In News:

11th June 2025 marked the 648th birth anniversary of Sant Kabirdas, one of India’s most revered 15th-century Bhakti saints.

Place of Birth: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Birth Period: Circa 1440 CE, raised in a Muslim weaver family

Philosophy and Teachings

• Nirguna Bhakti: Kabir rejected idol worship and sectarian divisions, instead preaching devotion to a formless, universal God (Nirguna Brahman).
• Social Reform: He denounced casteism, rituals, and blind faith, stressing ethical conduct, humility, and self-realization.
• Inner Divinity: He believed God resides within and taught seekers to seek truth through introspection (Antar-drishti) rather than temple rituals.
• Language and Style:
  • Composed in Sant Bhasha, a blend of local dialects understood across religions.
  • Created Ulatbansi verses — paradoxical or "upside-down sayings" — challenging conventional wisdom.

Literary Legacy

• Major Works: Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthavali, Anurag Sagar
• Scriptural Inclusion:
  • His verses appear prominently in the Adi Granth Sahib compiled by Guru Arjan Dev.
  • Adopted by various traditions:
    • Kabir Bijak (Kabirpanth, UP)
    • Kabir Granthavali (Dadupanth, Rajasthan)

Impact and Influence

• Kabir Panth: A spiritual sect founded on his teachings, still active in North India.
• Sikhism: Deeply influenced Guru Nanak; Kabir’s dohas are integrated into Guru Granth Sahib.
• Cross-Religious Appeal: Respected by both Hindus and Muslims, he is a symbol of India’s syncretic spiritual culture.
• Other Sects: Influenced Dadu Panthis and Nirguna Bhakti traditions across India.

Contemporary Relevance

• Religious Harmony: In a climate of polarization, Kabir’s teachings offer a path of unity and spiritual inclusivity.
• Social Justice: His resistance to caste hierarchy echoes India’s constitutional values of equality and dignity.
• Sustainable Living: His emphasis on simplicity and contentment aligns with ecological and minimalist principles.
• Spiritual Humanism: He stressed conduct over ritual, making his message resonate across belief systems in today’s pluralistic society.