Over the years, people in Jaipur have grown up observing individuals carrying a picture of Shani Maharaj or Shani Bhagwan on Saturdays at traffic lights in a bucket. A variety of coins are thrown around in this container. Many people roll down their windows and offer a coin or two. I assumed people were afraid of Shani, and they might be handing out money to appease him.

Old customs & rituals in Jaipur

One can witness many age old customs and traditions in Jaipur. People still follow rituals; this makes Jaipur a very unique city where modernity coexists with old world systems. And for this reason one can witness many traditions that have ceased to exist in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. Dakot community members can be seen in high traffic areas in Jaipur, like bazaars and traffic lights. Dakot community is part of Jaipur culture and traditions.

Who is Shani?

In Hindu mythology and Vedic astrology, Shani is considered to be the harbinger of bad luck and retribution. People pray & respect Shani to ward off evil and remove personal obstacles. Shani is often referred to as Shani Dev, Shani Maharaj, or Shani Bhagwan. As per Hindu mythology, Shani is the son of Surya, the sun, and Chhaya (meaning shadow). Shani also denotes, planet Saturn, one of the nine planets and is closely associated with the concept of Navgraha.

Dakot Brahmin in Jaipur | Everything to know about their rituals, life and practices?

It is not uncommon to Dakot Brahmins in Jaipur seeking money in the name of Shani Maharaj. I was always curious about this practice of seeking money from people. So once I asked a man from Dakaut community why they were asking for money. He replied “We are Dakot” and went away since he wanted to utilise his time. After hearing the word Dakot, I was even more inquisitive.

A conversation & information about Dakot Community

Recently, on a Saturday, as I parked my car in Johari Bazaar, in the Jaipur walled city, one such guy approached. As I got out of the car, I found myself in a conversation with him.

What’s your name?

Sanjay

Why are you carrying this idol and asking for money?

We are Dakot, followers of Shani dev and we are priests associated with the rituals of Shani Maharaj.

Is that what you do?

No, I’m a painter. (He meant a commercial wall painter who works with a contractor.) I earn Rs 4000/month on Saturdays. (He meant earning from donations people offer to Shani Dev). I earn around Rs 16,000 working as a painter for the balance days.

Where do you live?

I live in Luniyawas.

What does Dakot do?

Dakot are usually priests in Shani Temples and are also astrologers. Many Brahmins consider Dakauts to be lower rank Brahmins. This is a reason why they have been assigned to certain type of work and practices.

Why do Dakot Brahmin beg with Shani idol on Saturdays?

Dakot Brahmin community holds a revered place in Hinduism for its knowledge and religious service. Dakot Brahmins are associated with Shani Bhagwan, the deity signifying justice and karma. The precise reason why Dakot Brahmin beg with Shani idol is not established, however, a large number of people in India are afraid of Shani’s curse. This might possibly explain the reason why people are willing to give money to Dakot, to ensure peace with Shani Bhagwaan. Knowing this fact, many Dakot Brahmins ask for money on Saturdays; it is an easy way to make money in India.

The practice of some Dakot Brahmins carrying Shani idols on Saturdays and asking for money, especially at traffic lights, is rooted in a complex interplay of historical, social, and religious factors. It’s not a universal practice for all Dakot Brahmins, nor is it necessarily seen as their primary role by the community itself, it is a visible phenomenon in many parts of India, including Jaipur, Rajasthan.

What do Dakot Brahmins do?

Many Dakot Brahmins in Jaipur serve as priests and astrologers. They appease Shani and offer remedies for Shani dosh, Shani Sade Sati and Shani Mahadasha. They are instrumental in Shani pujas. They are sought-after guides due to their expertise in rituals and planetary influences among people experiencing hardships attributed to Shani Dev.

hat is the importance of Dakot Brahmins and how do they differ from other Brahmins? Some Hindu traditions require offerings to be made to appease malefic planets like Shani. These include black colored materials, oil, old clothes, iron etc. These rituals are considered “inauspicious” or “impure” for other Brahmin sub-castes. Dakot Brahmins have traditionally been the ones who accept these offerings; they are considered intermediaries who can absorb or mitigate the negative energies associated with Shani. Many Dakot Brahmins are engaged in various professions, including traditional priestly duties in temples or homes, as well as other modern occupations.

Dakot Brahmin preside over temples dedicated to Shani Bhagwan in Jaipur. Saturdays are the day devoted to Lord Shani and Shani temples in Jaipur witness a large devotees on this day. Shani aarti, black sesame (til) daan, and oil offerings are performed by devotees in Shani Mandir. One of the most famous Shani Mandir in Jaipur is on MI Road, near Gopalbari. Another popular Shani Temple in Jaipur is in Raja Park, Panchwati.

So, the next time you come across another Dakaut Brahmin, you will have all the background information about this community in India.