakhs of Paliwals

• Piles of sacred threads and white bangles were left behind, remembered as the “Dhaula Chautra” in Pali

In memory of the tragedy, the Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohits of Bisu Kalan and other clans descending from Pali:

• Do not celebrate Rakshabandhan

• Do not consume water from Pali town

• Continue to honor their ancestors’ sacrifices

This legacy of dharma yuddha and ancestral vows continues to define the spiritual and cultural ethos of the community.

• Families: Approx. 500

• Total Population: Around 5,000

Thikana Bisu Kalan is not just a jagir — it is a living symbol of resistance, faith, and Rajpurohit honor. The Shrirakh Paliwal Rajpurohits have carried forward a 1,000-year-old tradition, upholding dharma, offering sanctuary, and standing firm in the face of tyranny — from Khilji invasions to feudal injustices. Their legacy of sacrifice, scholarship, and service continues to inspire generations.