His life took a major turn after he started following the teachings of Guru Ramananda, a 15th century Hindu mystical guru who coined the name Kabir Das. However, the most difficult part about Kabir Das is that it is impossible to categorize him as Brahmin, Sufi or Vaishnavite. Kabir Das used to describe himself as the child of Allah sometimes and as child of Ram during other times. The festival is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which usually falls in June.
Throughout his life, Kabir Das maintained such a unique distinction of not following any particular religion that it has created a confusing state among people as to term him a Hindu or Muslim. However, he is credited for his artistic acuity with which he used to express divine feelings with beautiful arrangement of words. Professionally, Saint Kabir Das was a weaver who used to spend most of his time at the loom, but the way he had woven magic in traditional realms of Hindus and Muslims equally is something that can never be ignored.
Legends of Sant Kabir Das
Saint Kabir Das reached the abode of God in Maghar close to Gorakhpur in 1518. However, immediate dispute began regarding how his final rites must be performed. It is believed that both Hindus and Muslims claimed the body to perform the funeral rites. To their utter surprise, Kabir Das stood up and asked them to lift his body and view beneath. Lying there was nothing but a beautiful array of flowers. Devotees and his followers were speechless with Hindus along with some flowers leaving to Varanasi and the rest of the flowers taken by Muslims to Maghar. Saint Kabir was a poet-saint whose work bridged Hindu and Muslim traditions. His hymns and couplets (dohe) address themes of devotion, equality, and spirituality, making him a key figure in the Bhakti movement.
Kabir Das was influenced with various incidents throughout his life that made him even more popular. To break his spiritual path, a beautiful courtesan had been sent to him with no effective results. Similarly, he was taken to the court of Sikander Lodi after having been believed that he possessed some magical powers. Eventually, he was made to leave the city of Varanasi in the year 1495 after which he never returned. During this period of his life, Kabir toured entire North India spreading oneness among people.
Mystical odes from Kabir Das made him an iconic character during the 15th century. Displaying a mature way of thinking, he is best remembered for some of the one-liners he uttered in response to various queries from people in his inimitable style. For instance, he expressed his feelings beautifully in words such as “The Purana and The Koran are mere words” and God is “neither in Kaaba nor in Kailash”. All over his life, Kabir actively denounced both temples and mosques maintaining that God is in everyone and exists everywhere.
History of Saint Kabir
Saint Kabir was a 15th-century Indian poet-saint, philosopher, and mystic whose teachings have had a lasting impact on Indian spiritual traditions. His life and work continue to inspire people across different communities. Here’s a detailed look at his history:
Early Life
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Birth: Kabir is believed to have been born in 1440 CE in Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. His exact birth date and year are subject to various interpretations, but June is commonly observed as the month of his birth.
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Background: Kabir was born into a family of weavers (Julahas) and is said to have been raised in a Muslim family. However, he was deeply influenced by the spiritual teachings of the time and did not adhere strictly to any one religious tradition.
Spiritual Journey
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Influences: Kabir was influenced by the Bhakti movement, which emphasized a personal connection with the divine rather than ritualistic practices. He was also exposed to both Hindu and Sufi traditions, blending elements from both in his teachings.
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Teachings: Kabir’s philosophy focused on the idea of one supreme God and the rejection of sectarian divisions. He promoted the idea of devotion (bhakti) over ritualistic practices and was critical of the caste system and organized religion. His teachings were conveyed through his poetry, which emphasized direct experience of God and a moral and ethical way of living.
Literary Contributions
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Poetry: Kabir’s poetry, known as Kabir Ke Dohe (Kabir’s couplets) and Kabir Granthavali (The Collection of Kabir’s Works), consists of devotional hymns and philosophical discourses. His verses are written in a colloquial language that made his teachings accessible to the common people.
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Themes: His poetry addresses themes of divine love, human equality, and the futility of ritualistic worship. He often used simple, everyday language and metaphors to convey profound spiritual truths.
Legacy
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Impact: Kabir’s teachings had a significant influence on the Bhakti movement, a devotional trend in Indian spirituality that sought to transcend sectarian divisions and focus on personal devotion to God.
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Followers: He had many disciples and followers who continued to spread his message after his death. His followers included people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the inclusiveness of his teachings.
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Sant Kabir Das: Kabir is often referred to as Sant Kabir Das, with “Sant” meaning “saint” and “Das” indicating humility or servitude. His hymns and couplets have been compiled in various texts and are recited and revered by his followers.
Commemoration
- Saint Kabir Jayanti: His birth anniversary, Saint Kabir Jayanti, is celebrated by his followers through prayers, recitations of his hymns, and community gatherings. It is a time for reflection on his teachings and the values of love, unity, and devotion he promoted.
Historical Sources
- Biographical Accounts: Detailed accounts of Kabir’s life are found in various texts written by his followers, including Kabir Vani and Kabir Bijak. These texts contain stories, hymns, and teachings attributed to Kabir.
Key Teachings of Saint Kabir
- Unity of God: Kabir advocated for the worship of one formless God, transcending religious boundaries and ritualistic practices.
- Rejection of Rituals: He criticized the importance placed on ritualistic practices in both Hinduism and Islam, promoting a more personal and sincere devotion.
- Equality: Kabir was a staunch advocate for social equality and rejected the caste system, which he saw as divisive and unjust.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें