Prime Minister inaugurated a newly erected statue of Sant Ravidas in Varanasi during his 647th birth anniversary celebrations.
About the Sant Ravidas:
- Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century Bhakti saint, poet, social reformer, and philosopher, was born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, now Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan.
- Originally from a community engaged in leatherwork, he is also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas.
- Under Pt. Sharda Nand as his guru, Ravidas became a devoted follower of Lord Rama, married Lona Devi at 12, and had a son, Vijay Dass.
- Considered the spiritual Guru of Meera Bai, he founded Begumpura, a city envisioned to be without sorrow, embodying peace and humanity.
- A temple dedicated to him in his hometown stands as a testament to his legacy, where his hymns are recited daily.
- As a significant figure in the nirguna sampradaya, Guru Ravidas’s followers, known as Ravidassia, adhere to his teachings compiled in the Ravidassia Panth.
- He was a vocal opponent of untouchability, advocating for human rights and equality, challenging societal norms by engaging in practices reserved for upper castes and emphasizing that all humans are created equally by God.
Other key facts:
- Kashi is the birthplace of Jain Tirthankaras and Adi Shankaracharya attained his enlightenment from Kashi.
- Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Purnima Tithi of Magh month according to the Hindu Panchang calendar.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |