Jambhoji

Jambhoji, also known as Jambhaji or Jambeshwarji, was a 15th-century saint and religious leader from Rajasthan, India. He is revered as the founder of the Bishnoi sect. Born in 1451 in a village called Pipasar, near Nagaur, Jambhoji’s teachings emphasized a spiritual path that was closely intertwined with environmentalism and animal welfare.

He is credited with developing the Bishnoi religious tenets, which include twenty-nine principles, or "Bishnoi" (meaning twenty-nine in Rajasthani). These principles advocate for a life of purity, devotion to God, and strict adherence to environmental protection. Key aspects include abstaining from cutting trees, killing animals, and using blue-dyed cloth. The Bishnoi community is known for its deep respect for nature and its historical role in protecting wildlife, often at great personal risk.

Jambhoji spent much of his life in the wilderness, meditating and preaching. He established a central place of worship and pilgrimage called Mukam, in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. His teachings attracted a large following from various communities, and the Bishnoi sect continues to be a significant religious and cultural force in Rajasthan and beyond, renowned for its unique blend of spirituality and ecological consciousness. Jambhoji passed away in 1482 at Mukam.