Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Uae Ind

Stories of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji

1.

Guru Ravidass Ji as a Promising Student

Pt. Sharda Nand ran his Pathshala in his house. Guru Ravidass Ji was put to his Pathshala (School) by his revered parents. Many other casteist people tried to restrain Pt. Sharda Nand from admitting in his Pathshala and teaching Ravidass Ji-a low caste boy. He was a wise man and he realised from his face that the boy Ravidass Ji appeared to be a godly boy. In utter disregard of the pressure of casteist people, Pt. Sharda Nand admitted Guru Ravidass Ji and started teaching him. He was a sober and prom- ising student. When he taught him the letters of alphabet, Guru Ravidass Ji expanded and spoke poetic lines, originating from the particu-lar letter, signifying Glory of God.

All this had great influence on Pt. Sharda Nand, his teacher. He realised that boy Ravidass Ji was spiritually enlightened since beginning. Although Guru Ravidass Ji was still a boy, yet Pt. Sharda Nand had developed deep regard for student Ravidass Ji.

The dead son of Pt. Sharda Nand's son became alive

2.

In his childhood when Guru Ravidass Ji was studying in the Pathshala of Pt. Sharda Nand, he developed friendship with his son. They used to play together.

One day in the game of hide-and-seek, Guru Ravidass Ji won and his friend lost the game. As a result, his friend was to seek hidden Ravidass Ji in his next turn. By this time night had fallen. It was mutually agreed that the friend (son of Pt. Sharda Nand) would play his turn of seeking Guru Ravidass Ji tomorrow in the morning.

In the next morning, Guru Ravidass Ji, along with other play-mates, waited for his friend for a long time but he did not turn up. At last Guru Ravidass Ji himself went to his residence with other playmates.

The parents and other members of family of friend of Guru Ravidass Ji were weeping. The neighbourers and others were also sitting in re- morse. Guru Ravidass Ji enquired as to what had happened. He was apprised that his friend (son of Pt. Sharda Nand) had died during night. Guru Ji wondered as to why he had died with- out playing his turn of seeking Guru Ji in the game of hide-and-seek. He wanted to see his friend. Pt. Sharda Nand took Guru Ravidass Ji along to the place where dead body of his son was lying. In a friendly tone, Guru Ravidass Ji, asked his friend that it was not the time to sleep and he should get up and play his turn of seek- ing him in the game of hide-and-seek. By virtue of spiritual powers of Guru Ravidass Ji, His friend became alive. He got up and was willing to play. His parents and others were astonished. They were happy again.

The parents and relatives of the friend of Guru Ji and others bowed at sacred feet of Guru Ji and thanked him.

3.

A Brahman Boy Rescued

A Brahman boy named Ram Lal was a close friend of Guru Ravidass Ji. For most of the time they remained together and played together. The Brahman boy did not observe untouchability also. He loved Guru Ji very much. The Brahmans were jealous and could not toler- ate that a Brahman boy should play with an un- touchable boy. They emphatically impressed upon his parents to detract their son from mov- ing and playing with a boy of low-caste. But Ram Lal obeyed none.


The Brahmans, being jealous of Guru Ravidass Ji, complained to the king about the friendship of Ram Lal (a Brahman) and Guru Ravidass Ji (an untouchable). The king called Ram Lal to the court. He was decided to be killed by throwing before a hungry lion. As such, he was thrown before a hungry lion. The lion thundered. Ram Lal cried at his high pitch and fainted. When the lion came near the boy it be- came calm. It looked around. Instead of killing the boy it looked frightened. It saw Guru Ravidass Ji sitting near and protecting Ram Lal. The lion bowed before Ram Lal and receded. Ram Lal came to senses. He got up and came straight to his friend Guru Ravidass Ji and thanked him for his protection from the lion.


The King and Brahmans felt ashamed. The King realised that Ram Lal has been protected by some spiritual power. The king freed him.

Non-acceptance of Philosopher’s Stone

4.

Guru Ravidass Ji was a great saint of me- dieval Age who remained contented with his mini- mum belongings and resources of livelihood. He preferred to lead a poor man’s life. Many kings and queens and other rich people were his dis- ciples but he never expected and accepted any wealthy offers. God deemed it proper to give him a philosopher’s stone. One day God, in the guise of a saint, visited Guru Ji’s hut and of- fered him a philosopher’s stone with whose touch iron would be converted into gold. The saint asked him to construct a palatial building with money earned with converted gold. Suit- able boarding and lodging arrangements could also be made for visiting Sadhus. Guru Ji lis- tened all this. After a pause he politely refused the offer with the plea that he prefers to be poor and that he would serve the visiting Sadhus with his available resources. Even the repeated offers of the philosopher’s stone by the Godly saint were not accepted by Guru Ji.

At last the saint thought that he should leave the philosopher’s stone in his hut and he could use it later. He requested Guru Ji to keep it with him and he would collect it from him on return. Guru Ji told him to keep it in a particular place in the hut. The saint kept that stone there.

The saint came back after 13 months. He asked for philosopher’s stone. Guru Ravidass Ji asked him to collect it from the place where he had kept. He had not used it. The saint won- dered on his tenacity of non-involvement in worldly wealth. The saint was very happy and took away the philosopher’s stone, went out and disappeared.

Guru Ji has taught us a lesson that one should not be greedy. One should work hard for earning livelihood.

5.

Guru Ravidass Ji Escaped Attempt on Life

Ever since his childhood, Guru Ravidass Ji had religious bent of mind. His talks were not conventional. Even his family members were astonished at his strange actions. He was an un- daunted boy. When he became adult, he started worshipping God like the Brahmans. He blew conch-shell, applied Tilak (mark) on forehead wore Janju (sacred thread) and tied Dhoti (cloth sheet used instead of trousers) like the Brah- mans. He vehemently condemned caste system and untouchability. He preached equality, secularism, truthfulness, oneness of God and human rights. Since his message was of universal broth- erhood, people of all shades irrespective of caste, sex or creed came to listen his sermons. His following was fast increasing. At this, the Brahmans and Piran Ditta Mirasi planned a strategy to kill Guru Ravidass Ji. A meeting of several young men was to be arranged in desolate and lonely place away from the village where Guru Ravidass Ji would also be invited. In the course of discussion, Guru Ravidass Ji would be manhandled and killed. Guru Ji knew it before hand due to his spiritual power.

The meeting started at the venue. In course of discussion a group of persons caught hold of him and tried to kill him. At this juncture, by virtue of his spiritual powers, Guru Ravidass Ji cast his appearance on one Bhalla Nath. As a result, Bhalla Nath, their companion, looked to others as Ravidass. They killed him. After a short while, Guru Ji blew conch-shell at his hut. The killers were astonished to hear the sound of the conch-shell. They went back to the spot of the scuffle and found that Bhalla Nath had been killed instead of Guru Ravidass Ji. They repented and prayed Guru Ravidass Ji for forgiveness.

Floating of Pathri (Stone)

6.

According to Hindu scriptures worship of God was the sole right of Brahmins only. On the contrary, Shri Guru Ravidass Ji, who be- longed to Chamar caste, also started worship of God. He started blowing conch-shell and ring- ing the bell. He was enlightened and had realised God. He simplified mode of worship and dis- carded rituals. His religious discourses were most convincing and truthful. As a result, cut- ting across caste barriers, large number of people became his followers. All this irked the Brahmans. It was a challenge not only to their priestly supremacy but an adverse impact on their source of livelihood also. Brahmans forbade him from worshipping God. But he did not relent and took worship as his birth-right.

At last Brahmans approached the then Kashi Naresh Hardev Singh and complained against Guru Ravidass Ji for practising worship of God. Guru Ravidass Ji was summoned to appear in the court of the king. Guru Ji explained in the court that worship is everybody’s right and that he is the truthful worshipper of God. The Pandit priests and Guru Ravidass Ji were asked to bring their Thakur (Idol) whom they worshipped, to the river Ganga on the appointed day. Only that party will be adjudged as the true worshipper whose Thakur floats in the river. Brahman priests and Guru Ravidass Ji ar- rived at Rajghat of the river Ganga as directed by the king. The Pandits had brought small Thakur stones wrapped in the cotton. But Guru Ravidass Ji was stoutly carrying a 40 kg. heavy- weight square stone on his shoulders with unshakeable confidence. A huge crowd of resi- dents of Benaras gathered on Rajghat of river Ganga to witness the fateful and decisive event. The king and the courtiers also reached the spot. The Brahman priests who were the aggrieved party were given first turn to float their Thakur stones in the river.
All the tall fleshy, head shaven, Janju (thick thread) wearing and Tilak applied Brahman priests blew conch-shells and fumbled Vedic Mantras and gently placed their Thakur stones in the river one by one. To their great dismay, all their Thakur stones gently sank down deep into the water. All of them bowed down their heads. The on-lookers were stunned to see the sinking Thakurs of Brahmans. Then was the turn of Guru Ravidass Ji. He lifted his heavy-weight stone on his shoul- ders. There was thaw. All eyes were focussed on Guru Ji and the stone he carried. Curiosity prevailed. It was a decisive moment. In case his stone also sinks, there will be further gloom for the lowly. Guru ji closed his eyes and stood erect. His face blushed and with all humility he prayed to God.
At this moment there was dazzling light in the sky. All the on-lookers expected something miraculous. Guru Ji moved ahead to the water and gently placed the stone in light-blue trans- parent water of the river. To great astonishment of the on-lookers the stone (Pathri) floated ma- jestically. Guru Ji gently smiled and thanked God for coming to his rescue. There was spontane- ous applause from the viewers.

The Pandits had failed in the test. They had been proved false worshippers. The on-look- ers made a mockery of the Pandits. The king announced victory to Guru Ravidass Ji as the truthful worshipper. All respectfully fell at his feet. Guru Ravidass Ji was seated in a golden palanquin and moved in a procession in the city. The mindset of the masses was changed and they developed regard for him and the lowly. They were blissful after having glimpses of Guru Ji.

A gala-function was organised after some- time in the honour of Guru Ravidas Ji to cel- ebrate his victory. He was seated at a raised cush- ioned and beautiful seat decorated with jewels. All the courtiers, diwans, intelligentsia, chieftains and selected people formed the gathering. All spoke high of Guru Ravidass Ji. The king and members of his family intantly became follow- ers of Guru Ji. At the end of the function sweets were distributed. The people touched sacred feet of Guru Ji and went back home singing his praise. This event was recorded in the annals of court in calligraphic golden letters.

It was an unprecedented and eventful day for the untouchables. New glorious history was created for them on that fateful day. Truth had come out victorious against falsehood. False beliefs had been belied!

7.

Disgrace of Guru Ravidass Ji Be- got Leprosy

Saintly persons belong to entire mankind. They do not represent any single caste or creed. They cherish universal well-being; and persuade humanity to follow the path of Truth and Equal- ity. Guru Ravidass Ji was a reputed enlightened saint of medieval Age. Influenced by the truth- fulness of his sacred sermons of worship of God, devotees from all castes became his dis- ciples. After having learnt of his fame as an Eman- cipated saint, a wealthy Seth visited his place to hear his religious discourses. On that day Guru Ji threw light on importance of human birth. It was elucidated that rare phenomenon of our birth is a result of our benevolent deeds in our previous life.
“Dulabh janam pun phal payo”
The Almighty should, therefore, be wor- shipped to enlighten our this life. Other than His Name all show of rituals is false. At the end of Satsang (religious discourses) Guru Ji distributed nectar from shallow earthen pot lying near his seat. On observing it as dirty water, he threw nectar behind his head and back instead of drinking. It fell partially on his clothes and partially on the floor.

The gathering dispersed. The Seth came back home. Thinking that his clothes had been spoiled and polluted by dirty water given by Guru Ravidass Ji, he took off the clothes and donated to a poor man who was suffering from leprosy.

The poor man wore the clothes donated by the Seth. The clothes bore blots of nectar given by Guru Ravidass Ji to the Seth. The poor man felt soothing effect on his body as soon as he put on the clothes. The wounds of leprosy started healing up. He started having sound sleep at night. In a short period, the poor man became completely healthy as if he had never suffered from the disease. On the other hand leprosy developed on the body of the Seth. He got lot of treatment from highly qualified and experienced Vaids and Hakims but the disease continued be- coming serious. The wounds of leprosy became wet. Continuous intense pricking pain upset the psyche of the Seth and plunged him in gloom. He sat alone and pondered as to whether the disease was due to disgrace of the saint. He went to Guru Ravidass Ji and apologized for throw- ing nectar on his earlier visit. Guru Ji forgave him. He got relief from the disease automatically within a few days. Thereafter, the entire family of the Seth became Guru Ji’s disciples.

Display of Janjus of 4 Ages

8.

The Hindu religious books have put a bar on the so-called Shudras from worshipping God. The Shudras were not allowed to wear the Janju (sacred thick thread), put mark (Tilak) on fore- head and observe other religious practices. Guru Ravidass was born to face the brunt. He started wearing Janju, put Tilak (religious mark) on fore- head and wearing Dhoti like that of Pandits. He also observed other practices which were pecu- liar to the Brahmans only. All this was taken very ill by the Pandits. In the beginning they tried to impress upon Guru Ravidass Ji not to resort to the practices followed by them. But Guru Ji would not agree. He told them that they were wearing false Janju.

Aggrieved by the intransigent attitude of Guru Ravidass Ji, the Brahmans brought to the notice of the king, the religious practices fol- lowed by Ravidass Ji which are peculiar to the Brahmans only. The king was furious on the is- sue. He sent for Guru Ravidass Ji for clarifying his position. Guru Ravidasss Ji appeared in the court of the king. The Brahmans too had come in large numbers. The issue of wearing Janju (sa- cred thick thread) was discussed.

Brahmans said that as per Hindu scriptures, Janju is to be worn by the Brahmans only. Ravidass being untouchable should stop wear- ing it. Guru Ravidass Ji told the king that it has falsely been written in the scriptures that non- Brahmans will not wear Janju. It is injustice with others. However, he will stop wearing Janju on one condition. The Pandits would show him what he was just going to show to the king. Guru Ji took out a Rambi (knife) and struck it into his chest making four-inch long cut. Blood blew profusely. There was a pool of blood on the floor. He pulled out four Janjus from his chest- one of gold, second of silver, third of copper and fourth of thread-signifying his wearing these Janjus in Satyuga, Treta, Duaaper and Kalyuga. This also demonstrated that the untouchables are pure, truthful and innocent. The Brahmans cut a story figure. Their faces turned pale. Un- derstanding the reality, the king fell on the feet of Guru Ji and begged apology for the harass- ment caused to him. A broad-minded Guru Ji forgave him.

At the end of the event, Guru Ji told the king and the gathering that in fact Janju has no significance in attainment of God. He wore it only to demonstrate its futility and to show the right path to the Brahmans. Guru Ji took off his Janju and gave it to the king. Thereafter, he never wore any Janju as such. The pains taken by Guru Ravidass Ji to wrest human rights should not be allowed to go unfelt and unsung. It should further kindle the spirit to continue the pace. Blood flowed from his chest may energise blood of the generations to tread his foot-prints and thrill the era.

9.

Meera Bai Saved

Meera Bai was the only child of her parents. Her mother died when Meera Bai was still in her infancy. She was brought up un- der the custody of Duda Ji, her grandfather who was a worshipper of God. He had met Guru Ravidass Ji several times. He was under his in- fluence. Meera Bai was also influenced by the devotional bent of mind of her grandfather. It is said that at the time of marriage of Meera Bai, Guru Ravidass Ji blessed the couple.

After her marriage, she adopted Guru Ravidass Ji as her Guru, with the consent of her husband and other elderly members of her family. Religious discourses were held daily at the open compound of 1800 ft. high Kumbh Shyam Mandir near Vijay Sitambh, Chittorgarh. These discourses had deep impact on innocent con- science of Meera Bai. In this compound, Meera used to dance in ecstasy of deep Divine devotion. She used to sing the praise of her Guru.
By this time, Meera Bai had become a truth- ful devotee of Guru Ravidass Ji. She had unshakeable faith in Guru Ji. She was absorbed in meditation and company of saints all the time. After the death of her father-in-law, her troubles started. Bikramjit the younger brother of her deceased husband, was apprehensive and did not like her remaining aloof in meditation and company of saints. But Meera Bai did not relent. Bikramjit got her thrown in Gambhiri river at midnight. She glimpsed Guru Ravidass Ji in the turmoil of waves. The waves comfortably sprang her out to the bank of river. This incident confirmed purity of Meera and she felt blissful.

On another day in her intuitional devotional state of meditation, Meera Bai was talking and laughing with Guru Ravidass Ji in her room. Bikramjit apprehended that she was talking and laughing with some outsider in her room. Out of wrath he unsheathed his sword to kill her. He knocked at the door and asked her angrily to open the door. Without waiting he forcefully pushed the door open. There was no man. Room was filled with dazzling light. Meera was ab- sorbed in meditation. This shook him. His con- science cursed him. He fainted. After some time he gained consciousness. Feeling helpless he came out.

Meera Bai faced yet another crucial test. A cushioned bed was prepared. Piercing sharp nails were studded on it. Meera Bai was asked to sit on it as it was purported to be manufac- tured for her comfortable sleep. She did as directed. By virtue of protection by Guru Ravidas Ji the piercing nails became flowers. She had sound sleep on the bed.

Bikramjit was still haunted by the phobia of killing Meera Bai. He chalked out a strategy to kill Meera Bai in consultation with his minis- ters. She was to be offered milk mixed with poi- son by posing it as nectar sent to her by Guru Ravidass Ji. Uda Bai, sister of Bikramjit, secretly told Meera Bai that poison in the milk is going to be offered to her posing as nectar sent to her by Guru Ravidass Ji; that she should not drink it. Meera Bai replied that if it is said to have been sent by Guru Ravidass Ji, she would drink it as nectar. Milk mixed with poison was offered to Meera Bai through Pandit Daya Ram stating that it is nectar sent by Guru Ravidass Ji and she should drink it. In meditation Guru Ravidass Ji told her that although it is poison-mixed-milk yet she should unhesitatingly drink it as nectar. Meera Bai repeated Name of Guru Ravidass Ji devo- tionally and carried the pot containing poison- ous milk. It became nectar. She drank it and be- came blissful. She sang in ecstasy:

Bikramjit still thought of killing Meera Bai. He thought out another plan. A poisonous snake was to be sent to Meera Bai posing as garland sent by Guru Ravidass Ji for her. The snake would sting her when the pot is opened. Pot carrying poisonous cobra snake was taken to Meera Bai and she was told that it is a garland sent by Guru Ravidass Ji for her. She should wear it. She meditated Guru Ji. By spiritual power of Guru Ravidass Ji the snake became a beauti- ful garland. She removed disc of the pot. It was a beautiful garland. She picked it up and wore it. She was moved and sang spontaneously:

Meera Bai thanked Guru Ravidass Ji. She was saved.
Bikramjit was now helpless. He yielded to Meera Bai and begged apology for past attempts to kill her. She forgave him. Bikramjit and mem- bers of his family developed deep regard for Guru Ravidass Ji.

Guru Ravidass Ji was a great saint. Meera Bai was his equally great disciple. Her heart beat with Guru Ji; her soul vibrated with Guru Ji. She wrote and sang profuse devotional poetry in praise of Guru Ravidass Ji. Sweet and melodi- ous tunes of hymns of Meera Bai can be heard even today in air in the serene vicinity of Chittor. Radio and Television too sing her devotional songs as the day dawns.

King Pipa lost Nectar

10.

Guru Ravidass Ji was famous for his en- lightened Realisation. He had written many hymns in the praise of God. His sermons dis- cussed in religious discourses were most con- vincing. His message was of universal appeal. As a result, large number of people attended his religious congregations.

King Pipa had a religious bent of mind. One day he attended Satsang (religious dis- courses) of Guru Ravidass Ji. He was highly impressed with truthful sermons. At the end of Satsang, Guru Ravidass Ji distributed nectar to the visitors. King Pipa thought of low caste of Guru Ji and hated water being posed as nectar. Guru Ji poured nectar on his hands to be drunk. Thinking it as polluted water he threw it down through the gap in both the hands together. As a result, nectar fell on the clothes of king Pipa. It left indelible blots on the clothes.

After reaching his home, king Pipa sent the clothes to washerman for washing. The indelible blots could not be removed. Daughter of the washerman sucked the blots for their removal. The moment she sucked the blots, she was en- lightened. She could tell as to what was happen- ing in the distant places. All this came to the notice of king Pipa. He enquired from the girl as to how she got this spiritual power. She told him that the moment she sucked blots on his clothes, she was enlightened. King Pipa repented. He realised that he had wasted nectar taking it as water of low caste saint. He went to Guru Ravidass Ji and begged apology for throwing nectar. He prayed Guru Ji to give him the same nectar again. Guru Ji told him that he had missed the opportunity, as the nectar was not available now. However, on his insistence, Guru Ji initiated him and made him his disciple. King Pipa worshipped God as guided by Guru Ravidass Ji. As a result of Di- vine devotion he became emancipated. Other members of his family and many visitors also became followers of Guru Ji.