Jatra of the devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer in Rajasthan

We are driving towards Ranakpur and on the way we see the devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer on Jatra. In this article we would talk about the annual Jatra done by these devotees and the visual delight they create.

The season of Jatrus – Devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer

It is beginning of September. We are on our way to Ranakpur from Rajsamand in a rented taxi. This is a season of Jatrus, the devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer.

The devotees are everywhere on the way. Some of these devotees are walking alone, some of them are part of a small group and some are moving in a large group.

Some among these devotees are walking barefoot and a few of them have taken a vow to complete this Jatra crawling all along.

Many of these pilgrims come from rural areas, walking with worn-out school bags on their backs, likely carrying all the essentials needed for the Jatra in their backpacks.

What captures my attention are the young couples, likely newlyweds, strolling hand-in-hand as though on a mission to complete this pilgrimage and seek Baba’s blessings. As they undertake this journey, they symbolize the commitment to navigate life’s challenges together with unwavering enthusiasm.

Ramrasodas for the devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer on Jatra

Devotees throng the roads on motorcycles, some with pillion riders, while families pack into jeeps, and large groups fill tractor-trolleys. Others travel in buses or traditional camel and bullock carts.

Many of these pilgrims carry banners and flags, either held in their hands or affixed to their vehicles.

Countless ‘ramrasodas’ are in operation, offering respite to the Jatrus who rest on spread-out durries within these temporary kitchens. Here, they receive free meals served by other devotees. The blaring music, however, strikes a discordant note for me, coming across as loud and disruptive.

Who are the devotees of Baba Ramdev Peer?

Devotees from diverse backgrounds, transcending caste, creed, and religious distinctions, are converging from distant places.

Pilgrims are journeying towards Ramdevra, the sacred site where Baba Ramdev Peer took samadhi at the tender age of thirty-three. They seek his blessings for health, love, peace, and prosperity.

Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Muslims alike hold Baba Ramdev Peer in high esteem. His Devotees are spread across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, and even in Sindh, Pakistan.

Who was Baba Ramdev Peer?

Many people regard Baba Ramdeva Peer, a Hindu folk deity, as the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. He is believed to have had miraculous powers from birth and dedicated his life to the betterment of the underprivileged and poor in society.

Legend of Baba Ramdev and Peers from Mecca

His fame spread widely, and five peers from Mecca decided to test him. When they arrived, they encountered the baba. As the meal was presented, they informed Baba that they could not partake due to a vow to eat only from their personal bowls, which they had inadvertently left behind in Mecca.

Baba responded to their steadfastness and doubt with a smile, and soon, their bowls appeared before them. The meal was served in these bowls. Persuaded of Baba’s supernatural abilities, the Peers became his devoted followers. The graves of these five Peers are now located alongside Baba’s own.

Baba Ramdev Peer and Saint Dalibai

Baba Ramdeva Peer is the principal deity of the Meghwal community. He was a staunch opponent of the caste system and welcomed all devotees, irrespective of their caste and social standing.

Dalibai was one of his devoted followers. She often accompanied Baba in his quest to promote equality and build an egalitarian society. Through her bhajans, Dalibai propagated his message. Baba held her in high regard and thought of her as his sister.

Legend of Saint Dalibai’s victory over Baba Ramdev Peer

When she learnt about Baba’s decision to take samadhi, she rushed to meet him. When she saw the pit, she smiled and claimed that the pit is not for Baba’s samadhi but for her own.

According to folklores, Baba Ramdev Peer and Dalibai had an argument over the samadhi-pit surprising the devotees and disciples. When there was no consensus among the two, Dalibai suggested that if the samadhi diggers will find three feminine signs of bangles, comb and thread that would substantiate her claim.

Curious devotees were surprised when they found all three items predicted by Dalibai after the digging resumed. Baba had to agree for her wish. She then instructed Baba to take Samadhi three days after her taking the samadhi.

Significance of the above incidence

To me such folklores are clear examples of how Guru allows their followers to take center-stage. Devotees’ love and affection often move Gurus, who humbly acknowledge the superiority of their devotion.

Baba Ramdev Peer performed Dalibai’s bhajan for three days before entering samadhi as directed. Meghwal devotees revere Dalibai as the Kuldevi. Kuldevis are tutelary deities and play a significant role in the religious customs of Rajasthan.

Young Devotee couple on Jatra of Baba Ramdev Peer

We are returning from Ranakpur late, having left the temple after the aarti. The journey back is through a pitch-dark and deserted jungle, and to complicate matters, it begins to rain. Amidst this, I observe young devotees, both men and women, facing the challenge with unwavering determination as they head towards Ramdevra.

Hats off to their Bhakti!

Click here to read about the Ranakpur Jain temple

Click here to read about the boating in Rajsamand Lake

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