Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru or Bhagat Ravidas (also Raidas) was a north Indian Sant mystic of the bhakti movement who was active in the 15th century CE. Venerated in northern India and in the Indian state of Maharashtra, he is the Satguru of the Ravidasi sect and one of the fifteen Bhagats of the Sikhs. His devotional songs and verses made a lasting impact upon the bhakti movement.

Ravidas devotion, universal and casteless love soon spread far and wide. He was against the caste system and untouchability. He stood in support of the low sate. During his time caste system was practised and people from low caste were not allowed to enter temples or to schools. 

He preached universal brother hood, equality of mankind, compassion and tolerance. It is believed that Mira Bai who was the maharani of chittoor and a daughter of a king of Rajasthan became his disciple during this period. His songs preached equality and he taught that one is distinguished by his actions and not by his caste.

How is Guru Ravidas Jayanti Celebrated :

The followers of guru Ravidas celebrate this day with great dedication and vigour. Thousands of pilgrims gather at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi to pay their tribute to the guru and offer their prayers. On this day akand panth is chanted. The flag of Sikhs called nishan sahib is exchanged ceremonially. 

A special arti and nagar kirtan is also performed. Procession is taken out carrying the portrait of the guru. Special payers are also held in gurudwaras.

Ravidas Bhakti Song For Ravidas Jayanti :

अब कैसे छूटे राम, नाम रट लागी। 
प्रभु जी तुम चन्दन हम पानी,
जाकी अंग अंग बास समानि। 
प्रभु जी तुम घन बन हम मोरा,
जैसे चितवत चन्द चकोरा। 
प्रभु जी तुम दीपक हम बाती,
जाकी जोति बरै दिन राती।  
प्रभु जी तुम मोती हम धागा,
जैसे सोने मिलत सुहागा। 
प्रभु जी तुम स्वामी हम दासा,
ऐसी भक्ति करै रैदासा।