| Guru Ravidas -A Beacon of Equality, Compassion & Divine Love | | Happy Ravidas Jayanti | | Omkar Dattatray
This year the festival of Guru Ravi Das Jayanti falls on 1st February Sunday and as usual the festival is being celebrated with enthusiasm, gaiety and fervor. The birth anniversary of the great Guru coincides with the auspicious occasion of Magha Purnima which is a big festival in Sanatan Dharma. Guru Ravidas, also spelt as Raidas, was an Indian saint and poet of 15th century. He belonged to a family of leather workers,he even claimed to be an achhoot or untouchable. Some of the verses found place in Guru Grant Sahib of Sikhism. Mirabai, a Rajput lady of a royal family of Rajasthan, was one of the followers of Guru Ravidas. Many people follow his teachings and consider him their Guru, the teacher. Guru Ravidas wrote poems in Brij Bhasha. A few of his poems show Guru Ravi Das was the Guru of the masses and the downtrodden sections of the society. He, was a saint and reformer and was the big opponent of un-touch ability, and fought for equality of men and women and all in the society. Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrated with devotion and reverence, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a prominent saint of the Bhakti movement. In, 2026the event commemorates the 649th birth anniversary. He was the great mystic poet-saint who gave much importance to Bhakti to realize Almighty. Guru Ravi Das spearheaded the Bhakti cult and movement. Guru Ravidas [ 1377-1527 C E] also known as Raidas, Rohidas, or Ruhidas, was a renowned spiritual leader and reformer of the Bhakti Movement. He is revered for his devotional songs and verses that emphasized equality, unity, and importance of a spiritual connection with God. His teachings inspired countless followers and left an indelible mark on Indian spiritual and social traditions. As, per historians, Guru Ravidas was born in 1377 C.E. in Mandhuadhe, a small village near Varanasi Uttar Pradesh, India. However, some scholars argue that his birth year may have been 1399 C.E. Despite the historical debate, his birth anniversary is traditionally celebrated on Magha Purnima, as per the Hindu lunar Calendar. His birthplace, now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan, is a significant pilgrimage site for his followers who gather here to pay homage and seek blessings. Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds immense significance for his followers, particularly in North India and Punjab. The day is observed with grand celebrations, including prayers, processions, and recitations of his hymns. His, teachings, which stress equality, social justice, and elimination of caste –based discrimination, continue to inspire people to this day. Devotional prayers are offered in temples of Guru Ravidas in many places in north India. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas, especially the Shri Guru Ravidas Janan Asthan in Varanasi, to offer prayers and participate in special rituals. Colorful processions known as Nagar Kirtans, are organized in various cities, where his hymns and teachings are sung with devotion. Langars –community kitchens are arranged to serve free meals to devotees, symbolizing equality and essential unity of the mankind. Spiritual leaders and scholars share insights on Guru Ravidas’s life and teachings, inspiring people to follow his path of truth and compassion. Guru Ravidas’s teachings focused on universal love, equality, and devotion to God. He opposed social evils such as caste discrimination and advocated for a harmonious society. His verses, composed in regional languages, made spiritually assessable to the common people and inspired movements for social reform. His followers Known as Ravidassias, regard him as a divine figure whose messages transcend time. The Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan remains a beacon of his spiritual legacy attracting devotees from around the globe. Guru Ravidas Jyanti offers an opportunity to reflect on his teachings and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Whether you participate in temple rituals, attend processions, or engage in acts of service, the day encourages you to embrace the values of love, equality, and devotion. On the 649th birth anniversary of this great saint, let us honor his legacy and imbibe his timeless wisdom in our lives. The, teachings and poetry of this great saint cum poet is ever fresh and relevant in today’s greed torn and materialistic world. His teachings are universal as these have universal application. Guru Ravidas’s message of love, social equality, unity of the mankind, compassion are more relevant in modern time and they become our guides and torch bearers. Is Monistic Brahman or Anthropomorphic God, the God of Guru Ravidas. Ravidas argued that both these are one. In these manuscripts, Kabir initially prevails. Ravidas accepts that Brahman is monistic, but till the end Kabir didn’t accept worshipping a divine avatar. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is an optional holiday observed on the full moon day in the month of Magh month. It commemorates Guru Ravidas, who was born in 1450 in UP Varanasi. He became a poet –saint, a reformist, and a spiritual figure who founded the Ravidassia faith in the broader spectrum of Hinduism. This festival is celebrated for his massive number of followers. People observe this day by taking a holy dip and the proceeding with the performance of a special aarti to seek the blessings of the distinguished Guru. He was a famous saint of the Bhakti Movement. His devotional songs and verses made a lasting impact upon Bhakti Movement. In 2026, the event commemorates his 649th birth anniversary, observed on Sunday, February 1st 2026, coinciding with Magha Purnima. Guru Ravidas was a teacher who was an Indian mystic, poet, social reformer, and a spiritual Guru who made significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement through his devotional songs, poetry, and spiritual teachings. He also penned 40 poems for Sikhism’s sacred scripture, the Adi Granth. Guru Ravidas Jayanti has a special significance among the people following Sikhism, specially who follow Ravidassia sect, and other people who in any way revere Ravidas like some of the Kabirpanthis and other religions. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with special prayers, bhajans, Nagar Kirtan processions, and reading his poetry, devotional songs and remembering his verses. Many devotees visit sacred rivers to take a holy bath, while others offer prayers at temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas. He is revered for his devotional songs and verses that emphasize equality, unity and the importance of a spiritual connection with God. His teachings inspired millions and left an indelible mark on Indian spiritual and social canvas. In short the teachings and message of equality, social justice and essential unity of mankind and his advocacy for social reform will continue to inspire countless people. The, befitting tribute to this great saint cum poet is to follow his teachings which are more relevant in the modern -day materialistic world. Let us follow his teachings and message for social,moral and spiritual development.
The author is a columnist, social, KP activist & Freelancer |
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