Anjana Chaudhari

The Anjana—also known as Anjana Chaudhary, Anjana Patel (Anjana Patidar), or Anjana Desai—is a Hindu caste found in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states in India. The region in which they are found is Gujarat. They have the surnames Patel, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan; and Jagirdar, Zamindar or Chudhary in Rajasthan.[1][2]

The Anjana Chaudhary's Caste Guru is Saint Shri Rajaramji Maharaj (avatar of Vishnu). The Big Temple and Ashram are in Rajasthan at Shikarpura, Luni tehsil, near Jodhpur.

Origins

Shree Shree 1008 Shree Rajeshwar Bhagwan Ashram Shikarpura

According to the Bhat and Charan history books, the origin of the Anjana Chaudhary is related to the eight sons of Sahastraarjun. When Parashurama went out to kill the kshatriyas, he came to Sahastraarjun, who was a powerful kshatriya king. In this battle, Sahastrarjun and 92 of his sons were killed. The remaining eight sons came under the shelter of goddess Arbuda, on Mount Abu, who protected. Parshuram, would not hurt them on the condition that they give up their shastra (weapons). Goddess Arbuda assured Parashurama that the kshatriyas would never again wield a weapon but instead serve Mother Earth. They engaged in agriculture and are found in various parts of India to this day. The Goddess Arbuda is the kuldevi of Anjana Chaudhary.[2]

It is believed that the origin of the caste’s name comes from the goddess Anjani Mata, the mother of Lord Hanuman, as the Anjana caste members were followers of the goddess.

According to Anjana traditions the community originated in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, from there they spread to southern Rajasthan, and then to Gujarat.

In Rajasthan, the Anjana are divided into two broad territorial divisions: the Malvi and Gujarati. The Malvi Anjana are further divided into a number of exogamous clans such as the Fak, Shih, Kharon, Hun, Gardiya, Eit, Judar, Kuva, Kondli, Vagada, Kag, Bhuria, Mewar, Logar, Odh, Munji, Kawa, Tarak and United. The Anjana still speak the Malvi dialect of Hindi.[1]

Customs and traditions of the Anjana community

As Hindus, Anjana observe important customs related to Simanta (pregnancy), Upanayana (thread ceremony), Vivaah (marriage), and Death. Birth-Simanta, which corresponds to the Vedic Samskara of Simantonnayana, is popularly known as Kholobharvo, and is performed at the husband’s house to celebrate the woman’s first pregnancy. On the birth of a child, the midwife cuts its naval-cord and buries it in the corner of the compound in front of the house. The naming ceremony takes place on the twelfth day, performed by an aunt (foi). Names, for which a Brahmin is consulted, are given according to the zodiac signs.

Marriage ceremonies among the Anjana are traditionally conducted in accordance with central Asian customs. These customs have evolved from tradition. Importance is attached to weddings: the ceremonies are very colorful and can go on for several days. The following steps are involved in a marriage engagement, Ganeshpujan, Varghoda, marriage, reception, etc.

Marriage is considered as a Samskara in the Hindu sastra, through which a person enters the Grahasthashrama (householder’s stage). The marriage proposal usually comes from the bride’s side, socioeconomic status and education chiefly being taken into consideration. In the Anjana community, the father of the girl presents a one rupee coin during the betrothal ceremony.

Caste guru Saint Shri Rajaram Ji Maharaj

Shikarpura Ashram is located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away from Luni, a tehsil in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. This Ashram was established by Saint Raja Ram Ji Maharaj in the nineteenth century.

The mahants of Shikarpura Ashram are: Saint Deva Ram Ji Maharaj, Saint Kishna Ram Ji Maharaj & Guru Sujaramji Maharaj, Saint Dayaram.

The ashram has served society from its establishment.

Festivals

The Anjana people celebrate the following festivals with great fanfare:

See also

Citations

  1. 1 2 Singh, K. S.; Lavania, B. K.; Samanta, D. K.; Mandal, S. K.; Vyas, N. N., eds. (1998). People of India: Rajasthan: Part Two. XXXVIII. Mumbai: Popular Prakashan. pp. 49–52. ISBN 978-8-171-54769-2. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 Chaudhary, Sagar (12 May 2014). "Chaudharys of Gujarat (Anjana)". wordpress.com. Retrieved 12 May 2015.

References

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