Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj ji | 02 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj ji on his 649th birth anniversary, which is celebrated on the Purnima Tithi of the Magha month (falling on 1st February 2026). 

• Birth & Origin: Born in Seer Goverdhanpur (Varanasi) in the 15th century (c. 1450–1520), he belonged to the Chamar community (leather workers/untouchables).  
  • Despite his low social standing, his spiritual eminence attracted followers from all castes. 
• Spiritual Lineage: He is traditionally considered a disciple of the bhakti poet Ramananda and a contemporary of Kabir. He is also believed to be the spiritual guru of Meera Bai. 
• Philosophy (Nirguna Bhakti): He focused on the Nirguna (formless) aspect of the Supreme Being, rejecting ritualistic and saguna (with attributes) worship. 
  • He conceptualized 'Beghumpura' (a city without sorrow), an egalitarian society free from suffering, fear, and discrimination. 
  • He emphasized the state of Sahaj, a mystical union of the truth of the many and the one. 
  • His teachings focused on social dissent against the rigid Brahminical orthodoxy and caste discrimination. 
• Literary Contributions: His hymns were composed in the language of the common people. 
  • His devotional songs are incorporated into the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib), the holy scripture of Sikhism. His works are also preserved in the Panchvani of the Dadupanthi tradition. 
• Legacy: His teachings form the foundation of the Ravidassia religion, which follows the holy book Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass.