Sant Kabirdas Jayanti: Discover the Unexplored Mysteries of Sufi Saint 

Sant Kabirdas is a well-known mystic poet known for his spiritual contributions. The minute you open regional textbooks, you are certain to find verses or dohas by Sant Kabir. Did you know that there’s a special day dedicated to this famous saint? Sant Kabirdas Jayanti honours the birth of this Sufi saint. People from all walks of life, no matter their religion, are followers of Sant Kabir. Additionally, it is also a day of immense pride and joy for his admirers.

What’s more? Sant Kabir always believed in oneness over different religions. Not being limited to any particular caste or creed, this day is celebrated by people across the country. Moreover, Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is a day of joy in Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam as well as Sufism. In today’s time, this day is an original reflection of cultural values. A place where such saints are born is sure to commemorate their birth with absolute joy and pride. Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is on June 22. So, get ready to learn more about this auspicious day. 

Historical Background

We all know of different poets and their lives and deaths. However, the story twists when we talk about Sant Kabir. You must be astonished to know that nobody really knows the exact birth and death stories of Sant Kabir. He was born in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. That is also one of the reasons why many of his devotees belong to this state. When visiting this city, you can also visit spiritual temples of Varanasi to discover more!

There are a plethora of stories that revolve around Sant Kabirdas. Many historians also believe that Kabir lived for approximately 120 years. On the other hand, many devotees and followers believe that Sant Kabir arrived from Satlok in the body of light. The mystical figure then incarnates on a lotus flower. Did you know it is also believed that Rishi Ashtanand witnessed the incarnation of Kabir? Such a narrative makes him an intriguing figure.

Sant Kabirdas, a Sufi saint, is also worshipped in Islam. What’s more? You must be surprised to know about another mythology too. A few devotees believe that Kabir was found on Lahartara Lake by a Muslim couple. A couple, Nima and Niru, took Kabir from the lake and decided to raise him. That’s also why Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is not limited to any one religion. There are a number of religious texts and books that talk differently about the early life and birth of Sant Kabir.

Kabir was driven by the idea that God resides within every human being, no matter their religion. It is believed that he accepted Swami Ramananda as his guru (spiritual leader). He then learned from the Bhakti poet and gained an understanding of the world. Throughout his early life, he promoted the idea of God being one and he also questioned the need for religion. Sant Kabirdas Jayanti proudly celebrates the courageous thoughts inspired by his philosophical knowledge and in-depth love for poetry.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Sant Kabirdas Jayanti 

Sant Kabir did not adhere to any specific religion, making him a renowned spiritual figure. However, Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is an important day as per the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the poetry, teachings and extraordinary ideas of Kabir.

Even his verses are sung as bhajans as a reminder of his divine grace. The message of oneness and inclusivity makes Sant Kabirdas Jayanti even more prominent. Also, you can witness vibrant celebrations in North and Central India.

Additionally, Sant Kabir has contributed greatly to Hinduism with the mention of Lord Rama in many of his dohas. Similarly, he also talks about Khuda or Karim in his verses, making it a vital day for Muslims. Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is a day when you must embrace new values and renew your thoughts. The day is more about accepting people as humans, transcending caste, creed and colour. It also promotes social harmony, respect, gratitude and love for the diverse communities out there.

Vibrant Celebrations and Traditions across India

As we talk about Sant Kabirdas, we cannot forget about his popularity among different religions. That’s exactly why this day is celebrated in various ways. While some states observe it as a devotional day, others indulge in colourful celebrations with decorations. So, let’s understand more about the celebrations, particularly with reference to different states.

Born in Varanasi, Sant Kabir’s residence was located in Kabir Chaura. People and followers gather on Sant Kabirdas Jayanti at Kabir Chaura to celebrate his birth. They often sing verses written by Kabir, as well as his famous poems. Special programmes are arranged to seek blessings from Sant Kabir. These programmes generally narrate stories of the saint’s life, contributions and impact on society.

Kashi Nath Temple in Madhya Pradesh is dedicated to Saint Kabir. Sant Kabirdas Jayanti here is a happening celebration as devotees flock to the temple. You can witness elaborate discussions and recitations of the dohas of Kabir. The corners of the temple sparkle with spirituality on this day.

Sant Kabir also has influence and followers in Rajasthan. Being a traditional state known for its cultural significance, Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is all about getting into the authentic mood! Yes, you get to see folk dance by performers from the state. Music inspired by dohas is played using different instruments. The streets also talk to you about the grandeur of this day with artists singing bhajans. Rajasthan sure makes it a point to celebrate Sant Kabirdas Jayanti with extreme pride, love and respect for the saint.

Devotees in Punjab and Haryana generally organise community gatherings to learn about Kabir’s life. Similarly, cities in West Bengal sing popular dohas of Kabir in the regional language. People also like to discuss the philosophies of Kabir and engage in meaningful conversations. Cities in Maharashtra are all about various cultural events being organised in different parts. You might be able to attend theatre performances or special documentary viewings on Sant Kabirdas Jayanti. 

Followers and devotees across the country visit temples and ashrams dedicated to Sant Kabir. Along with the recitation of dohas, modern celebrations may also include theatrical acts by members of society. You might also witness different charitable events, including the distribution of food or clothing. While celebrations differ from region to region, it is super important to know that Sant Kabir’s teachings impact the lives of people even today.

Major Works and Literary Contributions

On this Sant Kabirdas Jayanti, it is time to discover his major works. It is believed that the literary works of the saint are in Kabir Bijak; however, their authenticity has not been verified. There are more than 82 works attributed to Kabir Panth. Even Sakhi Granth and Anurag Sagar mention Kabir’s poems and dohas. 

Here’s the twist! Documentation was not a thing back then. There are many other works under the name of this famous saint; however, the authenticity of these cannot be clarified. It is even believed that a lack of documentation led to the corruption of poems in different countries. Interestingly, many literary scholars have added their ideas to the already existing poems and dohas of Kabir.

What’s more? Many of these dohas are translated by Rabindranath Tagore to give them the most deserving touch of words and ideas. The translation enables people to read these texts and understand them from the perspective of Sant Kabirdas. This book has a plethora of poems that might have been drafted by admirers of the saint. However, again, the authenticity of all has not been verified.

Now that you have learned about the contributions, let’s dive into the best of the dohas on Sant Kabirdas Jayanti. Also, do not forget to check their deeper yet so relevant meanings.

Bura jo dekhan main chala
Bura na mileya koye
Jo dil khoja apna
Toh mujhse bura na koye

This beautiful doha says that we often look for the bad in others and blame them for the wrong. But, as we look deeper into our hearts, we only realise how bad our inner selves can be!

Jab tu aaya jagat mein
Log hase, run roye
Aisi karni na kari
Paache hase sab koye

Sant Kabirdas is renowned for its profound insights into life, such as this doha that encourages one to engage in virtuous actions. At birth, you cry while others feel joy, but it’s essential to live a life where your departure doesn’t evoke laughter from others due to your actions.

Kaal Kare so aaj kar
Aaj Kare so ab
Pal mein parlay hoyegi
Bahuri karega kab

You must have heard the first two lines everywhere! People even use it in their everyday lives. The doha inspires you to do the work today, which you were supposed to do later. It places importance on time because, if not now, when? This one is sure to kill procrastination if you follow Sant Kabir’s way of life.

Modern-Day Relevance of Sant Kabirdas Jayanti 

In today’s time, we are moving towards a technologically advanced world. Younger generations and adults are willing to understand more about Indian traditions and cultures. That’s exactly why Sant Kabirdas also receives immense love from people out there. What’s more? Knowledge is now available in a plethora of forms. 

You might come across news articles signifying the history of Sant Kabir. Similarly, social media leaves no mark behind to educate audiences through engaging videos and pictures. With widespread information on Sant Kabir, generations are moving towards a more peaceful and spiritually joyful path.

Sant Kabir believed in no disparity among religions. The idea inspires millions of people out there who follow a similar thought process. Moreover, Kabir also emphasised following the path of righteousness and honesty, no matter caste or creed. Such a deep thought creates a long-lasting impact on society. People are motivated to move beyond their rigid ideas to a significantly more peaceful thought process. 

Sant Kabirdas is not only for devotees. His immense contribution in the field of literature inspires millions of writers, poets and literary enthusiasts. Many followers refer to the dohas of Kabir to gain wisdom and alternative perspectives on life. People are even motivated to understand the deeper meanings of dohas.

You must also discover that Kabir Panth inspires many individuals out there. Kabir Panth is a spiritual community of people who follow the path of Sant Kabir. His teachings, dohas and other literary contributions are studied in the community. People come together and engage in spiritual discussions. The community also puts forward its views against social injustice and inequalities. Moreover, it fosters interfaith harmony where different places of worship and gods are treated as one!

Considering the pop culture and films of today, many songs have been inspired by the dohas of Sant Kabir. The famous song, Chadariya Jhini, is one of the popular songs from Kabir’s “The intricately woven blanket.” Additionally, many documentaries have been made depicting the life and teachings of Kabir. Shabnam Virmani, a documentary filmmaker, is known for a series of films showcasing the philosophy of this Sufi saint. Apart from this, the music album No Stranger Here is also a solid inspiration from Kabir’s poems. Not limited only to India, Pakistani Sufi singer Abida Parveen has composed a soothing music album dedicated to Kabir’s poems and way of life.

FAQs

1. When is Sant Kabirdas Jayanti celebrated?

Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is celebrated on June 22.

2. What are the key teachings of the Sant Kabirdas?

Sant Kabirdas always believed in humanity over religion. Some of his teachings include the oneness of God, inner realisation, righteousness beyond religion, eradication of ego, service and compassion and detachment from worldly affairs.

3. How is Sant Kabirdas Jayanti observed in different regions?

Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is celebrated in a variety of ways, depending on the state. While most stages indulge in prayers and meditations, other states also organise bhajans. You can also witness dance performances to music inspired by the dohas of Kabir.

Wrapping Up

Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is an important day of celebration as it commemorates the birth of a famous poet, spiritual leader and transformative figure. People take pride in associating themselves with the ideologies of Sant Kabir. The day of celebration reminds us to seek paths beyond our ideas of the world. It also empowers individuals to think beyond the boundaries of caste and religion and to seek truth and integrity in any matter.

As Sant Kabirdas Jayanti is nearing, make sure to participate in different events or programmes in your surroundings. If possible, donate food, clothes, or any other useful item to the needy. You can also indulge in meditation and other soulful practices leading to inner realisations. Choosing to celebrate also comes with a genuine responsibility to motivate others around you. After all, it has to be someone who popularises a man of inner beauty, literary intellect and thoughts beyond the ordinary.