In News:

The recent inauguration and renaming of Adampur Airport in Punjab after Sri Sant Guru Ravidas Ji highlights the continued relevance of medieval Bhakti saints in India’s socio-cultural landscape. Such recognition goes beyond symbolic tribute and reflects the enduring influence of Guru Ravidas’s teachings on equality, dignity, and spiritual freedom.

Guru Ravidas

• Guru Ravidas (c. 1377–1527 CE) was a prominent saint-poet of the Bhakti Movement, born in Sir Gobardhanpur near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). His life coincided with other major Bhakti figures such as Kabir, and he is traditionally regarded as a disciple of Ramananda.
• Guru Ravidas composed devotional poetry in local dialects, making spiritual ideas accessible to common people. His verses emphasised direct devotion to the divine without ritualism or priestly mediation.

Teachings and Philosophy

Guru Ravidas’s philosophy was deeply egalitarian and reformist:

• Rejected the caste hierarchy and social discrimination
• Advocated human dignity and equality
• Promoted spiritual freedom over ritual orthodoxy
• Emphasised Nirguna Bhakti (devotion to a formless divine)

A central idea in his teachings is “Beghumpura” — an ideal city without sorrow, fear, or discrimination, symbolising a just and casteless society. This vision makes him a powerful voice in India’s historical struggle against untouchability and social exclusion.

Literary and Religious Legacy

Guru Ravidas’s influence transcended religious boundaries:

• 41 hymns attributed to him are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism
• His verses also appear in the Panch Vani of the Dadu Panthi tradition
• The Bhakti saint Meera Bai is believed to have regarded him as her spiritual guide

Over time, his teachings became the foundation of the Ravidassia religion, whose followers revere him as their central spiritual authority. The community follows the Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass as its holy book and has developed distinct religious symbols and practices.