Introduction
Sant Ravidas, also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas, was born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Throughout his life, he tirelessly advocated for human rights and equality. Revered as a poet and philosopher, some of his compositions were incorporated into Guru Granth Sahib Ji. His birthplace is now revered as Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan. Sant Ravidas was indeed a contemporary of other influential figures like Kabir and Guru Nanak.
Sant Ravidas Nirguna
He stands among the renowned figures of the nirguna sampradaya (sant parampara) and emerged as a prominent leader in the North Indian Bhakti movement. Additionally, he symbolized resistance against untouchability, championing the rights of lower caste individuals against discrimination by the higher castes in society.
Guru Ravidas’s teachings emphasized human rights, equality, and spiritual enlightenment.
Influence on Guru Nanak
Bhagat Ravidas traveled to Punjab in the late 1400’s where he met First Guru Nanak who at a young age 0f 18, admired and felt inspired by the hymns of the saint.
- Sant Ravidas was accompanied by Kabir Ji, Tarlochan Ji, Sain Ji and Dhanna Ji and met Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Chuharkana, now known as Nankana Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev served them food with Rs.20/- which had been given to him by his revered father Mehta Kalu Ji for some profitable business.
Ravidas also met with Guru Nanak later in Sultanpur near the River Bein. The two met again in 1498 A.D. at “Guru ka Bhag” a place of worship in Bannaarsee where the elderly Bhagat Ravidas agreed upon request to bestow manuscripts of his compositions to Guru Nanak. Many decades later, Fifth Guru Arjun Dev included 41 hymns bequeathed by Ravi Das composed in 16 various raags when compiling the Gurbani of Adi Granth.
Sant Ravidas had a significant influence on Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Both Ravidas and Guru Nanak shared similar beliefs in the importance of equality, social justice, and devotion to God. Guru Nanak was deeply inspired by the teachings of Sant Ravidas and incorporated many of his ideas into his own philosophy. This influence can be seen in Guru Nanak’s emphasis on the equality of all individuals, regardless of caste or social status.
Verses in SGGS
The poems of Sant Ravidas are indeed included in the Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), the central religious scripture of Sikhism. His compositions are found in the section dedicated to the Bhagats, or the revered saints from various religious backgrounds, whose writings were included in the SGGS. The inclusion of Sant Ravidas’ poems in the SGGS reflects the profound impact of his teachings on Sikhism and his recognition as a spiritual luminary.
There are 41 verses of Bhagat Ravidas in the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Most of them are in very clear Hindi. His poetry is brimming with ardent love for God, Universe, Nature, Guru, and the Name. His sarcasm and pique shows his closeness with God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sant Ravidas was a highly revered saint and poet who played a significant role in the Bhakti movement of India. His teachings had a profound influence on Guru Nanak and continue to inspire millions of people to this day. The inclusion of his poems in the SGGS further solidifies his importance in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Sikhism.
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