Nishaan

For the 1983 film, see Nishaan.

A Nishaan is the Ravidasi religious symbol, it is distinct from the Sikh Nishan Sahib. Strictly speaking "Nishaan" means "symbol" and is used in Ravidasi context to mean the mantras passed down by the Sants. There is some discussion going on amongst some Ravidasias that the symbol should be Sohang or Har. Both of these words are directly or indirectly meant for mediation or in reciting of Ravidasia hymns, and are given to indivuduals by their Sant.^[1]

As a downtrodden people, the Dalit were not allowed to be educated or could afford to be so. The Guru Raidas spoke and communicated in local dialect. This enabled the Dalit to enjoy and progress in understanding and communicating their philosophy. The Ravidassi Guru's name is Ravi, meaning sun. The universe is illuminated due to the suns otherwise it would be in darkness. The second half of his name is Dass meaning "servant," therefore the Satguru of the Ravidasi religion is the "Servant of Illumination." By following his example, Ravidassia people are striving to become enlightened, as was their Guru.

• Circle

The whole universe - the sacred Kara (or bangle) and the Charanamrit (or bowl of holy water). This circle depicts the whole universe, which is contained and run in God's order. Guru Ravidas produced the holy water in a round bowl. The circle also represents the round golden bangle presented to him by Mirabai his follower.

• Gujarati

In Gujarati, Nishaan translates to mean target.

References

1. ^ gururavidas.org.uk

External links

• http://ravidassia.wordpress.com/