Context:
The Prime Minister inaugurated a new statue of Sant Ravidas near Banaras Hindu University on his 647th birth anniversary.
Sant Guru Ravidas:
- Guru Ravidas – Renowned saint known for his contributions to the Bhakti Movement
- Period – 1377-1527 C.E.
- Also known as – Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas.
- Born in – Uttar Pradesh.
- It is now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan and is a major place of pilgrimage for the followers of Guru Ravidas.
- Disciple of – Ramananda.
- Visions and Teachings –
- Focussed on the nirguna (without attributes, abstract) form of supreme beings.
- Believed in gender equality, the abolition of the caste system and equality.
- Emphasised the philosophy of spiritual freedom.
- Believed in ‘Sahaj’, a mystical state where there is a union of the truths of the many and the one.
- Contributions –
- His devotional songs and poems are included in the Sikh Scripture of Guru Granth Sahib.
- His teachings now form the basis of the Ravidassia religion.
- Guru Ravidas Jayanti – A Hindu festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
Guru Granth Sahib:
- Guru Granth Sahib – Primary Holy Book of the Sikhs
- Also known as – Adi Granth
- Compiled by – 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606)
- Modified by – 10th and last Guru, Gobind Singh
- Written in – Gurumukhi script
- Language – Mostly Punjabi or Hindi, interspersed with Marathi, Persian, and Arabic words.
- Incudes teachings of – Kabirdas and Ravidas
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation
Answer: (a)
