Bishnoi

For other uses, see Bishnoi (surname).

Bishnoi/Vishnoi
बिश्नोई (Hindi)
ਬਿਸ਼ਨੋਈ (Punjabi)
Bishnois performing havan with kopra and ghee at Khejarli Environment Fair
ClassificationSub sect of Vaishnavism
GuruGuru Jambheshwar
Mantra"Vishnu Vishnu Tu Bhan Re Prani"
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesMarwari
Rajasthani
Bagri
Hindi
Haryanvi
Punjabi
CountryIndia
Populated statesMajor:
Rajasthan
Minor:
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh,
Punjab
Gujarat
RegionWestern India
Northern India
PopulationAround 1500000

The Bishnoi, also spelled as Vishnoi, is a Hindu Vaishnava community or panth found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. Sometimes, it is referred to as a caste.[1] It has a set of 29 Niyamas (principles/commandments) given by Guru Jambheshwar (also known as Guru Jambhoji, Guru Jambha) (1451–1536).[2][3][4][5] As of 2010, there are an estimated 600,000 followers of Bishnoi Panth residing in northern and central India.[6] Shree Guru Jambheshwar founded the sect at Samrathal Dhora in 1485 and his teachings, comprising 120 shabads, are known as Shabadwani. He preached for the next 51 years, travelling across India. The preaching of Guru Jambhoji inspires his followers as well as environmental protectors.[7][8]

  1. ^ B.K. Sharma, Seema Kulshreshtha, Asad R. Rahmani (2013). Faunal Heritage of Rajasthan, India. Springer. p. 221. ISBN 978-1461408000. The Bishnoi, a religious sect turned caste residing in Western Rajasthan is a living apostle of eco-friendliness and conservation.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "The Desert Dwellers of Rajasthan – bishnoi and Bhil people". 2004. Archived from the original on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  3. ^ "India's Bishnoi community: The original eco-warriors". Deccan Herald. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  4. ^ "Bishnoi community outraged over serving deer to cheetahs, threatens nation-wide protest as it writes to PM Modi". TimesNow. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  5. ^ Kapur, Akash (7 October 2010). "A Hindu Sect Devoted to the Environment". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  6. ^ Akash Kapur, A Hindu Sect Devoted to the Environment, New York Times, 8 Oct 2010.
  7. ^ "When Amrita Devi and 362 Bishnois sacrificed their lives for the Khejri tree". Sahapedia. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  8. ^ Devi, Parnashree (13 October 2012). "Bishnoi Community : The Ecologist". My Travel Diary. Retrieved 1 June 2021.