The Dynastic Royal Family of Mewar or The House of Mewar, acknowledged as the world’s oldest-serving dynasty, serves as The Diwan of Shree Eklingnath ji. Popularly known as the rulers of Udaipur or The Maharanas of Udaipur are custodians of the kingdom on behalf of Sri Eklingji (Lord Shiva). Maharana Mahendra Singh ji, elder son of Late Maharana Bhagwat Singh ji, is the current head of the family.
Maharaj Kumar Vishvaraj Singh ji was welcomed and observed attending the Jauhar Mela in Chittorgargh on March 28, 2022.
Jauhar also referred to as the group self-immolation by women, was resorted to when there was no hope of victory. And the Rajput women with courage protected their dignity and that of their clan. Jauhar was accompanied by Saakha. In which men dressed in saffron went to battle and martyred sacrificing their lives for their family, people, the noble house and the holy land. In both, Jauhar and Saakha, there was no intention to survive. But only to die courageously in the battle field and leave nothing for the enemy to conquer over whether it was men, land or even dignity. Even if the enemy appears to emerge victorious, the holy fire protects all and even then the so-called victory turns to the biggest defeat for the intruder.
The History of Jauhar and Saakha
In centuries of recorded history, Mewar witnessed 3 Jauhars and Saakha. First, in 1303 Maharani Padmini and Rajput women jumped into the pyre. When the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji captured the Chittor Fort from the Guhila King Ratnasimha, after an eight-month-long siege.
Second in 1535, Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked Chittor Fort after death of Rana Sanga. The women of Chittor including Rani Karnavati committed Jauhar. Aand the soldiers prepared for Saakha, which was led by Bagh Singh of Deola.
Lastly in1568, the Mughal army led by Akbar besieged the fort of Chittor. However, thousands of men performed Saakha and the Rajput noble women self immolated themselves to the holy flames.
This historic moments are evidence to the high emotion, dignity, and valor. Of both the warrior Rajput men and brave Rajput women.
The Royal Family of Mewar communicated through official Instagram page. “Till today these momentous occasions are marked by a gathering and ‘havan’ at Chittorgarh. On the date (according to ‘tithi’) of the third Jauhar and Saakha.”
Many dignitaries and Royal nobles were present on the occasion. Moreover, including Ramji Ram Maharaj and Baiji Lal Diya Kumari ji of Jaipur – M.P. Rajsamand, Shri Bhanwar Singh ji Bhati – Urja Mantri Govt. of Rajasthan.