2.
Jaharveer Gogaji Chauhan
Our textbooks have always highlighted the loots and attacks of Mahmud Ghazanavi, but not even once we have been ever told about the warriors who not only resisted and defeated these wealth hungry religious extremists but even laid their lives whenever needed without hesitation. One such warrior of Chauhan clan was Gogaji Chauhan who was the ruler of Dadrewa.
It was not too before when Mahmud Ghazanavi after winning Gandhar & Balochistan, through Sindh made his way to Bharat and reached Punjab. Looting and plundering the small kingdoms in way he headed straight for Somnath temple. Back in those days, Somnath temple was well known throughout the world for its wealth and huge treasure. Greedy Ghazanavi reached to the north – west borders of the desert of Gogaji’s Kingdom.
He reached the fort of Bhatner, where he tried to make a deal with Gogaji and sent his loyals Masood & Tilak Hazam asking Gogaji to leave the way cleared for him to reach Somnath. The 90 year old king drew out his sword and warned them, “You morons thinking of looting the temple of Somnatheshwar are asking me to let you reach there. If your Ghazanavi will move any further, he will find me in his way to Somnath.”
Fearing the great valor of Gogaji, Ghazanavi gave up the idea of going through his kingdom and took diversion to reach Somnath through seaways of Prabhas Patan. On reaching the banks, with his full might he destroyed the temple. The invaders started vandalizing the architectural construction as per Islamic beliefs. They plundered and looted the temple, the idols were desecrated and precious jewels were drawn out. Ghazanavi was sure that this incident would come into light anytime and when it does he will have to face the wrath of the Kshatriyas on his way back.
Anxious Ghazanavi in turmoil rushed as fast as he could to return his native soon. On the other hand, when this news reached Gogaji he was all enraged & aggressive. He decided to turn the tables and teach a lesson to the enemy. He sent messages to the northern and north – eastern kings asking for their help in the mission. Many kings already fell victim to Ghazanavis invasion agreed to the offer. Unfortunately, the odds were not in favor of this Hindu king. Gogaji estimated that before the reinforcement’s arrival, Ghazanavi will easily escape beyond their reach. Gogaji didn’t wasted time for the help and the 90 year old warrior was up to the challenge, he was all ready to repulse the enemy no matter what it takes.
Without thinking about the size of enemy troops, our hero blocked the way of enemy in the desert. Ghazanavi had an army of around 1,30,000 while the Chauhans were merely 900 in number, of which 21 were son of Gogaji himself, 64 were his grandsons & 125 were great grandsons. Rest of his nephews took part in the battle as well.
In the hot afternoon, in the sandy desert of Rajasthan; the swords of Hindu warriors were unleashed. Striking hard for the dignity of their Dharma and Somanath, the warriors unleashed wave of death upon the enemy. The attacks were so unexpected, heap of dead bodies were formed and the sand of Rajasthan was all red from the blood of the invaders. Although they were brave & courageous enough, but small handful people were no match for the large troop of enemy. This fact created no panic or terror in their minds, while every one of them sacrificed their life with no regrets, fighting the enemy till the last drop of their blood fell on the ground. Gogaji Chauhan with his family and relatives sacrificed his life for dignity.
Samant Singh was the only son left after, who didn’t participated in the battle. On knowing about the deaths of his beloved ones he decided to take revenge. He claimed to Ghazanavi that he knows a short and safe way to reach his destination quickly. Ghazanavi accepted his claim and for upcoming weeks Samant Singh deceived the invaders by taking them to different parts of the desert. Due to factors like sandstorm, excessive heat, lack of water and others; a large number of soldiers of Ghazanavi were dead naturally on the way. Finally, Samant Singh in his attempt went martyr as well.
Aftermath
Gogaji Bapa became the folk deity of people and still is worshipped as snake deity by people of Rajasthan, Gujarat & Punjab. The place where he sacrificed his life at Nohar in Hanumangarh district, a Samadhi temple stands to his tribute. Gogaji bapa is the name people there call him, or ‘Jaharveer’. Gogaji bapa was a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath and hence a ‘Gorakhnath tila’ is there next to the temple.
Many locals or the devotees though also have their own belief that since Gogaji was an incarnation of the lord Vishnu himself, he couldn’t have died. He eliminated Ghazanavi and took the Samadhi being alive. Whatever be the truth, but the fact remains same that there was someone who resisted Ghazanavi and his Islamic invasion and fought for the great cause.
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Part 3 will be uploaded soon...
