Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a significant annual celebration in honor of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint and spiritual leader in the Bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century. He is particularly respected in the Ravidassia community and among various followers of Sikhism and Hinduism. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in January or February.
Celebrating Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Grand celebrations are organized on the day of Guru Ravidas Jayanti each year by the devotees to show their respect for him. The day begins with the chanting of sacred hymns from Guru Granth Sahib. Later, a Nagar Kirtan is performed in the form of a gala procession bearing a huge portrait of Guru Ravidas. Devotees are known to take a holy dip in River Ganges as their mark of dedication. Adorned with colorful lights and seasonal flowers, Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Seer Govardhanpur wears a festive look. Large number of devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers. Insightful teachings of Guru Ravidas have been framed in the form of ‘Shabds’ in Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji.
Legend Associated with Guru Ravidas
Guru Ravidas, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, has numerous legends and stories associated with his life and teachings. These legends highlight his wisdom, devotion, and the miracles attributed to him. Here are a few significant legends associated with Guru Ravidas:
The Legend of the Ganga:
One popular legend tells of how Guru Ravidas was once invited by a Brahmin to his home for a sacred ritual. When the Brahmin learned that Guru Ravidas was a cobbler by caste, he refused to let him participate, fearing ritual impurity. Guru Ravidas, with his divine grace, caused the sacred Ganges River to flow into the Brahmin's house, signifying that purity comes from one's heart and actions, not from caste or birth.
The Legend of the Golden Temple:
According to another legend, Guru Ravidas had a vision of a city where people of all castes and creeds lived in harmony. This vision inspired the construction of Begumpura (the City without Sorrow). The most notable legend linked to this vision is the story of the Golden Temple. It is said that Guru Ravidas contributed a brick made of gold to the construction of this temple, symbolizing his commitment to equality and unity.
The Legend of Mira Bai:
Mira Bai, a famous Rajput princess and devotee of Lord Krishna, considered Guru Ravidas her spiritual guide. It is said that she traveled long distances to seek his blessings and guidance. She referred to him as her guru and was deeply influenced by his teachings on devotion and love for God. This legend signifies the spiritual influence Guru Ravidas had across different regions and social strata.
The Legend of the King and the Shoe:
There is a legend that once a king visited Guru Ravidas to seek his blessings. The king, knowing Guru Ravidas's profession as a cobbler, presented him with a pair of shoes. Guru Ravidas humbly accepted the gift and wore the shoes, which miraculously started shining with divine light. This event humbled the king, who realized the saint's divine power and greatness.
The Legend of the Dead Cow:
Another legend tells of a Brahmin who approached Guru Ravidas, asking him to restore life to a dead cow. Despite skepticism from others, Guru Ravidas prayed sincerely, and the cow came back to life. This miracle further spread his fame as a divine being and saint.
These legends illustrate Guru Ravidas's profound spiritual wisdom and his unwavering commitment to equality, devotion, and love for humanity. They continue to inspire and guide his followers and admirers around the world.
Teachings of Guru Ravidas:
- Equality: He preached against the caste system and emphasized that all humans are equal in the eyes of God.
- Devotion: His teachings focused on a direct connection with the divine through love and devotion.
- Work and Conduct: He believed in honest living, hard work, and moral integrity.
Interesting Incident about Guru Ravidas
One day when all disciples were on their way to take a holy dip in River Ganga, Guru Ravidas expressed his inability saying that he needs to deliver shoes to one of his customers. After further insisting for the dip by another devotee, Guru Ravidas uttered these famous words “Man changa tow kathoti mein Ganga”, which means that if the heart is pure then Ganga River will be right in your bathtub.
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