Dharamdhari (recorded in revenue records as Dharmdhari) is a Panchlod Rajpurohit village located in Rohat Tehsil of Pali district, Western Rajasthan. It lies 18 km from Pali city towards Jodhpur, and 2.5 km from Kerala Railway Station (on the Pali–Jodhpur route).

The village falls under the administrative boundary of Chotila Gram Panchayat.

• Total families: ~250 (all Panchlod Rajpurohit Sirdars)

• Community: Entire population belongs to Panchlod gotra; no other Rajpurohit gotras reside here.

• Voters: ~994 adult voters (as per latest electoral roll).

• All families are descendants of Shri Kripaldevji Panchlod Rajpurohit, the devout follower of Gajan Mata.

On Ashadha Shukla Navami, Samvat 1017 (960 AD approx.), the idol of Maa Chamunda was consecrated on a hill near Sahasibat, Dharamdhari. With the blessings of Gajan Mata, King Nahar Rao Parihar of Mandore (now Jodhpur) granted a copperplate charter (Tamrapatra) of Dharamdhari village to Bhakt Raj Kripaldevji Panchlod, entrusting him with the worship and service of Gajan Mata.

Thus, Samvat 1017, Ashadha Shukla Navami is celebrated as the foundation day of Dharamdhari village.

Kripaldevji named the village “Dharamdhari” (Bearer of Dharma). Some early records mention it as Dharmdwari, but in common usage it is known only as Dharamdhari.

After the decline of the Parihar dynasty, the Rathore dynasty of Jodhpur rose to power. Around Samvat 1449, Harpalji (son of Lakshmanji, a descendant of Kripaldevji) approached Rao Ridmal Singh of Jodhpur, who reaffirmed Dharamdhari’s status as a Shasan (tax-free revenue) village for Panchlod Rajpurohits.

The Panchlod gotra traces its lineage to Rishi Parashar:

• Brahmaji → Vashishtha Rishi → Shakti Muni → (married Adrushyanti) → Parashar Rishi.

• Parashar, born posthumously after Shakti Muni’s death, became a seer of immense power and the author of many Purana.

Gotra details:

• Gotra: Parashar

• Veda: Yajurveda

• Upaveda: Dhanurveda

• Pada: Right

• Sutra: Parasark

• Pravar: Parashar–Vashishtha–Sankrit–Upamanyu–Agniya

• Kuldevi: Singh Rani Mata

• Kshetrapal: Kasi Kala Gora

It is believed Panchlod Rajpurohits originally emerged from Mount Abu, later settling at Mumbari, and then establishing other Panchlod villages including Dharamdhari.

Etymology of Panchlod:
According to scholar Amar Singh Panchlod –

• Panch = the five elements (Air, Fire, Water, Sky, Earth)

• Lod = to churn, discipline, or master
  → Panchlod means “one who, through penance and discipline, masters the five elements and attains immortality.”

• Munhot Nainsi’s “Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigay” (Part 1, p. 268): Mentions that Rao Ridmal (Samvat 1485–1495) granted Dharamdhari (then called Dharmdwari) as a Shasan village to Rajpurohits.

• Pandit Vishweshwar Nath Reu’s “History of Marwar” (Vol. 1, p. 79): Confirms that Rao Ranmal/Ridmal gave Dharamdhari to Panchlod Rajpurohits.

Originally, Kripaldevji established the village near the temple and built a stepwell known as Lakha Bera (still present today). A pillar with four carved panels and a domed top also survives, symbolizing the artistic heritage of the era.

Due to dense forests around Gajan Mata hill, the settlement was later shifted slightly for safety and convenience. Finally, the present village site was chosen, built on flat land with a carefully planned layout.

From rooftops in the village, one can directly see the shrine of Gajan Mata, 2 km away.

Dharamdhari village is architecturally unique:

• Built in the shape of an inverted English letter U, horse-shoe, or cow’s mouth (Gaumukh).

• The settlement contains 23 Pols (residential clusters), each housing related Panchlod families.

• The main entrance is at the northeast (Ishan Kon), considered most auspicious by Vastu Shastra.

Features of the Pol System:

• Each Pol has an inner open courtyard (Gawadi), then a doorway (Dyoḍhi), beyond which houses begin.

• Social events and meetings are held in the Pol courtyards.

• Outsiders are allowed only till the Gawadi, not beyond the Dyoḍhi, unless accompanied by a host – this is the “Dyoḍhi Pratha”.

• Each Pol also has a back gate connecting to a circular RCC road, built specially for women’s use (an early concept of a ring road).

Advantages of the U-shaped layout:

• Visitors entering the village automatically become visible to all residents.

• Greeting and social interaction occur naturally as guests pass each Pol.

The design ensures security, community bonding, and cultural discipline.

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At present, Dharamdhari village is divided into 24 poles (पोल) and 5 hans (हँस). Upon entering the village, the first structure encountered is Thakurji’s temple, followed by the arrangement of poles within their respective hans:

A unique feature of Dharamdhari is its Bird Sanctuary, constructed on the embankment of the village pond.

• Dimensions: 38 x 105 ft (3,990 sq. ft.)

• Purpose: To provide a safe feeding ground for peacocks and other birds, protecting them from dogs and predators.

• A small room stores grain bags, which villagers distribute every morning.

• The sanctuary not only protects birds but also strengthens the RCC pond embankment, offering a serene natural atmosphere at dawn.

• Kripaldevji Panchlod Memorial (Chhatri): Constructed near the pond embankment, awaiting its formal consecration.

• Shani Temple: A small temple of Lord Shani Dev, with a nearby platform (चबूतरा) and a handpump for water.

• Hanuman Temples:

  • One ancient Hanuman Mandir, reconstructed in 2006, worshipped daily by a Vaishnav family.

  • Another, called Jaw Wala Hanuman Mandir, lies on the Dharamdhari–Bithu road, under a large tree amidst fields. A new temple has also been built nearby.

• Shiv Temples:

  • An ancient Shiv Mandir on the Dharamdhari–Kerla road.

  • Another Shiv Mandir within the residential area, where a divine Shivling was discovered during a well excavation by Magni Ramji, Hari Ramji, and Chandji. This well still provides water year-round. The temple hosts a night-long jagran on Shivratri every year.

• Pabuji Mandir: On the Dharamdhari–Kerla route, worshipped especially by the Devaasi Samaj.

Bus Stand: Constructed with granite by village youth at the bus stop outside the village. It also serves as a waiting area for groom and guests during wedding processions before the milni.

Upon entering Dharamdhari, the very first sight is the Charbhuja Temple, dedicated to Shri Krishna. The poles (पोल) of the village are arranged in an inverted U-shape beyond this temple. From ancient times, the villagers established certain rules for entering the main village:

1. Any person arriving on a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or animal cart must dismount before the temple, bow to Charbhuja Ji, and then proceed on foot. Only the driver may remain seated in the vehicle.

2. Exceptions: The above rule does not apply to children, women, the elderly, the physically disabled, or sick persons.

3. A person carrying heavy loads or attending to urgent/emergency work may also enter on a vehicle.

⚠️ Note: Due to these entry rules, outsiders rarely pass through Dharamdhari. As a result, from olden times until today, apart from a few minor incidents, the village has largely remained safe from thefts, robberies, or dacoities.

All Rajpurohit families of Dharamdhari own agricultural land, which lies in contiguous blocks, without intermixing of land from other communities. The village Sardars hold agricultural land within Dharamdhari and, over time, also purchased lands in nearby villages like Chatelav, Kerla, Bithu, Sawaipura, Chotila, etc.

• Kharif crops: sesame (तिल), green gram (मूंग), pearl millet (बाजरा), sorghum (ज्वार).

• Rabi crops: wheat (गेहूँ), chickpea (चना), taramira, mustard (राईड़ा).

Farming and cattle-rearing are practiced primarily for subsistence. Large landowners sometimes employ laborers from neighboring villages.

Other communities in the village, such as Devasi (15 houses), Vaishnav (4 houses), Bhil (1), Nai (1), Suthar (1), and Dholi (1), generally do not own agricultural land. They mainly assist Rajpurohit families in farming activities.

About 60 years ago, agriculture was the chief occupation. Near Jawdiya Gram Panchayat, Rajput (Bhomia) Sardars had lands with wells along the Bandi River. Rajpurohits of Dharamdhari cultivated wheat there.

During the settlement period, these wells and lands were officially transferred to Dharamdhari Jagirdars. However, local Rajputs resisted. A conflict ensued, and Dharamdhari’s forefathers fought and emerged victorious without bloodshed, even capturing the Rajputs’ swords and weapons, which are still preserved today.

This episode stands as a recent chapter of valor, securing about 800 bigha of fertile land with wells, locally called Bhandariya, Ghnaira, Samadiya, Ghotdi, Navtariya, all under the Panchlod Rajpurohits of Dharamdhari.

In modern times, many youth of Dharamdhari have moved outside Rajasthan, establishing themselves in business and trade across India.

• Major centers: Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Madurai, Bengaluru.

• Through hard work, even families of humble means have succeeded in creating a reputation and dominance in these regions, bringing recognition to their native village.

Earlier, education levels were somewhat low, though there was awareness and eagerness to learn.

• The building of the Government Secondary School (Rajkiya Madhyamik Vidyalaya), Dharamdhari was constructed entirely by the Panchlod Sardars, without government support.

• A new Higher Secondary School site was allotted, and construction is nearly complete, including five large classrooms and a hall, again built with donations from village Sardars.

• The literacy and education standards in the village are steadily rising generation after generation.

At present, several villagers serve as government officials and employees, a testimony to the progress made through education.

In front of the Gajan Mata Temple, on a nearby hill, the Navgrahas (nine celestial deities) have been established since ancient times.

• At the center is Surya (Sun), surrounded by Mangal (Mars), Rahu, Shani (Saturn), Ketu, Guru (Jupiter), Chandra (Moon), Shukra (Venus), and Budh (Mercury).

• Additionally, there is a sacred site of the Chausath Yoginis (64 Yoginis).

• It is believed that performing a parikrama (circumambulation) of these Navgrahas pacifies disturbed planetary influences and brings peace of mind.

• Soon, new idols of the Navgrahas are proposed to be installed.

The influence of Rahu is said to be linked with trade and expansion.

• Most of the young men from Dharamdhari village are engaged in trade and business outside Rajasthan.

• Major centers of settlement: Mumbai, Pune (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai & Madurai (Tamil Nadu).

• Through hard work and determination, even modest families established successful businesses, earning prestige and strengthening the community’s dominance across India.

• In earlier times, the education level in the village was somewhat below average, though there was always awareness and respect for learning.

• The Government Secondary School of Dharamdhari was entirely built by the Rajpurohit Panchlod Sardars from their own resources, without any government assistance.

• Later, land was allocated for a new Higher Secondary School building, which has been constructed with five large rooms and a spacious hall, again entirely funded by Panchlod donors of Dharamdhari.

• Today, the level of education in the village is continuously progressing.

• Son of Shri Dhul Singh Ji, resident of Dharamdhari.

• A prolific poet, writer, and bhajan composer in Marwari language.

• Major works include:

  • Brahm Manjari

  • Chatakti Dhoop

  • Gai Gun Sagar

  • Vayam Rashtra Jagriyam Purohita

  • Chintan

  • Bhaviya Nai Bhalavan – recognized and published by the Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi, Bikaner.

• Honored with the title of “Sahitya Ratna” by the All India Sahitya Sadhak Manch, Bengaluru.

• Received several awards and certificates of honor from various institutions over time.

• Around Samvat 1017 (960 AD approx.), Mandor was the capital of Marwar, ruled by the Parihar dynasty.

• King Nahar Rao Parihar (Nahad Rao Padihar) was then the ruler of Mandor.

• He was a great devotee of Mata Chamunda.

• During those times, kings often had multiple marriages for political alliances. One of King Nahar Rao’s marriages was arranged in Sirohi.

• Before his marriage procession (baraat) left for Sirohi, he prayed to Mata Chamunda to accompany him.

• At that time, in Mumbari village (present-day Barmer district) lived a great devotee of Mata Chamunda – Kripaldev Ji Panchlod, known for his service to cows and deep devotion.

• One night, Mata appeared in his dream and instructed:

  • “Take your cows and move eastwards. Where destiny guides you, I shall manifest.”

• Kripaldev Ji obeyed, journeying east with his cows, halting at places with fodder and water.

• On Ashadh Shukla Navami (Bhadi Navami / Sunam / Kandarp Navami) of Samvat 1017, Kripaldev Ji stopped at the foothills of a beautiful site.

• Coincidentally, the marriage procession of King Nahar Rao was passing through the same place.

• The noise of elephants, horses, and soldiers frightened the grazing cows, who scattered.

• In haste, Kripaldev Ji exclaimed thrice:

  • “He Ma, Rook Jaa! He Ma, Rook Jaa! He Ma, Rook Jaa!”

• Immediately, Mata descended from the skies as a fiery flame, striking the mountain and manifesting herself in seven idols (vigrahas), along with Kala-Gaura Bhairav, Ganesh Ji, and Hanuman Ji.

• Her thunderous manifestation gave her the name Gajini / Gajan Mata.

• Witnessing the miracle, King Nahar Rao realized the goddess had chosen this place because of Kripaldev Ji’s devotion.

• After completing his marriage rituals in Sirohi, the king tested Mata’s blessing as told by Kripaldev Ji—by moving his horse three steps backward. Instantly, a large stone fell, narrowly missing him, confirming the goddess’s divine protection.

• Deeply moved, he honored Kripaldev Ji and gifted him vast lands:

  • Wherever Kripaldev Ji’s horse roamed, that land was granted to him.

• Later, on Asoj Shukla Navami, a copper-plate inscription (Tamrapatra) officially recorded the donation of lands surrounding the temple. This record is still preserved by Kripaldev Ji’s descendants in Dharamdhari village.

• Gajan Mata manifested in seven idols, the foremost being Punagar Mata, followed by Gajan Mata.

• Alongside are idols of Kala-Gaura Bhairav, Ganesh Ji, and Hanuman Ji.

• Near the temple stands a small shrine of Alakh Mahadev, believed to have manifested to welcome the goddess.

• A sacred cave near Gajan Mata’s shrine is said to connect to Punagar Mata’s temple, symbolizing the bond between the divine sisters.

• The temple has two eternal lamps:

  • A ghee lamp before Mata, burning continuously for centuries.

  • An oil lamp before Bhairav Ji, also eternally lit.

• A natural reservoir on the hill collects rainwater, providing water to the temple for several months.

• During the Mughal period, invaders desecrated and damaged several idols, including those of Alakh Mahadev, Hinglaj Mata, and Ganesh Ji.

• The broken fragments of these idols are still visible on the hill, silently testifying to that era.

• Kuldevi (family deity) of all Parihar/Padihar clans.

• Also revered by Rajputs, Soni (goldsmiths), Ghanchi, Kumhar (potters), Malviya Lohar (blacksmiths), and others.

• Beloved offering: Churma Laddoo.

• A grand annual fair is held every Ashadh Shukla Navami at the foothills, where devotees gather to seek blessings.

• To this day, the Rajpurohit Panchlod families of Dharamdhari continue the worship of Gajan Mata, maintaining the unbroken tradition since the time of Kripaldev Ji.

• • • King Nahar Rao’s granted land was named Dharamdhari (Bearer of Dharma) by Kripaldev Ji.

    • For some time, it was also called Dharmdwari, but the name Dharamdhari became permanent.

    • Thus, Dharamdhari stands as the eternal seat of Gajan Mata’s blessings and the legacy of Kripaldev Ji Panchlod. 

      Ancient Traditions and Heritage of Dharamdhari Village

      1. Gajan Mata Temple Fair

      • In earlier times, every year on Ashadh Shukla Navami, a grand fair of Kuldevi Gajan Mata was held at the temple.

      • On the previous day (Ashtami), all the cows of Dharamdhari village were brought to the foothills of the sacred mountain.

      • Milk was collected from all the cows, and kheer (sweet rice pudding) was prepared from it and distributed as prasada among the villagers.

      • On the same evening, a Jagran (night vigil of devotional singing) was organized.

      • It was believed that by keeping the cows in this sacred place, they would be protected from diseases throughout the year, and any existing ailments would also be cured.

      • On the morning of Navami, milk was sprinkled around the entire boundary of the village to draw a protective line, believed to safeguard Dharamdhari from epidemics and illnesses for the whole year.

      • This tradition has now faded in recent decades, but a Gaushala (cowshed) has been constructed near the foothills to continue the spirit of cow protection.

      • Even today, on Ashadh Shukla Navami, devotees of the Parihar (Padihar) clan arrive from across regions for the darshan of their Kuldevi.

        • Devotees walk in groups (pad-yatra) from Pali, and large numbers arrive from Balotra and other towns by buses.

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      2. Homashtami Yajna

      • During Navratri, on both Chaitra Shukla Ashtami and Aasoj Shukla Ashtami, a Homa (fire sacrifice) is performed at the Gajan Mata Temple.

      • Each year, one family of Dharamdhari takes responsibility for conducting the yajna, following a rotation system.

      • This tradition continues even today, keeping alive the ancient rituals of the temple.

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      3. Holika Dahan (Festival of Fire)

      • On the festival of Holi, the very first fire (Holika Dahan) is lit at the summit of the Gajan Mata hill.

      • Each year, one family of Dharamdhari is responsible for organizing this sacred ritual.

      • Local tradition holds that in earlier times, even the Mandor Darbar (royal court) would begin their Holi celebrations only after sighting the sacred flame lit at Gajan Mata hill.

      • To this day, Holika Dahan in Dharamdhari and surrounding villages is performed only after the lighting at Gajan Mata hill.

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      4. Holi Geer (Traditional Procession)

      • Before Holi, a Geer (folk procession) is performed in front of the 24 gates (polo) of Dharamdhari village.

      • Villagers dress in traditional attire and take part in song, dance, and celebration.

      • Young men, children, and elders all participate with great enthusiasm, continuing this age-old festivity.

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      5. Dev Jhoolni Ekadashi Festival

      • On Dev Jhoolni Ekadashi, the entire village gathers in unity.

      • The idol of Thakurji (Lord Krishna/Vishnu) is placed in a decorated palanquin (palki) and taken in procession to the village pond.

      • With much festivity, the idol is bathed ritually and then reinstalled in the temple with traditional ceremonies.

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      6. Social Custom Regarding Women

      • Around 40 years ago, the elders of Dharamdhari collectively decided upon a significant social reform:

        • Women who were married into Dharamdhari would not be required to perform labor-intensive work such as agricultural fieldwork, carrying water from outside, or other physically demanding tasks.

        • They would remain engaged in household responsibilities only.

      • However, women born in Dharamdhari (native daughters) were exempt from this restriction and could engage in such work if they wished.

      • This unique tradition of respecting women’s dignity continues in the village even today.

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      7. Mahasati Veera De (Sati of Great Renunciation)

      • Around Samvat 1850, Shri Sukhram Singh Ji Panchlod, son of Shri Kishan Singh Ji, was married in Norwa village (present-day Jalore district).

      • His first marriage was to Moola De Sewad, daughter of Shri Lalsingh Ji Samrath Singh Ji of Talakia. From this marriage, he had six sons and three daughters.

      • His second marriage was to Veera De Gundecha, daughter of Shri Lalsingh Ji Girdhar Singh Ji of Norwa. She had no children of her own but deeply loved all her stepchildren.

      • Misfortune struck when two sons, Anad Singh Ji and Bhom Singh Ji, developed an incurable throat disease and passed away.

      • Overcome with grief and detachment, Veera De Gundecha, on Samvat 1860, Aasoj Vadi Bij, sat between her two deceased stepsons and performed Mahasati, sacrificing herself in the funeral fire.

      • On Aasoj Vadi Baras (12th day), a Sati memorial (chabutra) was constructed in her honor at Dharamdhari pond.

      • She was the niece of Jhala Ji of Sukarlai village.

      • To this day, her Samadhi and divine idol exist at the Dharamdhari pond.

      • Every year, on Diwali’s second day, all the women of the village visit to bow at her feet, and newly married couples are also brought here.

      • Devotees believe that drinking water offered at her shrine cures throat ailments.

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      8. Sati Sodarde Kanwar Ji

      • Around Samvat 1874, Shri Ranchhod Singh Ji, son of Shri Sahidas Ji, was married to Sodarde Kanwar Mutha, daughter of Keshavdas Ji Raghunath Singh Ji Mutha of Vandar village.

      • Sodarde Kanwar Ji’s maternal home was in Sonana. She was a devout worshipper of her Kuldevi Rohini Mata.

      • When her husband passed away, she was at her parental home. Through divine intuition and blessings of Rohini Mata, she foresaw his death.

      • With firm resolve, she decided to perform Sati.

      • She attained Sati on Shukla Baras (12th lunar day), and a memorial was built for her at the Dharamdhari pond.

      • Every year, a Jagran is organized at her shrine. On Diwali’s second day, women of the Adiya family of Dharamdhari pay homage to her.

      • Her idol still bears inscriptions, though they remain unread to this day.

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      9. Jhunjhar Navalsingh Ji Panchlod

      • Around 1898, Shri Navalsingh Ji Panchlod, a strong and hardworking man, was guarding his harvested moong (green gram) crop when four armed men of the Meena community attacked him at night.

      • Though taken by surprise, he bravely fought them, displaying extraordinary valor, until a blow to his head left him grievously injured.

      • Despite medical aid, the injury proved fatal.

      • Before his death, he told his family: “Place a coconut and padayi (cloth) at my cremation pyre. If after three days they are found intact, know that I remain with you. But guard my cremation place for those three days.”

      • His words proved true—after three days, half a coconut and half a padayi were found intact in the ashes.

      • His descendants later built shrines at both the site of attack and at his cremation ground in Dharamdhari pond.

      • Even today, a Jagran is held on Shukla Teras (13th lunar day) in his honor.

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      10. Bondazhanda Ji Jhunjhar

      • Near Lakha Bera of Dharamdhari, under a sacred tree, a shrine of Bondazhanda Ji stands.

      • Worship is performed especially on Teras, Chaudas, and Amavasya, with offerings of ghughri (sweet dish) and coconuts.

      • Tradition says that when a bride was married from Thob village, her two brothers Bonda Ji and Jhanda Ji accompanied her, and the shrine is named after them.

      • Newly married couples still visit the shrine.

      • Detailed historical records of Bondazhanda Ji are, however, unavailable.

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      11. Mau Ji Jhunjhar

      • Mau Ji attained Veergati (martyrdom) in a local battle, assisted by a Devasi warrior named Bhima.

      • A shrine exists on the roadside before Lakha Bera, marking his place of sacrifice.

      • Plans are underway to construct a grand Chhatri (cenotaph) in his honor.

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      12. Jhunjhar Ji at Dharamdhari Pond

      • Another Jhunjhar warrior attained Veergati near the sweet-water well at Dharamdhari pond.

      • His descendants built a beautiful Chhatri (cenotaph) at the site, where worship continues today.

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      13. Bhatni Pillar

      • In Dharamdhari pond, in front of Mahasati Mata’s shrine, stands an ancient pillar with a carved image of a woman.

      • According to oral tradition, a woman from the Banjara community, grieving the drowning of her child in the pond, performed Jal-Samadhi (water sacrifice) here.

      • Exact historical details remain uncertain, but the pillar continues to stand as her silent memorial.

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      14. Genealogical Record of Dharamdhari

      • A comprehensive genealogical tree (Vanshavali) of Dharamdhari’s families was compiled by Late Shri Pukh Singh Ji of the village.

      • It traces the lineage back to Samvat 1017 (960 AD approx.), when Karpat Dev Ji Panchlod, a devout cow-protector and Chamunda Mata worshipper, was granted Dharamdhari village.

      • His son was Tejmal Ji, followed by Lakshman Ji, and so on, continuing the illustrious Panchlod lineage of Dharamdhari.