Who Was Sant Ravidas?

Sant Ravidas: The Spiritual Icon of Equality and Devotion

Sant Ravidas, also known as Raidas, was a 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement in North India. A contemporary of prominent figures like Kabir and Guru Nanak, Ravidas is revered for his emphasis on devotion to God and his teachings on equality, universal brotherhood, and social justice. He is particularly venerated in the Dalit community, as he challenged the caste-based discrimination prevalent in his time. His teachings continue to inspire millions today, transcending religious and social boundaries.

Early Life

Sant Ravidas was born in 1450 CE in the village of Seer Govardhanpur, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. He belonged to a family of leatherworkers, a community considered part of the “untouchables” (Dalits) in the rigid caste hierarchy of the time. His father, Santokh Das, and his mother, Kalsa Devi, were engaged in the tanning of leather and the making of shoes, a profession deemed impure by the upper castes.

Despite his humble background and the discrimination faced by his community, Ravidas exhibited a deep spiritual inclination from a young age. He displayed compassion for all living beings and often shared whatever little he had with those less fortunate. His natural inclination toward spirituality was further nourished by his interactions with saintly figures and his devotion to God.

Ravidas’ Spiritual Journey

Ravidas’ spiritual awakening is deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition, which emphasizes personal devotion to God (Bhakti) over ritualistic practices. Like other Bhakti saints, Ravidas believed that God could be worshipped through heartfelt devotion rather than through complex rituals and sacrifices. His devotion was centered around a formless, all-pervading God, often referred to as “Satguru” or “Ram.”

His spiritual philosophy was influenced by the egalitarian principles of the Bhakti movement, which rejected the caste system and preached the oneness of all human beings. Ravidas believed that every individual, regardless of caste or social status, had the right to experience the divine. He often challenged the Brahminical dominance of his time and argued that devotion to God transcends caste barriers.

One of Ravidas’ key teachings was that inner purity and love for God are far more important than outward religious rituals or birth into a particular caste. He expressed these thoughts through his hymns, which are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and other collections of his poetry.

Teachings and Philosophy of Sant Ravidas

Sant Ravidas’ teachings revolve around several key principles that resonate with the universal values of love, compassion, and equality:

1. Oneness of God: Ravidas believed in a formless, omnipresent God who could be realized through devotion and love. He rejected the idea of idol worship and emphasized that God resides within every individual, regardless of their social or religious identity.
2. Equality of All People: One of Ravidas’ most radical teachings was his firm rejection of the caste system. He preached that all human beings are equal and that no one is inferior or superior by birth. His message was revolutionary in a society where caste-based discrimination was deeply entrenched. Ravidas declared that in the eyes of God, all souls are equal and capable of attaining salvation through devotion.
3. Devotion Over Rituals: Like other Bhakti saints, Ravidas emphasized that true worship of God comes from the heart. He rejected ritualistic practices, pilgrimages, and rigid observance of religious rites, focusing instead on inner devotion, love, and selfless service. According to him, the path to God does not require intermediaries like priests but can be realized through direct connection with the divine.
4. Living a Simple Life: Ravidas encouraged his followers to live a life of simplicity, humility, and service. He himself lived a modest life as a cobbler, continuing his family profession even after becoming a renowned saint. His humility and dedication to his work became a symbol of dignity for those belonging to the marginalized communities.
5. Universal Brotherhood: Ravidas believed that all human beings are part of one large family and that distinctions based on caste, creed, or religion are superficial. He promoted the idea of a casteless, classless society where love, respect, and compassion are the guiding principles. His vision of a world without discrimination is best encapsulated in one of his famous hymns: “Begumpura shehr ka naam, dukh andohu nahi te thama”
   (The city of Begumpura is a place without sorrow or pain, a city where all live in peace.)

This verse is often interpreted as Ravidas’ utopian vision of an ideal society where there is no suffering, inequality, or injustice.

Ravidas’ Hymns and Poetry

Ravidas expressed his spiritual insights and social critique through his poetry, which is known for its simplicity, clarity, and emotional depth. His hymns, or bhajans, were composed in the local vernacular, making them accessible to the common people. These hymns convey messages of devotion, love for God, and equality.

Some of Ravidas’ hymns have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, attesting to his influence on the Sikh faith. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was deeply influenced by Ravidas’ teachings, and the inclusion of his hymns in the Sikh scripture reflects the shared values of equality, devotion, and social justice between the two saints.

One of his famous hymns that captures his philosophy is:

“Prabhuji, tum chandan hum paani, jaaki ang-ang baas samani”
(O Lord, You are the sandalwood, and I am the water. Your fragrance permeates every part of me.)

In this verse, Ravidas expresses the intimacy of his relationship with God, illustrating the idea that divine grace and presence can transform and purify even the humblest of beings.

Influence on Society and the Bhakti Movement

Sant Ravidas’ impact on the Bhakti movement was profound, particularly in North India. His teachings attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, including both the upper and lower castes. His critique of the caste system and social inequality resonated with marginalized communities, especially the Dalits, who found hope and dignity in his words.

Ravidas also had a significant influence on other Bhakti saints, such Meera Bai. Meera Bai, the famous Rajput princess and devotee of Lord Krishna, considered Ravidas her spiritual guru, and her poetry reflects her reverence for him.

In modern times, Ravidas’ legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice, equality, and human rights. His message of dignity for all, regardless of caste or social status, remains relevant in contemporary discussions on caste discrimination and social inequality in India.

Legacy of Sant Ravidas

Sant Ravidas’ teachings continue to be celebrated today, especially by the Dalit community, who regard him as a symbol of resistance against caste oppression. His birth anniversary, known as Ravidas Jayanti, is celebrated with great fervor across India, particularly in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. On this day, his followers pay homage to his teachings by singing his hymns, organizing processions, and offering prayers.

Temples dedicated to Sant Ravidas, such as the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi, attract thousands of devotees who seek to honor his message of love, equality, and devotion.

Conclusion

Sant Ravidas was more than just a saint; he was a visionary who challenged the social norms of his time and stood for equality, compassion, and devotion to God. His teachings transcend caste, class, and religious boundaries, offering a message of unity and brotherhood that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Through his hymns, poetry, and life, Sant Ravidas continues to inspire generations to work toward a more just and equitable society.