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Ravidassia

Sri Guru Ravidass Ji was born in Kanshi Varanasi in India during the early fifteenth century (1414 AD). Guru Ravidass Ji was born into a low caste family, which was considered untouchable (Chamar), to father Santokh Dass Ji and mother Kalsi Devi Ji.

He was born at a time when society was experiencing a radical caste system where the tyranny of the high caste society towards the poor was very strong. It was visible that from childhood, Guru Ravidass Ji had spiritual traits.

The mission of Guru Ravidass Ji; to teach all of mankind a single-minded devotion to one God, eradicate the caste system, and through this God would be accessible to all.

Guru Ravidass Ji was one of the prime advocates of the ‘Bhagti Movement’: a programme that aimed to reform society through the preaching of equality and devotion to God.

His mission gave him strength to perform miracles to emancipate and unite mankind, preaching truth, equality and the infinite power and faith of one God.

Today, we are all inspired by Guru Ravidass Ji’s philosophy, which encourages us to create a casteless society where all may live with equal rights and freedom.

The Aims

The Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Medway is to advance and spread the Ravidassia Philosophy, by:

● Undertaking to publish and circulate literature on the Life, Teachings and Philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and support publications which publish and circulate the literature on the guru.

● Holding conferences, seminars and similar events in which many Scholars and Researchers are involved.

● Directing the younger generation to understand and follow customs and traditions of the Ravidassia Community.

Religious Practice

● The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is our holy scripture.

● Ravidassias greet each other by announcing “Jai Gurudev”.

● Everyone should ensure their head is covered at all times, while in the temple.

● Ladies’ dress code: long comfortable dress/ trousers (kameez, salwar, shawl)

● Everyone should remove their footwear before entering the Diwan Hall (prayer hall) and place their shoes in the shoe racks provided.

● You should bow down in the presence of and before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (as to say a prayer), before sitting down.

Har is the ‘Ravidassia’ Symbol

Har is the registered symbol for the Ravidassia community and is recognised worldwide.

● Har identifies the Ravidassia community and is displayed at all Sri Guru Ravidass Bhawans (temples).

● A flag flies high at the Place of pilgrimage in Kanshi, Varanasi, India. The Birthplace of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.

What is the HAR?
● Har: God is one and all glory to him

● Around the word Har, we find the ‘Nam Thero Arti..’, a verse from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

● Within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, there are forty shabads written by Guru Ravidass Ji. Therefore, each pointer around the Har represents a single shabad. In total, “Har” has been used 8,367 times in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

● At every Anand Karaj wedding that is performed by the Granthi (custodian), there are four verses that have to be read from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Each Lavan begins with Har, the couple walk around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, with the groom leading the bride, while each verse is read and sung with music.

The Flag (Nishan Sahib)

The Ravidassia flag is of an orange colour, triangular- shaped cloth usually reinforced in the middle with the symbol Har.

● It is usually mounted on a long steel pole (which is also covered with orange-coloured cloth) headed with the Har.

● The Ravidassia flag is often seen near the entrance to the Sabha (temple), standing firmly on the platform, overlooking the whole building. All Ravidassias show great respect to their flag, as it is the symbol of the religious faith of the Ravidassia Community.

The Ravidassia Community

● Followers of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji are titled ‘;Ravidassia’ because they honour Shri Guru Ravidass Ji as their thinker and spiritual teacher, but the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji remains the central holy religious scripture.

● Ravidassias are neither Hindus nor Sikhs, they share many beliefs with Sikhs and with some Hindus, but they are a distinct movement. They have a strong belief in the equal worth of all human beings, and are committed to fighting against any system that denies this equality.

● Ravidassia are strictly monotheist (belief in one God), and do not worship images.

● Ravidassia’s greet each other with ‘JAI GURUDEV’

● The Religious Symbol is the’HAR’

Constitutional body

● The Management Committee of the Sabha (temple) comprises of the Office Bearers and the Executive Members. All members of the Management Committee are elected from this registered charity.

The Prayer

“The ARDAAS”

To join in the “ARDAAS”, the following should be observed:

● Stand up straight with hands together and think of Guru Ji.

● Sing together “TOO THAKUR TUM PEH ARDAAS” (text can also be provided on request)

● After the Ardaas, continue standing, and sing: ”HARR SO HEERA SHAAD KE KARAY AAN KEEI AAS, THEA NAR DOJUK JIHAANGE SAT BHAKHE RAVIDASS”

● The Ardaas concludes with the Jaikara: “ BOLEY SO NIRPHE; SHRI GURU RAVIDASS MAHRAJ JI KEE JAI”

● Sit quietly. The Granthi (custodian) sitting behind the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, will read the hukamnama (the order of God for that particular day).

● Upon completion of the hukamnama, “Karah Parshad” is distributed to the Sangat (a sweet pudding made of flour, sugar and clarified butter that is offered as ceremonial blessed food).

● Finally, langar (communal meal) is served. Langar is only vegetarian food, served from the Guru Ji’s Kitchen.

Sabha (temple) etiquette and protocol

The following etiquette should be observed in the Sabha before entering the hall:

● Do not drink alcohol or use/have tobacco or any drugs (controlled substances) on the Sabha premises including in the carpark. If anything of this nature has been consumed, entry to the Sabha is prohibited.

● Wear modest clothes to the Sabha.

● Removal of your shoes is essential. They should be placed in the racks provided.

● Always wash your hands after taking your shoes off, before/ after eating any food (either karah prashad or Langar), and before praying.

● It’s essential to cover your head in the prayer hall as well as in the langar hall (head covering is provided):

○ For women/ girls – will need to wear a headscarf or use a shawl. But they can also wear the Gurdwara’s large-knotted handkerchief too upon entering the building.

○ For men/boys – will need to wear a large-knotted handkerchief.

○ Not appropriate: Other hats and caps (eg baseball-style caps).

● Upon entering the Diwan hall (prayer hall and where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present), think of the “Guru Ji”

● Put your hands together and walk slowly towards the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (as to say prayer)

● Standing in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, bow humbly or touch your forehead to the ground out of respect for the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. However, if you do not feel comfortable bowing, please respectfully walk to where you will sit and face the Palki (which is where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is housed).

● As you bow, place your ‘offering’ respectfully before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji; where your offering may be money, flowers or a word of thanks. Any sincere expression of gratitude is equally acceptable to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

● If you bring a Rumala Sahib (a square or rectangular piece of silk used to cover the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji when it is not being read), this must always be treated with respect, and not placed on the floor or handled with unwashed hands.

● After bowing and placing your offering, sit in with the “Sangat” (the congregation) quietly without disturbing others. Please do not sit with your feet pointing towards the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, or sit or stand with your back towards the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Please, also, do not walk up onto the podium or stage inside the prayer hall.

● Clapping of hands is not permitted in the prayer hall on any of the accusations or any presentations, as a sign of respect.