New Delhi, Feb 16: On the occasion of Saint Ravidas Jayanti, PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham temple in Delhi's Karol Bagh and paid his obeisance.

 

PM Modi also interacted with the devotees and participated in the 'Shabad Kirtan' in the temple. In the message posted on visitors' book, the Prime Minister said Guru Ravidas' life was an inspiration. The Prime Minister also posted on Twitter a video of “very special moments” at the temple.

 

 

Guru Ravidas was a Bhakti movement saint during the 15th and 16th century and his hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He is considered the founder of the 21st-century Ravidassia religion. Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Magh Purnima, which is the full moon day of the Magh month as per the Hindu calendar.

 

 

The exact date of the birth of Guru Ravidas is not known but it is widely believed that he was born in 1377 C.E in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Guru Ravidas advocated for equality and dignity for all, irrespective of their caste. He promoted gender parity and opposed the division of society based on gender or caste. Some say he was also the spiritual guide of another prominent Bhakti movement poet - Meera Bai.

 

 

The Election Commission had postponed the Punjab election to February 20 to enable the followers of Guru Ravidas to be able to celebrate the festival. Initially, polling was scheduled in Punjab on February 14. But the political parties including BJP, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party requested the poll panel to change the date as the Guru Ravidas followers would not be able to vote if elections were held two days before the festival.

 

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has declared a holiday in all union territory government offices on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.