Bhatiji Maharaj

Bhatiji Maharaj was a Hindu saint born in Gujarat, India approximately 200 years ago. On the same day that he was married, he died in a fight to protect cows from being slaughtered. In India cows are respected as 'Mother' and also have religious importance in the life of Hindu community. For this reason Bhatiji is revered for the sacrifice of his life.According to the legend it is believed that Bhatiji's head was separated in the fight by a sword and even after that his body fought against the people and killed them all. A temple was built in his memory.The location of his death was Phagvel in Kheda district, which is today a pilgrimage center.

A film about him was directed by Shantilal Soni and released in 1980.Vachhada Dada

Vachhada Dada was of the Darbar caste and he was of Rajput origin, he became a Survir in seven births. Every time he went to get married Muslims would come and take the cattle and kill them and they would do this whilst Vachra dada was walking around the fire getting married (pheras) it is said that he never managed to finish his pheras and he never got married.

The medium man (bhuva) of Vachhada Dada is approached for diagnosis and curing of disease among men and animals. When a family member, a cow, a buffalo etc. falls ill or dies, it is believed that the spirit of an ancestor had been annoyed because of neglect of timely worship, lack of offering ritual food and respect. When someone is harassed by an evil spirit, a medium man of Vachhada Dada is consulted. If the evil spirit tries to evade the commands of Vachhada Dada, the medium man threatens to punish the spirit by inciting against it the wrath of this powerful deity.

Vachhada Dada sits on a white Kathiawari horse with a snake at his feet and a flaming sword in his hands. He is worshipped by Kheruds (Gujarati word for farmer) to protect their cattle and keep their crops thriving. Many temples/deras can be found in Gujarat devoted to him.

Bhatiji Maharaj is also known as Vachra/Vachara/Vasra Dada. He sits on a white Kathiawari Horse with a snake at his feet (Nagadavta) carrying a sword, which he used to fight against dacoits. He was reborn seven times and every time he would do Pheras (walking around fire to symbolise marriage) he would be interrupted by dacoits killing sacred cows. after his seventh life he successfully killed the dacoits. Vachara Dada is worshiped by Hindus to cure ill livestock and family members.

External links

* http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/aug/20guj3.htm
* http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20000320/offtrack.html