Guru Ravidas Jayanti: Tribute to a Spiritual Luminary

Guru Ravidas Jayanti: Tribute to a Spiritual Luminary

Guru Ravidas Jayanti, commemorated on February 24, 2024, is a jubilant occasion observed primarily in North India, particularly in Punjab, to honor the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint-poet. Here are the key highlights of this auspicious day:

Guru Ravidas:

• Guru Ravidas, also known as Bhagat Ravidas, was a prominent saint of the Bhakti movement, alongside contemporaries like Kabir.
• Born in the underprivileged environs of Seer Goverdhanpur village in Uttar Pradesh, Guru Ravidas emerged as a champion of human rights and equality.
• His spiritual teachings, encapsulated in his verses, have been enshrined in the Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Notably, the eminent Hindu spiritual figure Meera Bai regarded Guru Ravidas as her spiritual mentor.
• He is credited with laying the foundation of the Ravidassia religion, which has gained prominence in the 21st century.

Celebrations:

• The Guru Ravidas Jayanti is marked by the recitation of Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji and the performance of special aartis.
• Processions, known as Nagar Kirtan, traverse the streets, echoing devotional songs and hymns in reverence to the saint.
• Devotees partake in the customary practice of bathing in rivers, symbolizing spiritual purification.
• Temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas witness a surge of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings.
• Notably, the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi, becomes a focal point for commemorating the saint and his teachings.

Significance:

• For adherents of the Ravidas religion, Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds profound significance, being regarded as the most auspicious day of the year.
• It serves as a poignant reminder of Guru Ravidas's enduring legacy as a proponent of equality, spirituality, and social justice.
• Guru Ravidas Jayanti stands as a testament to the enduring influence of a spiritual luminary whose teachings continue to resonate across generations, inspiring seekers of truth and harmony.