Guru Ravidas Jayanti: Know the History and Significance of the Day
This year, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed on February 16 across the nation. Read further to know its history and significance.
Every year, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed as per the Hindu lunar calendar and this year the date is falling on February 16 across the nation. In 2022, it would be the 645th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
History and Significance of Guru Ravidas Jayanti
In 1377 C.E., Guru Ravidas was born on Magha Purnima (full moon day in the month of Magh) as per the Hindu calendar on Magha Purnima at Manduadih in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Guru Ravidas was an Indian mystic, poet, social reformer and spiritual guru who made remarkable contributions with his devotional songs, verses, spiritual teachings during the Bhakti movement. He gave 40 poems for the Adi Granth. Adi Granth is a sacred scripture of Sikhism.
While opposing the caste system, he also promoted communal harmony, spiritual freedom and equality. His birthplace has been named as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan as it holds a special significance for his followers.
Dates for Jayanti Observance
Purnima Tithi begins at 21:42 on Feb 15, 2022.
Purnima Tithi ends at 22:25 on Feb 16, 2022.
Writings by Guru Ravidas
He was a renowned poet of the nirgun bhakti tradition that valued the worship of a formless God. He acknowledged Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva in his poetry as manifestations of God, but rejected celibacy, asceticism, penance, austerity, rituals, pilgrimage, idol worship and the authority of texts considered sacred.
