Ravidas holds an importance place among the sufis and saints of Indian origin. He is also known as Raidas. Ravidas belonged to the same period as Kabir. In 2014, Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated on 14th Febuary, Friday. Ravidas was born the day of Magh Purnima in the year 1398 in a village near Varanasi. He was born on a Sunday. Hence, he was named, Ravidas. He is known to be a disciple of Ramanand.
Biography of Sant Ravidas
There is not enough evidence about the period in which Ravidas lived. According to some, he was born in Kashi and lived during 1482-1527. Others believe that he was born on Magh Purnima in the year 1398. He was born in a family of shoe-makers. His father’s name as Raghu and mother was known as Ghurviniya. Shoe making was his family business. He accepted and worked hard. He was soft-spoken and sweet due to which he was liked by the other people.
Saint and Poet Ravidas
The medieval period is also known as Bhakti Kal in Indian history and literature. Many saints and sufis were present in this time who tried to abolish many wrong practices that generated from Indian culture. Ravidas played an important role during this period and tried to abolish discrimination based on Dharma, Caste etc.
Ravidas was devoted towards Lord and was a great poet. Generosity, devotion towards God and sadhna can be clearly seen in his works. Ravidas tried to express himself through Bhakti and Satsang. He always worked for the betterment of the society.
Prabhu ji tum chandan hum pani,
Jaki anga anga vaas samani,
Prabhu ji tum dhanban hum mora,
Jaise chitvan chandra chakora,
Prabhu ji tum deepak hum baati,
Jaki jyoti bare din raati,
Prabhu ji tum moti hum dhaga,
Jaise sonahi milat suhaga,
Prabhu ji tum swami hum dasa,
Aisi bhakti kare Raidasa.
In the above passage, Ravidas explains his thoughts through imagination and devotion. He has explained everything in simple words. Due to this, the common people have always easily understood his works.
The incidents of his life have always been inspiration to the people. According to one such incident, Ravidas’s disciples wanted to go for a bath in river Ganga and insisted Ravidas to come along. Ravidas said that he had already promised someone that he would make shoes for the person on that particular day. Hence, he would not be able to go. He also said that by doing his work, he would feel like he has taken a bath in river Ganga. Since then, there is a saying that is famous which goes as : ‘Man Changa Toh Kathauti Me Ganga’.
The Dohas and Bhakti songs written by Ravidas have always tried to spread love and care among the people’s hearts. Ravidas also tried to bring the Hindus and Muslims together and this is evident from his thoughts which have been expressed in his songs. He said that one can meet God in his own heart even if he does not go on any pilgrimage.
Ka Mathura, Ka Dwarika, Ka Kashi Haridwar,
Raidas Khoja Dil Aapna, Teh Miliya Dildar.
Significance of Ravidas Jayanti
Ravidas is believed to be devoted to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. His famous Dohas are still used by the people and many songs have been writeen with them. Sant Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with a lot of zeal in the whole country. A Shobha Yatra is organized on this day. Satsang etc are also organized based on Ravidas’s thoughts and works. People dedicate flowers in respect on his Jayanti.
