Bishnoi Village Safari Jodhpur
Amrita Devi Bishnoi (The Immortal Eco-Martyr)
In September 1730 AD, a brave Bishnoi mother named Amrita Devi Bishnoi wrapped her arms around a green Khejri tree in Jodhpur, choosing death over allowing royal axes to harm nature. Her ultimate sacrifice led 363 Bishnoi martyrs to give their lives, creating the world's most heroic environmental legacy.
Amrita Devi At A Glance
Immortal Legend- Home Village: Khejarli (26 km South of Jodhpur)
- Sacrifice Date: September 12, 1730 AD
- Her 3 Daughters: Asi, Ratni, and Bhagu Bishnoi
- Total Martyrs: 363 Bishnoi Men, Women & Youth
- National Award: Amrita Devi Wildlife Protection Award
Who Was Amrita Devi Bishnoi?
Amrita Devi Bishnoi was a humble village mother living in Khejarli Village, located roughly 26 km south of main Jodhpur city. She was married to Ramu Khot, a devout Bishnoi farmer.
Like all members of the Bishnoi community, Amrita Devi grew up strictly following Guru Jambheshwar Ji’s 29 eco-vows, particularly **Rule 19** (never cut a green tree) and **Rule 18** (be merciful to all living beings). To her, the Khejri trees surrounding her mud home were not mere timber—they were living family members.
The Day Axes Arrived In Khejarli (Sept 12, 1730 AD)
On *Bhadrapad Shukla Dashami* in September 1730 AD, royal soldiers led by minister Giridhar Bhandari entered Khejarli village to cut green Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) trees to fuel lime kilns for Maharaja Abhai Singh's palace construction.
Amrita Devi pleaded with the soldiers to stop, offering to pay money from her household savings if they spared the trees. When the soldiers refused and raised their axes, Amrita Devi wrapped her arms around a green Khejri tree, uttering her immortal words:
The soldiers struck her down. Seeing their mother martyred, her three young daughters—Asi, Ratni, and Bhagu—unhesitatingly embraced neighboring trees and accepted martyrdom alongside her!
Her Daughters & The 363 Bishnoi Martyrs
News of Amrita Devi's martyrdom spread like wildfire across 84 Bishnoi villages. Men, women, youth, and newlywed couples marched to Khejarli to take the sacred oath of tree protection (*Rookh Rikhola*):
1. Asi, Ratni & Bhagu (Her 3 Daughters)
Demonstrating unprecedented courage, Amrita Devi’s three young daughters wiped away their tears, stepped forward, and embraced trees, becoming the first martyrs to follow their heroic mother.
2. 294 Men & 69 Women
Villagers from 84 Bishnoi hamlets took turns embracing individual Khejri trees. A total of 294 men and 69 women were beheaded before royal soldiers halted the slaughter in horror.
3. The Royal Apology & Decree
Stunned by the 363 deaths, Maharaja Abhai Singh arrived in Khejarli personally, issued a royal copper plate decree banning tree felling and hunting across all Bishnoi lands forever.
The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award
To honor her supreme sacrifice, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Government of India) instituted the official Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Protection.
It carries a cash prize of ₹100,000 along with a citation, awarded annually to brave individuals and community groups who display exemplary courage in protecting wild flora, Blackbucks, and forests in India.
Visiting Amrita Devi Memorial On A Bishnoi Village Safari
Pay homage to Amrita Devi Bishnoi and the 363 martyrs on a private open 4x4 Jeep tour with native local host Bhagirath Bishnoi:
Khejarli Sacred Memorial Park Visit
Walk through the exact grove where the 1730 AD sacrifice took place. View the martyr monument inscribed with 363 names and touch the sacred green *Khejri* trees.
Hear Oral History From Local Descendants
Listen to traditional Marwari folk songs (*Katha*) sung in memory of Amrita Devi, shared directly by native Bishnoi guides during your private village tour.
Unfenced Blackbuck Wildlife Spotting
Observe wild Blackbuck antelopes (*Kala Hiran*) roaming freely near Khejarli and Guda Lake, living proof of the protection Amrita Devi died to secure.
Annual September Khejarli Fair (Mela)
If visiting in September (*Bhadrapad Shukla Dashami*), witness thousands of Bishnoi pilgrims gathering to plant hundreds of green saplings at the memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amrita Devi Bishnoi
Have specific questions regarding Amrita Devi, her quote, or visiting her memorial? Here are direct answers from native host Bhagirath Bishnoi.
Amrita Devi Bishnoi was a brave village woman from Khejarli (Jodhpur). In 1730 AD, she led 363 Bishnoi martyrs in sacrificing their lives by hugging green Khejri trees to prevent royal soldiers from cutting them down.
Her legendary quote was: "Sar Santey Rookh Rahe To Bhi Sasto Jaan", which translates to: "If a tree is saved even at the cost of one's head, consider it a small price to pay!"
Her three courageous daughters were Asi, Ratni, and Bhagu Bishnoi. They stepped forward immediately after their mother and embraced trees, accepting martyrdom alongside her.
It is an official national award given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Government of India) to individuals or institutions demonstrating extraordinary bravery in forest and wildlife protection.
Yes! The Khejarli Sacred Memorial Park is a primary stop on our Full Day Bishnoi Village Safari itinerary. You can pay respects at the memorial and learn the history directly from native village hosts.
Visit Khejarli On A Private Bishnoi Village Safari
Book your private open 4x4 Jeep safari directly with native local host Bhagirath Bishnoi. Free doorstep hotel pickup across Jodhpur, unfenced Blackbuck wildlife spotting, and authentic village hospitality!