Jasnathji

Jasnathji Maharaj, Katariyasar (Image Credit: Naushad)

Jasnathji was endowed with esoteric powers and is often called Mahayogi. He was incarnated on Kartika Shukla Ekadashi of 1482 A.D. at Dabhla Talao. He was brought up in the Jat family of Hamirji Jyani and Rupande. He undertook Brahmacharya and carried out religious penance for a durance of twelve years at Gorakhmalia (Katariyasar). He blessed Loonkaran saying that he would rule Bikaner. This was proved true later. Loha Pangal, sorcerer, who boasted of occult achievements, was shown place by Jasnathji.
These incidents spread his fame far and wide. Jasnathji dedicated his life to Sadhana and Jan Kalyan. He took Samadhi on Ashwin Shukla Saptami of 1506 A.D. at the young age of twenty four, at Katariyasar. People assemble here from far and wide thrice a year, on the seventh day of light fortnight in the months of Ashwin, Magh and Charitra to pay homage to Jasnathji. Jasnathji believed in fusion and synthesis. Consequently, he welcomed and adopted all good ideas and high morals, notwithstanding their origin. He accepted the God in Nirgun-Nirakar and condemned ostentatious practices. He believed in the doctrine of Karma and in the distractibility of the Universe. He considered service of Guru, Yoga Sadhana and chanting of His name as the via media of approaching His Kingdom.
He was ardent social reformer. His followers consisted mainly Jats, and later on the Siddh-Dharma was formulated. Thirty six principles have been laid down for Siddhas. These are concerned mainly with purity and sancity in individual and collective life, building up a high moral system in the society, strict adherence to non-violence, kindness to birds and animals and regarding womenfolk with highest esteem and honour. Additionally, Jasnathji strictly prohibited the consumption of meat and use of intoxicants. Thus, the principles of Siddh-Dharma clearly fall under the category of a Soddeshya Achar Samhita.

Excerpt from Encyclopaedia of Oriental Philosophy and Religion: Hinduism by Nagendra Kr Singh, A. P. Mishra