Agni Nritya Of Jasnathi Siddh Community – History – Story Of Fire Dance Of Jasnath Sect In Rajasthan
The Agni Nritya, or Fire Dance, is a captivating and sacred ritual performed by the Jasnathi Siddh community in Rajasthan, India. This mystical dance is deeply rooted in the history and divine experiences associated with Siddhacharya Jasnathji, the revered founder of the sect.
The story begins with the belief that Siddhacharya
Jasnathji, during his childhood, emerged unharmed from a fire. This miraculous
event serves as the foundation for the Agni Nritya, a dance performed by the
Jasnathi Siddhas to commemorate the divine protection bestowed upon their
founder.
Legend has it that Siddhacharya Jasnathji's incarnation was
a response to the penance conducted by Hamirji, the ruler of Katariasar
village, during Satyayugadi. In fulfillment of Hamirji's boon, Siddhacharya
Jasnathji manifested as a child near the Dabhala pond in the north direction of
Katariasar village on the auspicious day of Kartik Shuddha Ekadashi.
As Siddhacharya Jasnathji grew, a remarkable incident
unfolded. In an act that showcased his divine connection, he sat in a hearth
filled with scorching coals. Despite the intense heat, when his mother,
Rupande, pulled him out in panic, astonishment struck her as there were no burn
marks on the child's body. The fire seemed to have no effect on him,
reinforcing the extraordinary nature of Siddhacharya Jasnathji's divine
presence.
To honor this sacred event, the Siddhas of the Jasnathi sect
perform the Fire Dance on flaming embers even today. This dance, known as Agni
Nritya, is a beautiful and symbolic expression of their faith, devotion, and
the divine protection experienced by Siddhacharya Jasnathji during his
childhood. The flames that once failed to harm him now become a medium through
which the Siddhas connect with the spiritual legacy of their revered founder.
The Agni Nritya not only serves as a testament to the miraculous nature of
Siddhacharya Jasnathji's life but also stands as a living tradition, preserving
the spiritual heritage of the Jasnathi Siddh community in the vibrant cultural
tapestry of Rajasthan.