Sant ravidas biography for kids

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He listened to Kabir Saheb’s spiritual discourses, imbibed the divine knowledge (Tatvagyan), and practiced the true path of Bhakti shown by Him. During this time, he received the eternal salvation mantra (Satnam and Saarnaam) from Kabir Saheb, which he practiced with full dedication.

Kabir Saheb did not just preach; He lived among ordinary people, uplifted the downtrodden, and revealed that all souls are children of the same Supreme God.

Sant Ravidas Ji deeply resonated with this message, especially as he faced social discrimination due to his birth.


Teachings Rooted in Kabir’s Knowledge

The verses and hymns composed by Sant Ravidas Ji reflect the profound influence of Kabir Saheb's teachings. Then God ordered him, in a dream, to keep the coins with him.

He alone can save men from evil passions and should be worshiped with all devotion that man is capable of.

Ravidas’ compositions have relevance even today. There are numerous Ravidassia Gurudwaras worldwide. However, as Schaller points out, the importance of such claims lies in their establishing the authority of a lineage of gurus (parampara).

However, one profound truth often overlooked is that Sant Ravidas Ji was a devoted disciple of God Kabir, the Supreme Being who descended to Earth and lived in Kashi (Varanasi) during the 15th century. Leaders from different parties often visit his birthplace in Varanasi, especially during election times.

Even international leaders, like former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have visited Guru Ravidass Temples in Canada.

Revered for his teachings on equality, devotion, and inner purity, he holds a significant place in Indian spiritual history. Meera Bai also completed her spiritual discipleship under his guidance. He believed everyone should be united in their search for spiritual freedom.

Ravidas's devotional poems are found in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Master of the first generation after Manaku and Nainsukh of Guler, Pahari region, ca.1800–1810

Birth DateBanaras, Delhi Sultanate (present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)Died onBanaras, Delhi Sultanate (present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)


Ravidas (also known as Raidas) was an important Indian poet and spiritual teacher who lived in the 15th and 16th centuries.

sant ravidas biography for kids

Today, his birthplace is a special place known as Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan. Ravidas Ji was spiritually inclined and sought true knowledge, which led him to God Kabir.

Recognizing the divine radiance and wisdom of Kabir Saheb, Sant Ravidas Ji surrendered himself at His feet and became His disciple.

Ravidas’ followers believe that he died at the age of 120 years.

Ravidas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids

Ravidas

Ravidas at work as a shoemaker. It is said, “his conversation and poetry were like the Sun that dispels darkness of doubt and infidelity”.

His birthday is celebrated as Ravidas Jayanti. It means a city without sorrow or fear, where everyone is equal.

The importance of Guru Ravidas's birthday (Jayanti) is so great that India's Election Commission once postponed an election in Punjab because of it. Majority of Ravidassias are aligned with Sikhism as their religion however, Ravidassia is also being recognised as a separate religion.


Early Life of Sant Ravidas Ji

Sant Ravidas Ji was born in Kashi (now Varanasi) to a family traditionally engaged in the leatherworking profession.

A procession was arranged (Shobha Yatra) and the king himself participated.

The revivalist movement in medieval India was pioneered by Ramanand and furthered by other equally great teachers all over India. After leaving the house he took up shoe-making, his family business, and made it a practice to supply shoes to all mendicant ascetics whom he came across.

He also wrote about the importance of being calm and detached, and what it means to be a true Yogi.

It's important to know that over time, many poems written by other poets were sometimes mistakenly linked to Ravidas. Stories say that Ravidas was the guru (teacher) of Mirabai, another famous poet from the Bhakti movement.

Queen Mira Bai wrote a song dedicated to Guru Ravidas, calling him her Guru.

Sadguru sant mile Ravidas
Mira devaki kare vandana aas
Jin chetan kahya dhann Bhagavan Ravidas

This means: "I found a guru in the form of sant Ravidas, and because of that, I achieved life's fulfillment."

Images for kids

  • Detail of Ravidas from a painting of a gathering of holy men of different faiths, by Mir Kalan Khan, ca.1770–75

  • Modern painting of Ravidas

  • Ravidas on 2001 Indian commemorative stamp.

See also

In Spanish: Ravidas para niños

10 Lines on Sant Ravidas Jayanti: Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated in the honor of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas and this day is observed with utmost joy in India especially in North India and Punjab on Magh Purnima (Fool Moon in February) as per the Hindu calendar.