Guru Ghasidas Ji, The pioneer of Social, Religious and Economic Movement in Chhattisgarh

Abstract

At that time in Chhattisgarh, the life of innumerable Dalit, exploited, oppressed people was very miserable. Untouchability, high-low discrimination was prevailing in the society. The tradition of human sacrifice and animal sacrifice was prevalent in the temples in the name of religion. Maths and temples had become centers of incest, exploitation of women was seen in temples, people were being cheated in the name of superstitions like Tantra-Mantra, Tonhi, Baiga, Pangha etc. The form of religious practice had become very distorted, people were consuming meat and alcohol in the guise of righteousness. The people here were very troubled by the loot and terror of the kings, feudatories, pindaris, subedars, the rent and revenue collection had broken their back. At such a time Saint Shiromani Guru Ghasidas ji was born on the land of Chhattisgarh in village Giroudpur. He established 'Satnam Panth' and he rejected the dominance of Brahminism and opposed the caste system dividing into varnas. Gave the message of 'man-man is equal' against casteism, untouchability, caste disparities prevailing in the society. Every person in the society has a socially equal status. Guru Ghasidas prohibited idol worship. He made a significant contribution in generating a new thinking and idea in the society.