Saint Ravidas is closely connected with Banaras (Varanasi), a city situated along the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is believed that he specifically selected this holy place for his meditation and spiritual activities. Banaras is highly esteemed in Hinduism and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally.
Ravidas is said to have dedicated a significant portion of his life to Banaras, where he immersed himself in meditation, reflection, and the dissemination of his teachings centered around devotion and equality. The city’s spiritual ambiance, coupled with the sacred presence of the Ganges, a revered river in Hinduism, likely influenced Ravidas’s spiritual journey and served as inspiration for his devotional poetry.
Ravidas’s teachings underscored the importance of love and devotion to God, transcending social distinctions. His hymns remain an integral part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Many followers of Sant Ravidas make pilgrimages to the sites associated with him in Banaras to pay homage and seek spiritual inspiration.