Biography of Sant Ravidas:
Sant Ravidas, also known as Guru Ravidas or Raidas, was a revered Indian saint, poet, and social reformer who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. He is considered a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized devotion to a personal god as the path to salvation. Sant Ravidas is revered by various communities, and his teachings continue to inspire followers across different regions. Here is an overview of his life:
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| Biography of Sant Ravidas |
Early Life:
1. Birth: Sant Ravidas was born in Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh, India, in the 15th century. The exact date of his birth is not known, but he is believed to have lived during the 15th and 16th centuries.
2. Caste Background: Ravidas was born into a family considered as untouchables or Dalits. Despite social barriers, he rose above the prevalent caste-based discrimination through his spiritual wisdom and teachings.
Sant Ravidas’s Spiritual Awakening:
1. Encounter with Guru Ramananda: According to legends, Sant Ravidas had a transformative encounter with Guru Ramananda, a prominent saint of the Bhakti movement. Despite societal norms, Guru Ramananda accepted Ravidas as his disciple.
2. Spiritual Practices: Ravidas immersed himself in devotional practices, focusing on the worship of the formless divine and the pursuit of a direct connection with God.
Teachings and Poetry of Sant Ravidas:
1. Devotional Poetry: Sant Ravidas expressed his spiritual insights and devotion through poetry. His verses, known as “bhajans” or devotional hymns, were often composed in the form of dialogues with the divine.
2. Universal Brotherhood: Ravidas’s teachings emphasized the universality of divine love, rejecting caste distinctions and promoting the idea that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God.
3. Social Equality: He strongly advocated for social equality and criticized the prevailing caste-based discrimination. His teachings emphasized the importance of inner devotion over outward rituals.
Legacy:
1. Influence on Bhakti Movement: Sant Ravidas played a significant role in the Bhakti movement, which sought a direct and personal connection with the divine, transcending religious and social barriers.
2. Literary Contributions: Ravidas’s devotional poetry has been compiled in various collections. His verses continue to be sung and revered by followers, contributing to the rich tradition of devotional literature in India.
3. Places of Worship: Various temples and shrines dedicated to Sant Ravidas are spread across different regions of India. These places serve as centers for worship and reflection on his teachings.
Commemoration:
1. Ravidas Jayanti: Sant Ravidas Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, is celebrated by his followers with great reverence. It usually falls in the month of Magh (January-February).
2. Admiration Across Communities: Sant Ravidas is venerated not only by the followers of the Bhakti movement but also by people from diverse communities who appreciate his teachings on equality, love, and devotion.
Sant Ravidas’s life and teachings have left a lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural landscape of India. His emphasis on social equality, devotion, and love for the divine continues to inspire individuals seeking a path of spirituality and universal brotherhood.