Sacred Sites
Important pilgrimage centers for the Bishnoi community
A Hindu Vaishnava community known for their deep environmental consciousness and 29 principles of sustainable living established by Guru Jambheshwar in 1485.
Key moments in the development of the Bishnoi community
Birth of Guru Jambheshwar in Peepasar village, Rajasthan. He would later establish the Bishnoi sect.
Guru Jambheshwar founds the Bishnoi sect at Samrathal Dhora, establishing the 29 principles.
Death of Guru Jambheshwar at Lalasar. His teachings continue to guide the community.
The Khejarli massacre where 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Bishnois gain recognition as India's first environmentalists for their protection of wildlife and trees.
Bishnois protest against Bollywood actor Salman Khan for hunting blackbucks, leading to legal action.
Core tenets established by Guru Jambheshwar that guide Bishnoi life
Do not cut green trees, save the environment. This principle led to the Khejarli sacrifice.
Be merciful to all living beings and love them. Provide shelters for abandoned animals.
Do not eat meat, always remain vegan or ethical lacto-vegetarian.
Use filtered water, milk, and cleaned firewood to avoid harming microorganisms.
Pray twice daily (morning and evening) and perform Yajna (Havan) rituals.
Bathe daily before sunrise and maintain personal and environmental cleanliness.
Important pilgrimage centers for the Bishnoi community
The Bishnoi's legendary commitment to nature conservation
363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives in 1730 to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by royal orders.
Bishnoi villages serve as de facto wildlife sanctuaries where animals roam freely without fear.
Bishnois are known for protecting blackbucks, even confronting poachers and celebrities who hunt them.
Their lifestyle incorporates water conservation, organic farming, and minimal environmental impact.
Influential figures from the Bishnoi community
The founder of the Bishnoi sect in 1485 who established the 29 principles of living.
Martyr who led the Khejarli sacrifice in 1730, inspiring environmental movements.
Former Chief Minister of Haryana and prominent Bishnoi political leader.
Remembering those who sacrificed their lives protecting nature
Sacrificed his life on 12 Aug 2000 protecting deer in Cheri Osian village.