Satnami Sect

Context

The Satnami sect has recently made headlines due to their protest against the government in Chhattisgarh regarding the desecration of Jaitkham, a sacred religious site located in the Baloda Bazar district.

Who are the Satnamis?

The Satnamis are a predominantly Scheduled Caste sect living mainly in Chhattisgarh and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Guru Ghasidas, an 18th-century saint is revered as the spiritual leader of the Chhattisgarh Satnamis.
Furthermore, the Satnamis find their roots in the teachings of Kabir, a 15th-century Bhakti poet who advocated for the worship of an immanent, formless Absolute.
1657: A mendicant named Birbhan, inspired by the teachings of Kabir, founded a Satnami community in Narnaul in present-day Haryana in 1657. Initially, most Satnamis belonged to an “untouchable” caste engaged in leatherwork.
Features:
- They rejected ritual and superstition
- They forbid caste distinctions within their community.
- Displaying sympathy towards the poor and skepticism towards authority and wealth

History of Protests

Revolt Against Aurangzeb: During the Mughal era, the Satnamis rose against Aurangzeb's oppressive tax demands, leading to a significant rebellion in Punjab and Haryana. Despite facing severe suppression, they fought valiantly for their rights.
Revival under Guru Ghasidas: Guru Ghasidas led the revival of the Satnami community in the mid-18th century, emphasizing the worship of one true God and rejecting idol worship. His teachings allowed the Satnamis to transcend social restrictions and embrace their spirituality.

Fact Box:

Guru Ghasidas (1756-1836)

Guru Ghasidas was born in Chhattisgarh in an untouchable family. Ghasidas was born in a socio-political milieu of misrule, loot and plunder.
He was a great social reformer and philosopher in Chhattisgarh.
The Satnam Panth (sect) is said to be based on these principles formulated by Ghasidas.

Kabir Das (1440-1518)

Kabir Das, a revered Indian saint and mystical poet, lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. His teachings have left a profound impact on Indian spirituality.
Philosophy of Oneness with God: Kabir emphasized the concept of unity with God and saw karma as the true path to enlightenment. His teachings influenced people's attitudes towards kindness and righteousness.
Fusion of Hindu Bhakti and Muslim Sufi Beliefs Kabir's love for God transcended religious boundaries, merging Hindu Bhakti and Muslim Sufi beliefs. He sought to unite Hindus and Muslims through a universal spiritual path.
According to Kabir, every life is influenced by two spiritual truths: Jivatma (individual soul) and Paramatma (universal soul). He believed that moksha, or liberation, occurs through the merging of these two heavenly truths.
Literary Contributions: Kabir Das authored 72 works, including Kabir Bijak, Kabir Bani, and Anurag Sagar. His literary contributions continue to inspire spiritual seekers across generations.