2026 - Sri Guru Ravidass Ji | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹650 will be issued to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. The gazette notification is awaited from the Ministry of Finance.

Sri Guru Ravidass was one of the most influential saint-poets of the Bhakti movement in India, whose life and teachings continue to inspire millions across centuries. Born in the 15th century, traditionally believed to be in Varanasi, Sri Guru Ravidass emerged from a humble background and worked as a leather artisan. At a time when society was rigidly divided by caste and social hierarchy, his life itself became a powerful message that spiritual wisdom and divine grace are not limited by birth, profession, or social status.

Sri Guru Ravidass devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, devotion, and social harmony. His teachings emphasized equality, compassion, and the unity of humanity. He strongly opposed caste discrimination and ritualistic practices that created divisions among people. For him, true religion lay in love for the Divine and in serving fellow human beings with humility and sincerity. He believed that devotion should arise from the heart and not be constrained by external rituals or social labels.

Through his simple yet profound verses, Sri Guru Ravidass conveyed deep spiritual truths in a language accessible to common people. His hymns reflect an intense personal devotion to the formless Divine and express a longing for a just and compassionate world. One of his most celebrated visions was that of “Begumpura,” an ideal society free from sorrow, inequality, fear, and oppression. This vision symbolized a spiritual and social utopia where all people could live with dignity, peace, and mutual respect.

The spiritual influence of Sri Guru Ravidass extended far beyond his immediate community. His verses were later included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, highlighting the universal appeal and spiritual depth of his teachings. His association with prominent figures of the Bhakti movement, including the saint-poet Mirabai, further illustrates his wide-reaching impact on devotional traditions across India.

Sri Guru Ravidass taught that inner purity and ethical living were more important than outward displays of piety. He encouraged people to cultivate virtues such as truthfulness, kindness, and selfless service. By stressing the oneness of God and the equality of all souls, he challenged deeply entrenched social prejudices and offered a path toward spiritual liberation that was open to everyone.

Today, Sri Guru Ravidass is revered not only as a spiritual guide but also as a social reformer whose ideas remain relevant in the modern world. His life stands as a testament to the power of devotion, humility, and courage in confronting injustice. The legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass continues to inspire efforts toward social equality, spiritual awakening, and the creation of a more compassionate and inclusive society.