Bishnoi Panth

The Bishnoi Panth, also spelled as Vishnoi Panth, is a religious sect or Panth found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. It has a set of 29 Niyamas (principles/commandments) given by Guru Jambheshwar (1451–1536). As of 2010, there are an estimated 600,000 followers of Bishnoi Panth residing in north and central India. Shree Guru Jambheshwar founded the sect at Samrathal Dhora in 1485 and his teachings, comprising 120 shabads, are known as Shabadwani. He preached for the next 51 years, travelling across India. The preaching of Guru Jambhoji inspires his followers as well as environmental protectors. The Bishnoi sect admitted members from a variety of communities including Jats, Banias, Charans, Rajputs, and Brahmins.