Jaisalmer : Baba Ramdev Ji is a famous folk deity of Rajasthan. There is a huge temple of Baba in Jaisalmer where devotees from far and wide come to pay obeisance to him, the miracles of this temple are discussed everywhere. It is said that any devotee who worships Baba with a true heart is blessed and it is believed that the devotees of Baba get his Jagran done to fulfill their wishes which is done by the people of Meghvanshi community who are called Rikhia. Today we are going to introduce you to this Rikhia community who are also considered to be the ardent devotees of Baba Ramdev.
Baba’s Jagrata is organized in Rikhia temple
There is a belief that there is a practice of organizing Baba’s Jagrata for the fulfillment of one’s wishes. Devotees promise to arrange prasadi, parikrama and jagran in the name of Baba in every happiness and sorrow and when their wish is fulfilled, they arrange a Jagrata in the name of Baba. It is believed that Baba’s Jagrata is accepted only when Baba’s devotees (Rikhiya) belonging to the Meghvanshi community organize it.
The Rikhiyas who are organising Jagran in the premises of Baba Ramdev temple told that it is not possible for everyone to organise Jagran at home because the necessary materials for worship and Baba’s devotees (Rikhiyas) are not available everywhere and financially incapable people are also not able to organise Jagrata, hence Baba’s Jagrata is organised here in exchange of gifts as per faith.
Baba Ramdev is popular in Jaisalmer
Ramdevji is a symbol of communal harmony and peace. Baba was born on the day of Bhadrapad Shukla Duj in 1409 in the house of Ajmalji, a Rajput of Tomar clan and the ruler of Runicha. He spent his entire life among the oppressed, poor and backward people. He opposed orthodoxy and untouchability. Devotees also lovingly call him Ramapir or Ram Sa Pir. Baba is considered to be the incarnation of Shri Krishna. Devotees are so devoted to him that even Muslim devotees from Pakistan come to India to pay their respects to him.
