Last Update: February 05, 2023, 05:05 IST
Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2023: Guru Ravidas is widely regarded as the messiah of Dalits. (Representational Image: Shutterstock)
Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2023: According to the Hindu calendar, the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is celebrated on Magha Purnima, the full moon day of the month of Magha. This year it will be celebrated on 5 February
GURU RAVIDAS JAYANTI 2023: Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds immense significance for millions of followers of the renowned poet and saint. Guru Ravidas has a huge following in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
The exact date of birth of Guru Ravidas is not known, but it is believed that he was a popular saint and poet between the 15th and 16th centuries. It is believed that Guru Ravidas was born in 1377 AD in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
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According to the Hindu calendar, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Magha Purnima, the full moon day of the month of Magha. This year Guru Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated on 5 February.
History and Significance
- Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds great significance as it essentially pays homage to the 14th century saint and social reformer Saint Guru Ravidas.
- He was one of the famous exponents of the Bhakti movement era.
- Guru Ravidas is widely hailed as the messiah of Dalits as he worked tirelessly to remove the evils of the caste system.
- He was born in a Dalit family whose traditional occupation was leather work and tanning.
- Although his chosen profession was that of a cobbler, Guru Ravidas repeatedly challenged the caste system by adopting the dress and symbols of Brahmins.
- Guru Ravidas adopted bhakti as a way of expressing his social rebellion as it was till now considered a privilege reserved for the upper castes.
- Guru Ravidas’ philosophy of equality and dignity for all, irrespective of their caste, is relevant even today.
- His egalitarian social philosophy and emphasis on equality attracted a cult following among Dalits.
- In addition, his disciples included prominent figures from the upper castes – Meera Bai, the famous Bhakti saint, the queen of Chittor and many rulers and princes of the time.
Celebration
The followers of Guru Ravidas perform aarti on this day and a grand celebration is organized at Sri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Temple. This temple is a major pilgrimage site for the followers of Guru Ravidas.
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