13/04/2024
The importance of Vaisakh
An Important and Historic Day for Ravidassias today.
Jai Gurudev, today, (Vaisakh) 13th April, we are celebrating the Pathri Taran Diwas. Satguru Ravidass Maharaj Ji's victory of Floating a massive Pathri (Stone) on the Ganges river by the Grace of God.
According to Hindu scriptures worship of God was the sole right of Brahmins only. Onthe contrary, Shri Guru Ravidass Ji, who belonged to Chamar caste, also started worship of God. He started blowing conch-shell and ringing the bell. He was enlightened and had realised God. He simplified mode of worship and discarded rituals. His religious discourses were most convincing and truthful. As a result, cutting 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 arrived 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 residents 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 downdeep into the water. All of them bowed down their heads. The onlookers 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 shoulders. 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.
Meri sangat poch soch din raati Mera karam kutilta janam kubhati.
Raam gosaeeaa jeea ke jeewnaa Mohi naa bisaarho main jan tera. (Rahaao)
Meri haro vipt jan karo subhaaieeCharn naa chhadoo sareer kall jaaiee.
Kaho Ravidass pario teri saabha. Beig milho jan karu naa bilanbaa.
At this moment there was dazzling light in the sky. All the onlookers expected something miraculous. Guru Ji moved ahead to the water and gently placed the stone in light-blue transparent water of the river. To great astonishment of the onlookers the stone (Pathri) floated majestically. Guru Ji gently smiled and thanked God for coming to his rescue. There was spontaneous applause from the viewers. The Pandits had failed in the test. They had been proved false worshippers. The onlookers 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 GuruJi. A gala-function was organised after sometime in the honour of Guru Ravidas Ji to celebrate his victory. He was seated at a raised cushioned 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 followers 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 hadcome out victorious against falsehood. False beliefs had been belied!
