Ghasidas

Ghasidas (1756–1850)[1] also known as Guru Ghasidas, was Guru (teacher) of the Satnampanth in the early 19th century. The Satnami sect is similar to Sikhism. It was Guru Ghasidas who decided to start treating everyone the same in a deep forested part of Chhattisgarh, India.[2]

Guru Ghasidas
Born18 December 1756
Giroudpuri, Chhattisgarh, India
Died1850
MonumentsJaitkhamb
NationalityIndian
Other namesSatguru
SuccessorGuru Balakdas
Spouse(s)Safura Mata
ChildrenSahodra Mata, Guru Amardas, Guru Balakdas
Parent(s)Mahngu Das , Mata Amarotin

Ghasidas was born on 18 December 1756 [3] in Girodpuri, District – Balodabazar. Guru Ghasidas was the son of Mahngu Das and Amrotin Mata. Ghasidas preached Satnam particularly for the people of Chhattisgarh.[4] After Guru Ghasidas, his teachings were carried on by his son, Guru Balakdas. Guru Ghasidas was the founder of the Satnami community in state of Chhattisgarh. During his lifetime, the political atmosphere in India was one of exploitation. Ghasidas experienced the evils of the caste system at an early age, which helped him to understand the social dynamics in a caste-ridden society and reject social inequality. To find solutions, he travelled extensively across Chhattisgarh.

Saint Guru Ghasidas[5] established Satnami community in Chhattisgarh, India based on "Satnam" (meaning "Truth") and equality. The Guru's teachings and philosophy is similar to sikhism. Guru Ghasidas created a symbol of truth called "jaitkhambh" – a white painted log of wood, with a white flag on the top. The structure indicates a white man who follows the truth "satnam" is always steadfast and is the pillar of truth (satya ka stambh). The white flag indicates peace.

Monuments

The Government of Chhattisgarh renamed a part of Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve after him, that is Guru Ghasidas National Park.[6] They also opened a Central University called "Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya."

References
  1. Ramdas Lamb (2002). Rapt in the Name: The Ramnamis, Ramnam, and Untouchable Religion in Central India. SUNY Press. p. 52. ISBN 978-0-7914-5385-8.
  2. Satnami sect https://www.britannica.com/topic/Satnami-sect
  3. "Satnami sect | Indian religion". Encyclopedia Britannica.
  4. Raminder Kaur; John Hutnyk (15 April 1999). Travel Worlds: Journeys in Contemporary Cultural Politics. Zed Books. pp. 49–. ISBN 978-1-85649-562-2. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  5. Mishra, Ishita (6 April 2016). "Govt book terms Baba Ghasidas as 'Harijan': Jogi jr". Times of India. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  6. "Chhattisgarh asked to propose tiger reserve status for Guru Ghasidas park". The Hindu. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
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