Kabirdas has a very high and special place in the Indian saint tradition. He was not only a Bhakti period poet but also a social thinker who sharply attacked the religious, social and cultural inconsistencies of his time. The sense of harmony found in Kabir’s speech is as relevant for Indian society even today as it was in his time. Harmony means feeling of equality, harmony and mutual love. Kabir gave the message of unity of mankind by rejecting the differences of caste, religion, creed and class.
The appearance of Kabirdas ji (Jyestha Purnima in Kashi in 1398 AD) happened at a time when Indian society was suffering from many types of divisions. On one hand, there was strict caste system in the Hindu society, while on the other hand, religious fanaticism was prevalent in the Muslim society also. Walls of hostility and suspicion stood between the two communities. At such a time, Kabir boldly attacked the evil practices of both the parties and called for the establishment of a harmonious society.
In Kabir’s view the greatest religion is ‘humanity’. They do not give importance to any kind of external ostentation or religious rituals. According to him, the true seeker is the one who sees only one God in everyone. Don’t ask the caste of the saint, ask about his knowledge. Buy the sword, leave the scabbard. Kabir says that a man should not be identified by his caste or external appearance, but by his knowledge and qualities. This is a very powerful message of harmony, which points towards social equality.
Kabir described external worship, ostentation and rituals of temples and mosques as meaningless. He believed that true devotion lay in purity of mind. They say that there is no difference between Hindu and Muslim – Hindu Turk has been one, Sadhguru has told this. They explain that Brahmins and Shudras have the same blood, it has the same color, all are children of God, no one is small or big among them.
Kabir’s hymns and couplets are still sung by both Hindu and Muslim communities alike. His speech has had a deep impact on literature, music and public life. The Kabirpanthi tradition is keeping his ideas alive even today. Today’s society is also struggling with many types of divisions – discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, language, region etc. still exists. In such times, Kabir’s words show us the path of unity and harmony.
Today we are celebrating the 659th birth anniversary of Kabirdas (June 29, 2026), so let us take a pledge to rise above all discrimination and establish a harmonious society, where all human beings are equal and live with mutual love and respect. Kabirdas was not only a great saint and poet, but also a social reformer, whose words will continue to guide humanity for ages.