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Desalsar Purohitan
Desalsar Purohitan is a historically rich village in the Bikaner region of Rajasthan, whose origins are deeply tied to the valor and loyalty of the Kanot family. Initially controlled by Bhati and Mandlaw Rathore Rajputs, the village underwent a significant transformation during the reign of Maharaja Anoop Singh of Bikaner (1669–1698).
The turning point came when Harnath Ji Kanot, a noble and brave Rajpurohit, saved the Maharaja’s life. As a mark of gratitude, Maharaja Anoop Singh granted him Desalsar as a jagir. Harnath Ji requested it as khalsa land "free from previous claims and taxation" and the Maharaja not only agreed but also provided him with a cavalry force. With royal authority, Harnath Ji defeated and expelled the Bhati and Rathore chiefs who previously controlled the village, establishing full Kanot control over Desalsar.
A man of devotion as well as bravery, Harnath Ji built a temple dedicated to Pabuji Rathore, the folk deity his wife deeply revered. This temple stands today as a spiritual symbol of faith and Rajpurohit heritage.
The legacy continued with his son, Rughnath Ji, who further strengthened the village's stature. He constructed a fort to safeguard the settlement and built a magnificent Laxmi Narayan Temple, reflecting the Kanot family’s commitment to both protection and piety. Both the fort and the temple still stand today, serving as living monuments to the family's enduring legacy.
Rughnath Ji also played a key role in the Battle of Gangwana (1740 CE), where he led Bikaner’s forces to victory against Jodhpur. For his valor and leadership, Maharaja Zorawar Singh rewarded him with an additional 3,000 beegha jagir, which was merged with the Desalsar estate.
Later, Rughnath Ji’s son Keshavdas Ji was also honored. After Jethmal Ji Kanot laid down his life in the Battle of Ratagarh (Vikram Samvat 1815), Maharaja Surat Singh of Bikaner bestowed 5,000 beegha of land as a tribute to the family’s sacrifice. This land was also added to the Desalsar jagir, further solidifying the Kanot family’s feudal legacy.
Desalsar Purohitan stands as a living chronicle of courage, diplomacy, and devotion. The temples, fort, and oral traditions of this ancient village echo the unwavering loyalty and spiritual strength of the Kanot Rajpurohit lineage, making it a site of immense cultural and historical importance in Rajasthan.
