Kabir
15th-century Indian mystic poet critical of organised religion.
Kabir (fl. 15th century) was an Indian devotional mystic poet and saint whose writings influenced Hinduism's Bhakti movement. His verses are found in Sikhism's scripture Guru Granth Sahib, the Satguru Granth Sahib of Saint Garib Das, and the Kabir Sagar of Dharamdas. Today, Kabir is an important figure in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Sufism. He was a disciple of Ramananda, the founder of the Ramanandi Sampradaya.
- field
- Devotional mystic poet, saint
- nationality
- Indian
- known_for
- Criticism of organised religions; influence on Bhakti movement; verses in Guru Granth Sahib
Lore & Background
Kabir was born in the city of Varanasi in what is now Uttar Pradesh. Many followers believe he came from Satloka by assuming a body of light and incarnated on a lotus flower in Lahartara Pond, witnessed by the rishi Ashtanand. A few accounts mention he was found as an infant at Lahartara Lake by a Muslim weaver named Niru and his wife Nima, who raised him as their child. He became a disciple of the Bhakti poet-saint Swami Ramananda in Varanasi. Kabir is known for being critical of organised religions, questioning what he regarded as meaningless and unethical practices in both Hinduism and Islam. During his lifetime, he was threatened by both Hindus and Muslims for his views. When he died, several Hindus and Muslims claimed him as theirs. His poems were composed in Sadhukkadi, also known as Panchmel Khichri, borrowing from various dialects including Khadi boli, Braj, Bhojpuri, Marwari, and Awadhi. He also wrote in pure Bhojpuri. His verbally composed poems of wisdom are called 'bāņīs' (utterances) and include songs and couplets termed dohe, śalokā, or sākhī.
Reader's Guide
Kabir's significance lies in his lasting influence on the Bhakti movement and his presence in multiple religious traditions. His suggestion was that 'truth' is with the person on the path of righteousness, who considers everything divine and is passively detached from worldly affairs. To know the truth, he urged dropping the ego. His legacy continues through the Kabir panth ('Path of Kabir'), a Sant Mat sect that recognises him as its founder; its members are known as Kabir panthis. Literary works attributed to him include Kabir Bijak, Kabir Parachai, Sakhi Granth, Adi Granth (Sikh), and Kabir Granthawali (Rajasthan), though significantly different versions exist. Scholars note that his poems were transmitted orally through the 17th century, leading to interpolation and fabrication of new couplets by unknown authors. The most in-depth scholarly analysis of various versions is credited to Charlotte Vaudeville. Kabir rejected hypocrisy and misguided rituals in both Hinduism and Islam, questioning the need for any holy book. His philosophy is often interpreted as seeking the Absolute, described as nirguna, similar to the Upanishadic concept of Brahman-Atman and Advaita Vedanta.
Did You Know?
- Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda, the founder of the Ramanandi Sampradaya.
- His verses are included in Sikhism's Guru Granth Sahib.
- He was threatened by both Hindus and Muslims during his lifetime for his views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kabir?
Kabir was a 15th-century Indian devotional mystic poet and saint who became a central voice in the Bhakti movement. He studied under Ramananda, the founder of the Ramanandi Sampradaya, and his poetry continues to be revered across multiple faith traditions.
What is Kabir known for?
He is best remembered for his sharp criticism of rigid ritualism and institutional religion, urging seekers to look within rather than rely on external ceremonies. His verses helped shape the devotional (Bhakti) tradition in Hinduism and resonated deeply with Sufi and Sikh audiences alike.
Why is Kabir important to more than one religion?
His poetry was incorporated into the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism's scripture), the Satguru Granth Sahib of Saint Garib Das, and the Kabir Sagar, making him a shared spiritual figure in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Sufism. This cross-traditional presence is rare and underscores how his message of direct, personal devotion transcended sectarian boundaries.
Where can I read Kabir's original verses?
The most widely referenced collection is the Kabir Sagar, compiled by Dharamdas, which gathers his couplets and longer poems. His lines also appear within the Guru Granth Sahib and the Satguru Granth Sahib, so readers can encounter his work in both standalone and embedded scriptural contexts.
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