Legend
Pipar City, located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, is traditionally believed to have been founded by a Paliwal Brahmin named Pipa. According to local legend, Pipa was a devout worshiper of a serpent deity, thought to be of the Takshaka or Naga lineage, whose sacred dwelling was situated by a tranquil lake on the town’s periphery.
Each day, Pipa offered milk to the serpent as a ritual of reverence. In return, the deity is said to have left two gold coins at the lake’s edge as a token of gratitude. When Pipa was called away to Nagaur, he entrusted the daily ritual to his young son. However, the boy, driven by greed, attempted to seize the serpent’s treasure. As the serpent emerged for its offering, the boy struck it with a stick, wounding but not killing the deity. The serpent withdrew in anger, and the boy, overcome with fear, confessed to his mother. Concerned for her son’s safety, she planned to send him away to his father the following day.
The next morning, tragedy struck. The boy was found dead, replaced in his bed by the coiled form of the massive serpent. Upon his return, Pipa was devastated by the loss of his son. Nonetheless, he continued his daily offerings at the lake, seeking forgiveness and atonement for the transgression.
Over time, Pipa’s unwavering devotion moved the serpent deity. The serpent eventually revealed its hidden treasury of gold and instructed Pipa to construct a monument to commemorate the events. It is from this act of devotion and reconciliation that the town of Pipar is believed to have originated.
The lake associated with the legend is known as Sampu, named in honor of the serpent. It continues to exist on the outskirts of Pipar, regarded as a symbol of divine mercy and spiritual faith.
India
