Guru Ravidas was the Ravidassia religion’s founder and poet-saint of the Bhakti movement. He was a sultry socio-religious reformer, a thinker, a theosophist, a humanist, a poet, a traveller, a pacifist, and, most importantly, a towering spiritual figure. He was also a theosophist and a humanist. He emphasized equality in a society where all citizens are entitled to their social, political, cultural, and spiritual human rights.
The Guru Granth Sahib, a collection of Sikh scriptures, contains his devotional verses. He was one of the most prominent Bhakti saints. He advocated for one God’s worship, equality, human rights, universal brotherhood, liberty, and fraternity.
Guru Ravidas was born on Magh Purnima in Seer Gobardhangaon, close to Varanasi. Kalsa Devi was his mother, and Santokh Dass was his father. There is no universal consensus regarding the year Ravidas was born; some claim that he was born between 1376 and 1377 CE, while others claim that he was born in 1399 CE. Some documents say that Ravidas lived from 1450 to 1520. The place where he was born is now known as “Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan.”
Guru Ravidas was born into a Raja Nagar state sarpanch family. Ravidas Ji’s father used to make sandals and shoes.
Ravidas had a lot of courage and loved God a lot since he was a child. Ravidas used his pen to change society and used his creations to teach people about life. Promoting the idea that everyone should treat their neighbors equally and without discrimination.
Ravidas attended the school of his Guru Pandit Sharda Nand. Pandit Sharda Nand was aware of Ravidas’ talent, he then began instructing Ravidas in his Pathshala. Pandit Sharda Nand used to believe that Ravidas would become a great social reformer and spiritual teacher because of his behavior and talent.
Ravidas’s devotion to Lord Rama grew as he got older. Ram, Raghunath, Rajaram Chandra, Krishna, Hari, Govind, and other names were always used by him. which demonstrated his religious beliefs. Meera Bai had Ravidas Ji as her religious guru. Meera Bai was the daughter of Chittor’s queen and the king of Rajasthan.
She was greatly influenced by Guru Ravidas’ education, and she became a great follower of Guruji. Meera Bai also wrote a few words of praise for her mentor, like “Guru Milaya Ravidas Ji….” Meera Bai was the only child of her parents, and her grandfather “Duda Ji” raised her after her mother passed away. Duda Ji was a great Ravidas follower, and Meera Bai and her grandfather frequently met Ravidas. where his education greatly impressed her. With her family’s approval, Meera Bai made Ravidas Ji her guru after her marriage. In her writings, Meera Bai claims that her Guru Ravidas Ji rescued her from death multiple times.
Ravidas Ji bravely confronted all forms of discrimination and informed the populace of the true meanings of caste and faith. He used to tell people that man is known by his actions rather than by faith in caste, religion, or God. Ravidas Ji exerted a great deal of effort to eradicate untouchability from society.
“God has created man, not a man has created God,” Ravidas Ji used to say to people. This indicates that every human being is created by God and enjoys equal rights on Earth. Saint Guru Ravidas Ji used to teach people about universal brotherhood and tolerance in a variety of ways. Guru Ravidas was against any and all activities which promoted inequality.
The Sikh book Guru Granth Sahib contains a number of religious songs and other compositions by Ravidas Ji. They were included in the book by Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. The people who follow the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji are referred to as “Ravidassia,” and the collection of his teachings is referred to as “Ravidassia Panth.”
Devotees perform rites on this auspicious occasion by taking a holy dip in sacred rivers. It is thought to be a once-a-year event when a lot of Ravidassias come to Varanasi.
Drik Panchang claims that Guru Ravidas Jayanti will be observed on February 5. Purnima Tithi will begin on February 4, 2023, at 9:29 p.m. and end on February 5, 2023, at 11:58 p.m. In honor of their great Guru and all-time saint, people also march in a procession bearing the portrait of Guru Ravidas.
