Sikar, Rajasthan: Nestled within the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, the story of Jeen Mata and her brother Harsh Bhairav is not just a tale of devotion, but a profound narrative of a sibling bond so strong it altered their destiny. This legend teaches us how a seemingly minor misunderstanding can sometimes lead to a monumental transformation in life.
This story dates back to an era when Jeen and her brother Harsh lived together in the same household with Harsh's wife. Harsh was married, and the family lived in harmony. The affection between Jeen and Harsh was legendary—a deep, platonic love that is still celebrated in local folk songs today.
One day, Jeen and her sister-in-law (Harsh’s wife) went to the village well to fetch water. Both filled their earthen pots (ghadas). On their way back, they reached a steep path where they needed help to lower the heavy pots from their heads. A playful yet pivotal argument broke out over who would help whom first. The sister-in-law said, "I will lower my husband's pot first because he is my husband." Jeen replied, "I too will lower my brother’s pot first because he is my brother."
It was a small, everyday moment, but it gave rise to a deep-seated emotion.
When they returned home, Harsh noticed that his wife had lowered her pot first while Jeen’s was still atop her head. Harsh questioned his wife, asking why she didn't help his sister first. To this, the wife replied: "I prioritized my husband, and Jeen wanted to prioritize her brother. Now, you tell us—in your eyes, whose love is greater? Your wife's or your sister's?"
Harsh was caught in a profound moral dilemma. Torn between his duty toward his wife and his affection for his sister, he remained silent. His silence deeply wounded Jeen. She felt that her place in her brother's life had been superseded and that the bond they once shared was no longer the same.
Jeen’s heart was so troubled by this incident that she decided to renounce all worldly ties. She left her home and headed toward the rugged Aravalli hills, where she took a vow of severe penance (Tapasya).
When Harsh realized his mistake and saw the pain he had inadvertently caused his sister, he followed her into the mountains. He pleaded with her to return home, but Jeen remained steadfast in her resolve.
Seeing that his sister would not return, Harsh made a monumental decision. Instead of going back to his house, he sat on a neighboring hill and began his own penance. He vowed that if his sister was to live a life of divinity and sacrifice, he would be right there by her side.
Jeen’s penance was so intense that she eventually attained Siddhi and became revered as a manifestation of Shakti (the Goddess). Similarly, through his devotion and austerity, Harsh came to be worshipped as 'Bhairav.'
Today, the Jeen Mata temple stands near Revasa village in Sikar, where the Goddess grants audience to devotees in her eight-armed (Ashtabhuji) form. On a nearby peak, her brother is worshipped as Harshnath Bhairav. This legend remains a timeless symbol of divine sibling love that transcended worldly boundaries and became immortal. It serves as a reminder that relationships are precious and should never be allowed to wither over small misunderstandings.