1. Who was Saint Ravidas, and where was he born?
Answer:
Saint Ravidas was a cobbler by profession and a spiritual leader who fought against caste discrimination. He was born in Mandoor-Garh, near Kashi (Banaras), around 1376-1377 AD.
2. Why was Ravidas given that name?
Answer:
He was born on a Sunday, known as “Ravivar” in Hindi, which inspired his name Ravidas. Some people also called him Raidas.
3. Why did the Pandits of Kashi oppose Ravidas?
Answer:
The orthodox Pandits opposed Ravidas because, despite being an untouchable, he worshipped God. His defiance of caste norms challenged their beliefs and practices.
4. How did Ravidas rise to become a great religious guru?
Answer:
Through his piety, virtue, and spiritual teachings, Ravidas became a revered religious leader. Notable figures like Mirabai and Queen Jhali became his disciples, spreading his teachings further.
5. Describe the procession from Chittoor to Banaras mentioned in the text.
Answer:
A grand procession with elephants, soldiers, royal members, and gifts was sent by Queen Jhali to honor Saint Ravidas. It reached his humble hut in Banaras, signifying reverence for the saint’s teachings.
6. What message did Ravidas preach about caste?
Answer:
Ravidas taught that caste distinctions are meaningless and that all humans are equal. He believed that worship of God elevates individuals beyond social divisions.
7. What was Ravidas’s role in uplifting untouchables?
Answer:
He worked tirelessly for the dignity and equality of untouchables through his teachings. He empowered the marginalized to find self-respect and spiritual fulfillment.
8. What is significant about Ravidas’s contributions to the Guru Granth Sahib?
Answer:
Forty of Ravidas’s verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred text of the Sikhs. This reflects the deep respect for his teachings and spirituality.
9. How did Ravidas resist casteism throughout his life?
Answer:
Ravidas suffered due to caste discrimination but never gave up his fight. His teachings and life were dedicated to eradicating untouchability and social inequalities.
10. How did Ravidas handle money and material wealth?
Answer:
Although he was once given alchemical knowledge to turn metals into gold, Ravidas rejected it. For him, spiritual wealth, such as God’s name, was far more valuable than material wealth.
11. How did Ravidas use the contributions given by his disciples?
Answer:
Ravidas used all donations to help the poor, build temples, and support sadhus. His life exemplified selflessness and service to others.
12. Who were some of the key disciples of Ravidas?
Answer:
Among his disciples were the famous poetess Mirabai and Queen Jhali. These prominent followers helped spread his teachings and philosophy.
13. What was the social context in which Ravidas lived?
Answer:
Ravidas lived during a period of foreign oppression, religious orthodoxy, and societal gloom. His teachings, along with those of other saints, provided hope and revived spirituality.
14. What was Ravidas’s vision of equality?
Answer:
He believed in universal brotherhood where people, regardless of caste, gender, or social status, could enjoy equality and spiritual growth.
15. How is Ravidas remembered today?
Answer:
Even after 600 years, Ravidas is revered by millions. His teachings on equality and spirituality remain relevant and inspire people to fight social evils.
16. What was the significance of Queen Jhali’s association with Ravidas?
Answer:
Queen Jhali’s decision to take spiritual initiation (deeksha) from Ravidas shows that his teachings transcended social hierarchies, attracting even royalty.
17. How did Ravidas contribute to the social reform of his time?
Answer:
Through his sermons and teachings, Ravidas fought ignorance, orthodoxy, and prejudice. His mission was to create a society free from casteism and social evils.
18. How did Ravidas promote spiritual equality?
Answer:
He preached that worship and devotion to God were accessible to everyone, regardless of caste or social status, promoting a spirit of inclusivity.
19. What was Ravidas’s approach to preaching?
Answer:
Ravidas preached through peaceful assertions and teachings. He focused on spiritual practices to awaken people’s inner goodness and reject societal evils.
20. Why are Ravidas’s teachings still relevant today?
Answer:
In a world where caste and inequality still exist, Ravidas’s ideals of equality, brotherhood, and rejection of materialism continue to inspire social reform.
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