In the 15th to 16th centuries CE, Sant Ravidas, also known as Raidas, was an Indian mystic poet-saint who led the bhakti movement.
Sant Ravidas was a poet, social reformer, and spiritual figure who was revered as a guru (teacher) in the contemporary regions of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
Ravidas was born into a family traditionally considered to be of a low caste in the Indian social hierarchy, often referred to as the "untouchable" or Dalit caste.
According to scholars, he was born in 1450 CE and passed away in 1520 CE.
The birthday of Guru Ravidas is known as Guru Ravidass Jayanti, and it is observed on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh.
He was born in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, in the village of Sir Gobardhan, which is close to Varanasi. Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan is the current name of his birthplace.
Nevertheless, the ancient literature Ratnavali claims that Guru Ravidas received his spiritual instruction from Ramananda and belonged to the Ramanandi Sampradaya lineage.
The two earliest sources of Guru Ravidas’ writings are the Sikh Adi Granth and the Hindu warrior-ascetic organisation Dadupanthis’ Panchvani.
In his poetry, Ravidas addresses issues like the definition of a just society, one without second- or third-class citizens, the need for objectivity, and the identity of the true Yogi.
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