Khejri Tree Is a Symbol of Sanatan Culture and Life, Says Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj
Jaipur, October 15: Mahant Shri Rajendra Das Maharaj, head of Tapobhoomi Jatela Dham Ashram, has welcomed the Rajasthan government’s measures to protect the Khejri tree, the state tree of Rajasthan, and praised the policies introduced by the state government and the Forest and Environment Department.
During his visit to Jaipur, Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj appreciated the strict measures against illegal felling of Khejri trees, the requirement for special permission to cut them, provisions for strict punishment for violators, recognition of the Bishnoi community’s sentiments and the inclusion of the memory of 363 Khejri martyrs in conservation efforts. He also welcomed public awareness campaigns such as Ek Ped Khejri Ke Naam.
He specifically praised Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma for the initiatives.
Khejri Tree Holds Religious and Environmental Significance
Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj said the Khejri tree, also known as the Shami tree in religious texts, holds deep cultural and environmental significance.
“Khejri is not just a tree. Our scriptures refer to it as the Shami tree, which the Pandavas also worshipped on Dussehra. This tree sustains life in the desert, serves as a source of oxygen, its roots hold the soil together, and its leaves, known as ‘Loong’, are like nectar for livestock,” he said.
He also recalled the sacrifice at Khejarli in 1730, when 363 Bishnoi men and women gave their lives to protect Khejri trees. He described their sacrifice as a landmark event in environmental history.
Government Measures Linked to Environmental Protection and Cultural Heritage
Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj said that as environmental challenges intensify around the world, Rajasthan’s efforts to protect the Khejri tree highlight the importance of conservation.
He said the initiative was not only about protecting the environment but also about preserving Sanatan culture and local faith.
The Mahant has also been involved in environmental awareness activities across several states. According to the information shared by the ashram, he has helped plant 108,000 trees and more than 100,000 Tulsi plants in a record time, while spreading awareness about environmental protection and de-addiction.
Appeal to Plant and Protect Khejri Trees
Through Tapobhoomi Jatela Dham Ashram, Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj appealed to devotees, environmentalists, farmers and young people to plant at least one Khejri sapling on their farms, at their homes or within ashram premises.
He urged people to protect the saplings with the same care they would give to their own children.
The Mahant also announced that Jatela Dham Ashram would extend full support to the Rajasthan government’s conservation initiative. The ashram plans to distribute and plant Khejri saplings in the Haryana-Rajasthan border region.
The appeal aims to encourage community participation in protecting Rajasthan’s state tree and promoting environmental awareness.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
