Sant Ravidas Ji – The Devoted Disciple of God Kabir
Introduction
Sant Ravidas Ji, also known as Raidas, was a prominent saint, poet, and spiritual reformer of the Bhakti Movement in India. Revered for his teachings on equality, devotion, and inner purity, he holds a significant place in Indian spiritual history. 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. Their divine relationship and time together in Kashi laid the foundation for Sant Ravidas Ji's spiritual journey and teachings.
Ravidas was the founder saint of Ravidassia sect. It is an offshoot of Sikhism who consider Sant Ravidas to be their revered Guru. The followers also have equal, if not more, regard for Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Shri Guru Granth Sahib. The speeches uttered by Ravidas ji are listed in Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji. There are numerous Ravidassia Gurudwaras worldwide. 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. Despite being born in a so-called "lower caste," his inner spiritual purity and devotion were evident from a young age. He questioned caste-based discrimination and emphasized that true devotion to God was above all social divisions.
Meeting God Kabir in Kashi
Sant Ravidas Ji's life changed when he met God Kabir, who was living as a humble weaver in Kashi but was, in fact, the Supreme God (Param Akshar Brahm) in human form. 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. This was not a mere student-teacher relationship; it was a bond between the Supreme Guru and an earnest seeker of truth.
Life with God Kabir in Kashi
Sant Ravidas Ji spent years in the spiritual company of God Kabir in Kashi. 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. Like his Guru, Ravidas Ji emphasized:
- Oneness of God: There is only one Supreme God who is formless yet takes form to deliver souls.
- True Devotion: Worship must be based on true knowledge and granted by a Tatvadarshi Saint (as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita 4:34).
- Equality: No soul is high or low; all are created by one Supreme God.
- Liberation through Naam: True salvation is possible only by chanting the real mantra given by God Himself or His authorized Saint.
One of his famous dohas (couplets) reflects his Guru's influence:
"Aisa chahun raj mein, jahan mile saban ko ann, Chhoti jaat badi hoi, jaake gun sab mein mann."
Translation: "I desire such a kingdom where everyone has enough to eat. The so-called lower caste becomes great by virtues and good conduct."
This mirrors Kabir Saheb’s message that spiritual merit, not birth, defines greatness.
Recognition in Guru Granth Sahib
Several hymns of Sant Ravidas Ji have been included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. His verses are full of bhakti (devotion), wisdom, and deep love for God, showing that his spiritual standing was universally recognized. One such hymn is as under
Guru Granth Sahib - Page 487
Aasa
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਜਨ ਗਏ ਨਿਸਤਰਿ ਤਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਕਬੀਰ ਉਜਾਗਰ ॥
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਕਾਟੇ ਕਾਗਰ ॥੧॥
In the hymn above, Hari refers to the Supreme Lord. The speech emphasises that remembering Hari, people have crossed over (the ocean of existence) and are liberated. The true worship and the naam mantras of the Supreme Lord have been brought to the fore by Kabir (God Kabir) following which the accounts of many births get cut away and salvation is attained.
However, what remains hidden in many accounts is that the source of his enlightenment was God Kabir, his Guru, who revealed to him the true spiritual path.
Conclusion
Sant Ravidas Ji was not just a saint but a living example of how the Supreme God Kabir transforms a devotee’s life through true knowledge and naam initiation. His life is a testimony that caste, status, or background are meaningless before God. What matters is sincere devotion and following the path shown by a complete Guru—in his case, God Kabir Himself.
Sant Ravidas Ji’s journey from a humble leatherworker to a revered saint was only possible through the divine grace of God Kabir, with whom he lived and learned in the sacred city of Kashi.
“Blessed is that land – Kashi – where God Kabir and His disciple Ravidas Ji walked together, spreading the true light of divine knowledge.”
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