Saint Rohidas

According to the beliefs of scholars, Saint Rohidas was born around 1450 in Mandur, near the city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. His parents were named Raghu and Kalsi. His father was a leather worker by profession. Growing up in a family engaged in the leather trade, his family was considered untouchables. However, Saint Rohidas' interests were more inclined towards spirituality, and he often spent time near the banks of the Ganges river. He was recognized in society as a saint, poet, social reformer, and spiritual guru. He wrote numerous poems, each of which reflected commentary on various social issues such as struggle and oppression, war and peace, renunciation, and the yogic way of life. He also expressed his desire through his life to be a ideal example for others. A collection of his 41 poems is included in the sacred Guru Granth Sahib, a religious scripture. During the 15th and 16th centuries, he was a prominent saint-poet in the Indian devotional movement. His devotional songs had a significant impact on the people of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Saint Rohidas traveled to Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh on pilgrimages. His poetry and devotional songs in regional languages were very popular. Through his discourses and songs, he provided enlightenment, education, and guidance to people of various backgrounds. Saint Rohidas is recognized or referred to by different names in different regions of India. For instance, he is known as Ruidas in Bengal, Rohidas in Rajasthan, Ravidas or Rohidas in Maharashtra, and Raidas in Punjab. Saint Rohidas passed away around 1520 near Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, and his samadhi (memorial) was established where his footwear were found. Every year, on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra, "Saint Rohidas Punyatithi" is celebrated, and many devotees pay their respects at his memorial site on this occasion