In rural parts of northern Rajasthan, he is revered as a deity and is considered to be one of Lord Shiva's eleven primary incarnations.
[7] As per the historians, it is believed that Ram Kunwari, Tejaji mother, got a boon from Nagaraja and gave birth to a baby named, Teja Ji.
[8] In the rural heartland of Rajasthan, tradition dictated that the chieftain Tejaji, must initiate the plowing of fields after the first monsoon rains in the month of Jyestha.
Tejaji embraced this duty with unwavering determination, ready to turn the soil and honor age-old customs.
[1] Tejaji’s mother urged him to perform the ploughing, known as Halsotia, because his father and brother were out of village due to some work.
Determined to rectify this perceived shame, Tejaji resolved to retrieve his wife from her in-laws’ abode.
In fight Tejaji emerged victorious and proceeded to Tabiji, Ajmer, securing permission from his sister’s husband, to bring Rajal back to Kharnal.
The festival commemorates the greatness of Teja Ji Maharaj, and the sacrifice he made to honour his words.
In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tejaji Temple in Kharnal village, Nagaur, Rajasthan.
[17] Tejaji married Pemal, daughter of Raimal, chieftain of Paner village in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan.
His wife, Pemal, and his sister, Rajal, practiced sati pratha when Tejaji sacrificed his life for cows.