State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 22 Apr 2025

Saint Dhanna Bhagat Jayanti

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan participated in the birth anniversary celebrations held at the birthplace of Sant Dhanna Bhagat Ji, located in Nokha-Nadi, Phagi area of Jaipur district. 

Key Points 

• Dhanna Bhagat Ji: 

 

• He was a mystic poet born (born on 20^th April, 1415) and devotee of the Vaishnav tradition, whose hymns are collected in the Adi Granth. 
• He was a devotee of Krishna and chose a cave in the Aravalli hills for penance, where the Dhundheshwar Mahadev temple still stands today. 
• His temple and gurudwara continue to be centers of faith for devotees, where people from both Hindu and Sikh communities come with devotion. 
• He did not establish any separate sect, but his followers, who were primarily from caste-based communities, came to be known as Dhanvanshi Swamis.  
  • They are spread across various districts in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. 

• Key Highlights of the Celebration:   
  • On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced various religious, cultural, and social schemes of the state government, emphasizing that the teachings of the saint remain relevant in today's times. 
  • Saint Dhanna Bhagat Ji chose the path of devotion and conveyed the message of the importance of selfless service to humanity and the significance of karma. 
  • He opposed casteism and made significant contributions through his literature and teachings to eradicate the social evils prevalent in society. 
  • Dhanna Bhagat Ji is equally revered and respected by both the Hindu and Sikh communities. 
  • The Chief Minister described the saint as a symbol of social equality, spiritual awareness and simple living. 
• State Government Announcements and Initiatives: 
  • The state government has increased the offering amount at temples to ₹3,000 per month and raised the honorarium of priests to ₹7,500 per month. 
  • Works worth ₹101 crore have been approved for the upgradation of religious places and ₹60 crore for temples located outside the state under the Devasthan Department.