Sevalal Maharaj
Shri Sant Sevalal Maharaj | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Seva Bhima Naik (Rathod) 15 February 1739 |
| Died | 4 December 1806 (aged 67) Ruhigarh, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India |
| Resting place | Poharadevi, Washim district, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Social reformer (Banjara Samaj Daivat) |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | 1) Shri Badu Bheema Naik (Brother), 2) Shri Hapa Bheema Naik (Brother), 3) Shri Pura Bheema Naik (Brother). |
Sevalal Maharaj (15 February 1739 – 4 December 1806) was an Indian socio-religious reformer and community leader, and is revered by the Gor Banjara community as a spiritual guru.
Guru Sevalal Maharaj was born to Bheema Naik Rathod (father) and Dharamani Mata Bheema Naik Rathod (mother) in 18th century. He died at Ruhigarh (Yavatmal District) and was buried at Poharadevi in Washim district, now in the state of Maharashtra. His samadhi still stands there, adjacent to a temple dedicated to goddess Jagadamba devi. Although he was opposed to personality cults and rituals, it is a popular destination for Banjaras. Similar adjacent temples dedicated to Sevalal and to Jagdamba exist elsewhere and also attract worshipers in significant numbers.[2]
There are folk songs praising Sevalal that are popular during Banjara festivities.[2] Every Banjara/Gor/Lambadi village or hamlet has a temple for Sri Sevalal Guru. All the Banjara hoist a pink or red colour flags for the jagadamba and white colour for the shri sant sevalal maharaj at spiritual sites in every village to show deep sense of spiritual reverence and claim the deep sense of community dignity.
Shri Sant Sevalal Maharaj has 3 siblings, 1) Shri Badu Bhima Naik Rathod, 2) Shri Happa Bhima Naik Rathod, 3) Shri Pura Bhima Naik Rathod,
Sri Sevalal Guru Preachings
1) Serve the community as you do your own family.
2) Do not discriminate against anyone on any grounds.
3) Worship nature and don't detach from nature.
4) Plant trees and protect trees and animals. Don't sell animals to butchers.
5) Respect women.
6) Girls/daughters must be treated as Goddesses.
7) Do not practice violence.
8) Do not tell lies even at the cost of your own life; don't talk ill about others.
9) Do not steal other's belongings.
10) Protect the community language (Goar Boli) and costumes.
11) Respect all elders and love all younger ones.
12) Fight against the dowry.
13) Avoid being greedy, lustful, and self-interested.
14) Seek knowledge, always be an obedient student and a rigorous learner.
15) Help the weak and needy people.
16) Give water to the thirsty, and never sell water.
17) Protect the identity of community ( be a Gor and not a Kor).
18) Get liberation from ignorance, poverty and superstitions.
19) Don't kill animals.
20) Do not stay away from the Forest Area. Stay away from mainstream towns and cities.
21) Maintain cleanliness.
22) Worship Satibhavani.
References
- ^ "Government is celebrating Banjara Dharmaguru Santh Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti for first time ever". PIB India. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
- ^ a b Burman, J. J. Roy (2010). Ethnography of a Denotified Tribe: The Laman Banjara. Mittal Publications. p. 94. ISBN 978-8-18324-345-2.
Further reading
- Naik, Dhanasing B. (2000). The Art and Literature of Banjara Lambanis: A Socio-cultural Study. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-8-17017-364-9.