Great Kabir - The Weaver Saint of Varanasi

Great God Kabir

Supreme God can appear on the earth anytime. He has no limitations, and is all capable. One such sojourn of Supreme God was when he ventured on this earth from 1398 to 1518 CE. At that time he acquired the name Kabir and became famous as a saint in Varanasi. No one could get his secret that he was God himself. However, he left ample evidence in his speech which was bound as Kabir Sagar. Later on Kabir Bijak was made out of it. Kabir Sagar is still available but is adulterated. To compensate for this, God Kabir appeared again in 1727 CE and met Garib Das ji and gave him the entire knowledge again. Garib Das ji managed to get the whole knowledge bound into a single scripture called Sat Granth Sahib of Garib Das ji. This scripture is full with the utmost divine knowlege about everything spiritual possible. It is a highly revered scripture.

God Kabir is generally known to the masses as "Kabir Das", The Weaver Saint of Varanasi (Banaras or Kashi, India). The irony is that Supreme God Kabir himself appeared on this earth but came to be known as a "Das" (servant) to the world. He is such a master of trickery that no one could get his secret, bar a few like Guru Nanak Dev Ji (of Talawandi), Dharamdas Ji (of Bandhavgarh), Dadu Ji (of Gujarat) upon whom He Himself showered his grace and made them aware of His status. The Vedas are a testimony to this trait of the Supreme God (Rig Ved Mandal 10 Sukt 4 Mantra 6). In this mantra, Supreme God has been addressed as a "Taskar" (Smuggler), one who operates by cheating. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has also called him a "Thug", a cheat (Rag Siri Mehla Pehla, SGGS Page 24).

Appearance of God Kabir

God Kabir Himself comes as His messenger and Himself delivers His sound knowledge (True Tattavgyan). This is also supported by the Vedas. Yajur Ved mentions that God Kabir himself appears on this earth to spread his knowledge. His name is mentioned in the vedas as "Kavir Dev" which is the same as "Kabir"

Appearance of God Kabir (Kavir Dev) in Kalyug

In Kalyug, in the year 1398 (Vikrami Samvat 1455) on a full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Jeth (May-June), early morning (Brahm- Muhurat) that Supreme God acquiring a form of an infant descended from Satlok (eternal place) and appeared on a mature lotus flower in the Lahar Tara pond in the holy city Kashi (Banaras) on the holy earth of India. A childless weaver couple named "Neeru & Neema" took Him. This feature of Supreme God is also mentioned in Rig Ved. 

Who were Neeru & Neema

Neeru and Neema were both Brahmins by the name Gauri Shankar and Saraswati. They were worshippers of God Shiv. They used to narrate the glory of God Shiv from Shiv Puran selflessly to devout souls. They did not use to take money from anyone. They were such noble souls that if anyone used to give them any donation, out of it they used to keep whatever was sufficient for their food and used to do bhandara (provide a common meal) of the rest. 

Other selfish Brahmins used to be jealous of Gauri Shankar and Saraswati because Gauri Shankar used to do katha selflessly. He did not use to mislead devotees for the greed of money; as a result of which had become an object of praise. On the other hand the Muslims came to know that Neeru-Neema do not have any Brahmin Hindu with them. They took advantage of this and forcefully converted them into Muslims. The Muslims sprinkled their water in their whole house and also put it in their mouth; sprinkled it on all the clothes. At this the Hindu Brahmins said that now they have become Muslims. From today onwards they do not have any relation with us.

Poor Gauri Shankar and Saraswati became helpless. The Muslims kept the man’s name as Neeru and the woman’s name as Neema. Previously, whatever donation they used to get was running their livelihood, and whatever money was saved, they used to do a religious bhandara from the remaining money. Now even the donation stopped coming. They thought now what work shall we do? They installed a hand-mill and started working as weavers. At that time also after fulfilling their needs, they used to spend the remaining money in bhandara. The Hindu Brahmins had prohibited Neeru-Neema from taking bath in Ganga. They used to say that now you have become Muslims.

Appearance of God Kabir on a Lotus Flower

The water of Ganga, splashing through waves, used to fill a big lake named "Lahar Tara" in Kashi city. It used to remain filled with very pure water. Lotus flower were growing in it. In 1398 CE. (Vikrami Samvat 1455) on a full moon day in the month of Jyesth (May-June), in Brahm-Muhurat (Brahm-Muhurat is approximately 1½ hours before sunrise), God Kabir (KavirDev) coming in bodily form from His Satyalok (Ritdhaam), acquiring a child form, became seated on a lotus flower in Lahar Tara lake in Kashi city. Neeru and Neema were going to the same lake to take bath early morning in Brahm-Muhurat. A very bright mass of light (Parmeshwar Kabir Ji had come in form of a child with a very bright body; because of the distance, appeared only as a mass of light) came from above (from Satyalok) and became contained in the lotus flower, by which the entire Lahar Tara Lake started dazzling, and then going in one corner, it disappeared. One of the disciples of Ramanand Ji, Rishi Ashtanand Ji was seeing this spectacle with his own eyes. Ashtanand Ji also used to go to a solitary place to take bath everyday. Sitting there he used to do jaap of the mantra which Gurudev had given and used to enjoy the nature. When Swami Ashtanand Ji saw that such a bright light that even the eyes were dazzled, Rishi Ji thought that whether it is any accomplishment of my bhakti or a deception. Thinking this, to ask the reason, went to his Gurudev.

God Kabir being nurtured by maiden cows

Neeru Neema brought the child home after a bit of a discussion. Kashi’s men and women came to see the child and said that he appears to be some god. We have never seen such a beautiful body, such a bright child before. Someone said that he is some god among Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh. Brahma- Vishnu-Mahesh said that this is some power which has come from the upper loks. Everyone forgot to ask from where have you brought him?

For 21 days God Kabir in the form of a child did not consume anything. He did not accept any milk. Neema got worried that the child would die. As a result she became very upset. She prayed to Lord Shiv to sort the problem out. Lord Shiv appeared at Neeru Neema's house in the guise of a sage, and Neema narrated her plight to the sage. On this, God Kabir in the form of a child communicated with Lord Shiv and asked Neeru Neema via Lord Shiv to get a maiden cow, who would give milk and that milk He would drink. Lord Shiv then asked Neeru to get a maiden cow. Neeru went and brought a maiden cow. God Kabir asked Shiv ji to pat the back of the cow, which then started giving milk. That milk God Kabir drank to satisfy Neema. 

The above mentioned account is present in Kabir Sagar. The Vedas also talk about this property of God, that God drinks milk from maiden cows in Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 1 Mantra 9. 

God Kabir's encounter with Swami Ramanand

Pandit Swami Ramanand Ji was a learned person. He was considered to be deeply-versed in Vedas and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

Adopting Ramanand Ji as a Guru at the Age of Five Years

When God Kabir (KavirDev) turned five in His leelamay body (a disguise to perform wonderous acts at will), at that time to maintain Guru Maryada (the custom of acquiring a Guru), He did a leela (divine act). He, acquiring the appearance of a 2½- year-old child, before dawn in the darkness, laid down on the steps of Panch-Ganga Ghaat, where Swami Ramanand Ji used to go daily to bathe. Shri Ramanand Ji was 104 years old. He had stopped the pretentious way of worship which other Pandits had started in Kaashi. Ramanand Ji used to advocate worship according to the scriptures and used to hold his 52 courts in the entire Kashi (Varanasi). Ramanand Ji used to preach worship based on the injunctions of Holy Gita Ji and Holy Vedas. He used to impart ‘Om’ mantra.

That day also, when he went to Panch-Ganga Ghaat for bathing, at that time Kabir Sahib was lying on the steps. In the darkness of the Brahm-muhurat (moments just before sunrise) Ramanand Ji failed to see God Kabir in the child form. The sandal of Ramanand Ji’s feet hit God Kabir’s head. KavirDev started crying like a child. Ramanand Ji bent down quickly to find out if the child was hurt and lifted him affectionately. At that moment the kanthi (garland) in Ramanand Ji’s neck came loose and wound around God Kabir's neck. Ramanand Ji said, “Son, say ‘Ram-Ram’. All miseries are removed by Ram’s naam; son, say Ram-Ram”, and kept his hand over child Kabir’s head. God Kabir in a child form became quiet. Then Ramanand Ji started taking bath and thought that I will take the child to ashram. And will send him to whosoever he belongs. After taking bath, Ramanand Ji saw that the child was not there. God Kabir disappeared from there and came back to his hut. Ramanand Ji thought that the child must have gone away. This is how God Kabir acquire Swami Ramanand as his guru.

God Kabir Acquiring Two Forms in Swami Ramanand Ji’s Ashram

One day, a disciple of Swami Ramanand Ji was delivering a discourse somewhere. God Kabir were also present there. That Rishi Ji (sage) was narrating the tale of Vishnu Puran. He was singing praises of God Vishnu and saying that God Vishnu is the creator of the entire universe, he is the sustainer, he only is the Supreme Power who came as an incarnation in Ram and Krishna form; he is unborn; Shri Vishnu Ji does not have any mother-father etc. God Kabir listened to the whole account.

After the discourse, God Kabir said, “Rishi Ji, can I ask you a question?”

Rishi Ji said, “yes son! Ask.”

Hundreds of devotees were present there.

God Kabir said that you were delivering the discourse from Vishnu Puran that Shri Vishnu Ji is a Supreme Power; Brahma and Shiv have originated from him.

Rishi Ji said that whatever I narrate, the same is written in Vishnu Puran.

Child Kabir said that Rishi Ji, I have requested you to dispel my doubt, please do not get agitated. One day I had listened to Shiv Puran. In that that greatman was narrating that Vishnu and Brahma originated from God Shiv.

Rishi Ji was without an answer. Being angry, he said, “Who are you? Whose son are you?”

Even before child Kabir could say anything, other devotees started saying that he is the son of that weaver Neeru.

The disciple of Swami Ramanand Ji said that how come you are wearing a kanthi in your neck? (The Vaishnu Sadhus wear a garland of one bead of basil/tulsi; it is evident from that, that these have taken initiation from Vishnu-succession) Who is your Gurudev?

Child Kabir said that my Gurudev is the same as yours.

That Rishi became very angry and said, “Oh fool! You, son of a low-caste weaver, are addressing my Gurudev as yours. You, son of a weaver! He does not even see inferior people like you and you are saying that you have taken naam (initiation) from him! See, devotees, he is a liar, a fraud. I will go to Gurudev just now and will tell your whole story to him. You, child of a low-caste, insult our Guruji.”

Child Kabir said, “Alright, tell Guru Ji.”

That Rishi Ji went and told Shri Ramanand Ji, “Gurudev, there is a boy of lower caste. He has disgraced us. He says that Swami Ramanand Ji is my Gurudev. Oh Bhagwan! It has become difficult for us to go out.”

Swami Ramanand Ji said, “Call him tomorrow morning. Just see how much I will punish him tomorrow in front of you.”

Revealing Swami Ramanand Ji’s Secret Thought

Next day early morning, ten ignorant men captured God Kabir and presented him before Shri Ramanand Ji. To show that I do not even look at people of low-caste, he was telling a lie that he has taken initiation from me, Ramanand Ji drew a curtain in front of him at the door of his hut. Ramanand Ji asked from behind the curtain that who are you and what is your caste? Which is your Panth i.e. which God do you worship?

Ramanand adhikaar suni, julha ak jagdish || Das Garib bilamb na, taahi navaavat sheesh 407 ||
Ramanand koon guru kahae, tansain nahin milaat || Das Garib darshan bhaye, paede lagi ju laat || 408 ||
Panth chalat thokar lagi, Ramnaam kahi deen || Das Garib kasar nahin, seekh laii prbeen ||409 ||
Aada padda laay kari, Ramanand boojhant || Das Garib kulang chhabi, adhar daak koodant ||410||
Kaun jaati kul panth hai, kaun tumhaara naam || Das Garib adheen gati, bolat hain bali jaanv ||411||

Answer of Kabir ji -

Jaati humaari jagatguru, Parmeshwar pad panth || Das Garib likhati parae, naam Niranjan kant||412 ||

Ramanand ji said :-

Re baalak sun durbuddhi, ghat math tan aakaar || Das Garib darad lagya, ho bole sirjanhaar || 413 ||
Tum moman ke paalva, julhae ke ghar baas || Das Garib agyaan gati, eta drid vishwaas ||414 ||
Maan badaai chhadi kari, bolau baalak baen || Das Garib adham mukhi, eta tum ghat fain || 415 ||
Tark taloosaen boltae, Ramanand sur gyaan || Das Garib kujaati hai, aakhar neech nidaan || 423||

Supreme God Kabir Ji (KavirDev) politely replied -

Mahke badan khulaas kar, suni swami prbeen || Das Garib mani marae, main aajij aadheen ||428 ||
Main avigat gati saaen parae, chyaari bed saen door || Das Garib dashaun disha, sakal sindh bharpoor ||429 ||
Sakal sindh bharpoor hoon, khaalik humra naam || Das Garib ajaati hoon, taen joon kahya bali jaanv ||430 ||
Jaati paati mere nahin, nahin basti nahin gaam || Das Garib anin gati, nahin humaare naam || 431 ||
Naad bind mere nahin, nahin guda nahin gaat || Das Garib shabd sajaa, nahin kisi ka saath ||432 ||
Sab sangi bichhru nahin, Aadi ant bahu jaanhi || Das Garib sakal vansu, baahar bheetar maanhi ||433 ||
E swami srshta main, srishti humaarae teer || Das Garib adhar basun, avigat satya Kabir ||434 || Pauhmi dharni aakaash main, main vyapak sab thaur || Das Garib na doosra, hum samtul nahin aur ||436 ||
Hum daasan ke daas hain, karta purush kareem || Das Garib avdhoot hum, hum brahmchari seem ||439 ||
Suni Ramanand Ram hum, main baavan narsinh || Das Garib kali kali, humhi se Krishna abhang ||440 ||
Humhi se Indra kuber hain, Brahma Bishnu Mahesh || Das Garib dharam dhvaja, dharni rasaatal shesh ||447 ||
Suni swami sati bhaakhhoon, jhooth na hamrae rinch || Das Garib hum roop bin, aur sakal prpanch ||453 ||
Gota laaun swarg saen, firi paethun paataal || Garibdas dhoondhat firun, heere maanik laal ||476 ||
Is dariya kankar bahut, laal kahin kahin thaav || Garibdas maanik chugaen, hum murjeeva naanv ||477 ||
Murjeeva maanik chugaen, kankar patthar daari || Das Garib dori agam, utro shabd adhaar || 478 ||

If you are asking my caste, then I am Jagatguru (in Vedas, it is written that God Kabir is the Jagatguru who imparts knowledge to the entire creation).

God Kabir said —

What is my Panth (path)? (The path to which God do I show?) In its answer, child Kabir said, "My Panth is that of Parmeshwar (Supreme God). I have come to show the path of that Supreme Power i.e. Parmeshwar who is the Creator of the infinite crore brahmands and is the Sustainer; who has been referred by the names KavirDev, Kaviragni etc in the Vedas.

Purna Brahm/Param Akshar Purush is known as Parmeshwar, who is the Master of the infinite brahmands i.e. is the Master of the lineage, and that is why Kabir Ji said to Swami Ramanand ji that my path is that of attaining Parmeshwar (Supreme God). It is written in Gita Adhyay 15 Shlok no. 17 that in reality, the Imperishable God is someone else, and He only by entering into the three loks sustains everyone, and He only is known by the name Eternal God i.e. Parmeshwar. I only am that Parmeshwar (Supreme God).

On hearing this, Swami Ramanand ji became very agitated and said, "Oh useless person! You are of a low caste and are making a big statement. You have yourself become God!" Ramanand Ji also abused Kabir Sahib badly.

Kabir Sahib said, "Gurudev! You are my Guru ji. Although you are abusing me, I am still relishing it. But what I am saying to you that I am Purna Brahm, there is no doubt about it."

On hearing this, Ramanand ji said, "Just wait, it will be a long story with you, you will not listen like this. Let me first do my pooja." Ramanand ji said to his disciples, "Make him sit. My some religious ritual is pending. Let me finish it first. I will deal with him later."

What religious act did Ramanand ji perform?

He used to make an imaginary idol of God Vishnu ji. The idol used to become visible in front of him (like religious ceremony is performed; first of all, taking off all the clothes of God's idol, bathing him with water, then putting clean clothes on God Thakur ji, putting a garland in the neck, adorn with a tilak, then used to put the crown). Ramanand ji was imagining all this. In imagination, he made an imaginary idol of God. With reverence, as if himself had gone barefoot and brought Ganga-water, adopting such feelings, took off clothes of Thakur ji's idol; then bathed it and put on new clothes. Adorned with a tilak, placed the crown and forgot to put the garland (kanthi). Now if kanthi is not put, then the religious act remains incomplete, and if the crown has been placed, then it can not be removed. If the same day the crown is removed, then the pooja (worship) gets interrupted. Swami Ramanand ji is cursing himself that this much life has passed, I had never committed such a mistake. God, what mistake has been committed by the sinful me today? If I take off the crown, then my pooja gets interrupted. He thought that let me try to put kanthi over the crown (he is imagining all this, there is no idol in front of him and the curtain is drawn; Kabir Sahib is sitting on the other side). The garland got stuck in the crown and was not going any further. Then Ramanand ji thought, "What shall I do now? Oh Lord! Today my whole day has gone wasted. My today's bhakti earnings have become wasted (because one who has a yearning for God, if even a single daily observance is left, then he feels a great deal of distress. Like, if a person's pocket is picked, then he repents a lot. Similarly, the true devotees of God have this much attachment).

In the meantime, Kabir Sahib said, "Swami ji, open the knot of the garland and put it in the neck. Then tie a knot; you will not have to take the crown off."

Now what crown was Ramanand ji going to take off, what knot was he going to open. Swami Ramanand ji threw away even the curtain drawn in front of the hut with his own hands and in front of the entire Brahmin community embraced that Supreme God Kabir. Ramanand ji said that O Bhagwan (Lord)! You have such a soft body like cotton, and my body is like stone. On one side, God is standing and on the other, there is a wall of caste and religion. The God-loving pious souls consider it meritorious to break the artificial wall of the religion. Swami Ramanand ji did the same. Finding Supreme God in front of him, neither did he see the caste, nor religion, nor untouchability, only saw self-welfare. This is called a Brahmin.

Bolat Ramanandji, hum ghar badaa sukaal || Garibdas pooja karaen, mukut fahi jadi maal ||479 ||
Sewa karoun sambhaal kari, suni swami sur gyaan || Garibdas shir mukut dhari, mala atki jaan ||480 ||
Swami ghundi kholi kari, firi mala gal daar || Garibdas is bhajan koon, jaanat hai kartaar ||481 ||
Dyoudhi padda doori kari, liya kanth lagaay || Garibdas gujri bauhat, badnae badan milaay ||482 ||

Then Swami Ramanand Ji said, “Why did you tell a lie?”

Kabir Sahib said, “Which lie, Swami Ji?”

Swami Ramanand Ji said, “You were saying that you have taken naam (initiation) from me. When did you take updesh (initiation) from me?”

Kabir Sahib replied, “Once, you had gone to Panch-Ganga Ghaat for bathing. I was lying over there. Your footwear had hit my head, then you had said that son, say Ram-Ram.”

Ramanand Ji said, “Yes, now I remember something. But that was a very small child (because at that time 5-year-old children used to grow up quite a lot, and there was a double difference between the bodies of a 5-year-old child and a 2½-years-old child).”

Kabir Sahib said, “Swami Ji, look, was I like this?” He was also standing in front of Swami Ji, and acquiring another appearance of a 2½-year-old child sat down on a cot of a servant laid there.” Now Ramanand Ji looked six times on one side and six times on the other. Then rubbing his eyes saw again if his eyes were misleading him. In this way while he was seeing, the smaller form of Kabir Sahib rose and vanished into Kabir Sahib’s bigger 5-year-old form. Now only Kabir Sahib in 5-year-old form was standing there.

Manki pooja tum lakhi, mukut maal parbesh || Garibdas gati ko lakahe, kaun varan kya bhesh ||483 ||
Yeh tau tum shiksha dai, maani lai manmor || Garibdas komal purush, humra badan kathor ||484||

Swami Ramanand Ji’s Visit to Satlok

Suni bachchha main swarg ki, kaisaen chhandau reeti || Garibdas gudri lagi, janam jaat hai beet|| 486 || Chyaari mukti baikunth main, jin ki morae chaah || Garibdas ghar agam ki, kaisaen paaun thaah ||487 || Hem roop jahaan dharni hai, rattan jade bauh shobh || Garibdas baikunth koon, tan man humra lobh ||488 || Shankh chakr gada padam hain, mohan madan murari || Garibdas murli bajae, suraglok darbari ||489 || Doodhoun ki nadiyaan bagaen, set vriksh subhaan || Garibdas mandal mukti, surgapur asthaan || 490 || Rattan jadaau manushya hain, gan gandharv sab dev || Garibdas us dhaam ki, kaisaen chhadoon sev ||491 || Rig yaju sam atharvan, gaavaen chaaraun ved || Garibdas ghar agam ki, kaisaen jaano bhed || 492 || Chyaari mukti chitvan lagi, kaisaen banchoo taahi || Garibdas guptargati, humkun dhyau samjhaay || 493 || Surag lok baikunth hai, yaasaen parae na aur || Garibdas shatshaastr, chyaari bedki daur || 494 || Chyaari bed gaavaen tisaen, surnar muni milaap || 122 Who is the Master of the Lineage and What is He like? Garibdas dhruv por jis, miti gaye teenu taap || 495 || Prhlaad gaye tis lokkun, surga puri samool || Garibdas hari bhakti ki, main banchat hoon dhool || 496 || Bindravan gaye tis lokkun, surga puri samool || Garibdas us mukti koon, kaisaen jaaun bhool || 497 || Naarad Brahma tis rataen, gaavaen shesh ganesh || Garibdas baikunth saen, aur parae ko desh ||498 || Sahans athaasi jis japaen, aur teteesoun sev || Garibdas jaasaen parae, aur kaun hai Dev ||499 || Suni swami nij mool gati, kahi samjhaaun tohi || Garibdas bhagwan koo, raakhya jagat samohi || 500 || Teeni lok ke jeev sab, vishay vaas bharmaay || Garibdas humkoon japaen, tiskoon dhaam dikhaay || 501 || Jo dekhaega dhaam koo, so jaanat hai mujh || Garibdas tosaen kahoon, suni gayatri gujh || 502 || Krishna Vishnu bhagwan koo, jahdaaye hain jeev || Garibdas trilok main, Kaal karm shir sheev || 503 || Suni swami tosaen kahoon, agam deep ki sael || Garibdas poothe pare, pustak lade bael || 504 || Pauhmi dharni akaash thambh, chalsi chandar soor || Garibdas raj birajki, kahaan rahaegi dhoor || 505 || Tarayan trilok sab, chalsi Indra kuber || Garibdas sab jaat hain, surag patal sumer || 506 || Chyaari mukti baikuth bat, fanaa hua kai baar || Garibdas alap roop magh, kya jaanaen sansaar || 507 || Kahau swami kit rahauge, chauda bhuvan bihand || Garibdas beejak kahya, chalat praan aur pind ||508 || Sun swami ek shakti hai, ardhangi Omkaar || Garibdas beejak tahaan, anant lok singhaar || 509 || Jaise ka taisa rahae, parlo fanaa praan || Garibdas us shakti koon, baar baar kurbaan || 510 || Koti Indra Brahma jahaan, koti Krishna kailaas || Garibdas Shiv koti hain, karau kaunki aash || 511 || Koti Vishnu jahaan basat hain, us shakti ke dhaam || Garibdas gul bauhat hain, alaf bast nihkaam || 512 || Shiv shakti jaasae hue, anant koti avatar || Gyan Ganga 123 Garibdas us alafkoon, lakae so hoye kartaar || 513 || Alaf humaara roop hai, dam dehi nahin dant || Garibdas gulsain parae, chalna hai bin panth ||514 || Bina panth us kantkae, dhaam chalan hai mor || Garibdas gati na kisi, sankh surag par dor || 515 || Sankh suragpar hum basaen, suni swami yeh saen || Garibdas hum alaf hain, yauh gul fokat faen || 516 || Jo tae kahya sau main lahya, bin dekhae nahin dheej || Garibdas swami kahae, kahaan alaf vau beej ||517 || Anant koti brahmand fan, anant koti udgaar || Garibdas swami kahae, kahaan alaf deedar || 518 || Had behad kahin na kahin, na kahin tharpi thaur || Garibdas nij brahmki, kaun dhaam vah paur ||519 || Chal swami sar par chalaen, gang teer sun gyaan || Garibdas baikunth bat, koti koti ghat dhyaan ||520 || Tahaan koti vaikunth hain, nak sarvar sangeet || Garibdas swami sunae, jaat anant jug beet ||521 || Praan pind purmain dhasau, gaye Ramanand koti || Garibdas sar suragmaen, rahau shabdki ot || 522 || Tahaan vahaan chit chakrit bhya, dekhi fajal darbaar || Garibdas sijda kiya, hum paaye deedaar ||523 || Tum swami main baal buddhi, bharm karm kiye naash || Garibdas nij Brahm tum, humrae drid vishwaas ||524 || Sunn-besunn saen tum parae, uraen se humrae teer || Garibdas sarbangmaen, avigat purush Kabir || 525 || Koti koti sijde karaen, koti koti pranaam || Garibdas anhad adhar, hum parsaen tum dhaam || 526 || Suni swami ek gal gujh, til taari pal jori || Garibdas sar gagan main, suraj anant karori || 527 || Shahar amaan anantpur, rimjhim rimjhim hoye || Garibdas us nagar ka, maram na janae koye ||528 || Suni swami kaisaen lakhau, kahi samjhaaun tohi || Garibdas bin par udain, tan man sheesh na hoye ||529 || Ravanpuri ek chakra hai, tahaan dhanjay baay || Garibdas jeete janm, yaakun let samaay || 530 || Aasan padam lagaaykar, bhirang naad ko khaenchi || 124 Who is the Master of the Lineage and What is He like? Garibdas achvan karae, devdutt ko echi ||531 || Kaali un kuleen rang, jaakae do fun dhaar || Garibdas kurambh shir, taas kare ud gaar || 532 || Chishmein laal gulaal rang, teeni girah nabh pench || Garibdas vah naagni koon, haune na deve rech || 533 || Kumbhak rechak sab karae, un karat udgaar || Garibdas us naagni koon, jeetae koi khilaar || 534 || Kumbh bharae rechak karae, fir tutat hai paun || Garibdas gagan mandal, nahin hot hai raun || 535 || Aage ghaati band hai, ingla-pingla doye || Garibdas sushman khule, taas milaava hoye || 536 || Jyunka tyunhi baithi raho, taji aasan sab jog || Garibdas pal beech pad, sarv sael sab bhog ||547 || Koti koti baikunth hain, koti koti Shiv shesh || Garibdas us dhaammain, Brahma koti naresh ||553 || Avadan amaanpur, chali swami tahaan chaal || Garibdas parlo anant, bauhri na jhapaen Kaal || 554 || Amar cheer tahaan pahri hai, amar hans sukh dhaam || Garibdas bhojan ajar, chal swami nijdhaam ||555 || Bolat Ramanandji, sun Kabir Kartaar || Garibdas sab roopmain, tumhi bolan haar ||556 || Tum Sahib tum sant hau, tum Satguru tum hans || Garibdas tum roop bin aur na dooja ans || 557 || Main bhagta mukta bhya, kiya karm kund naash || Garibdas avigat mile, meti man ki baas ||558 || Dohoon thaur hai ek too, bhya ek se doye || Garibdas hum kaarnae, utre hain magh joye ||559 || Goshti Ramanandsaen, Kashi nagar manjhaar || Garibdas jind peerke, hum paaye deedar || 562 || Bolae Ramanand ji, sunau Kabir subhaan || Garibdas mukta bhaye, udhre pind aru praan ||567 ||

Then Ramanand Ji said, “My doubt is dispelled. Oh Parmeshwar! How can we recognise you? You are standing in such a caste and attire. We ignorant living beings argued with you and became guilty, please forgive us, Purna Parmeshwar KavirDev, I am your ignorant child.”

Kabir Sahib (KavirDev/God Kabir) asked Swami Ramanand Ji, “Swami Ji, what pooja do you do?” Swami Ramanand Ji said, “I do sadhna according to the Vedas and Gita Ji.” Kabir Sahib asked, “Where will you go on the basis of the Vedas and Gita.” Swami Ramanand Ji said, “I shall go to heaven.” Kabir Sahib asked, “What will you do in heaven, Daata?” Ramanand Ji replied, “There is dearest God Vishnu Ji there. I will attain his audience everyday, and there are rivers of milk there, there is no worry, no tension there; I shall live there happily. Kabir Sahib asked, “Swami Ji, for how many years will you live in heaven?” (Ramanand Ji was a learned man and had knowledge. He understood within two minutes.)

Swami Ji said, “Whatever my earnings of bhakti will be, I will live accordingly.” Kabir Sahib said, “Swami Ji, you have done this sadhna infinite times. One can not get liberated by this. You want to go to heaven lok by doing sadhna of Shri Vishnu Ji. Those worshippers who by doing Brahm-sadhna go to Brahmlok, they too remain in the cycle of birth-death because one day Mahaswarg (Great heaven) which is built in Brahmlok will also get destroyed. Gita Ji’s Adhyay 8 Shlok 16, states this.” Swami Ramanand Ji was a learned man. The shloks were at his finger tips. Swami Ramanand Ji said, “You are right; this only is written.” Kabir Sahib said, “Tell me then where will you live, Gurudev?” Ramanand Ji was forced to think. Parmeshwar Kabir Ji asked, “Swami Ji, who narrated the knowledge of Gita Ji.” Swami Ramanand Ji replied, “Shri Krishna Ji did.” Parmeshwar Kabir Ji said, “Swami Ji, in Sanskrit Mahabharat Khand Two (page no 1531-old one and 667-new one), it is written that Shri Krishna Ji is saying to Arjun, now I do not remember that knowledge of Gita; I can not narrate it again.” Parmeshwar Kabir Sahib gave all the evidences.

Swami Ramanand's visit to Satlok

Kabir Sahib asked that how do you do sadhna? Swami Ramanand Ji replied that I have accomplished my whole body. By practice of yog, I, passing through the lotuses within, reach Trikuti (trivaini). Kabir Sahib said that you may reach Trivaini once. When Ramanand Ji entered into a state of meditation (because it was his daily practice), there are three paths after reaching Trivaini. On entering the Brahmlok built in every brahmand, three paths arise. Likewise, beyond the twenty brahmands, there is a similar arrangement in the twenty-first brahmand. One way goes to the three secret places built in Brahmlok ahead, where Jyoti Niranjan lives in three forms. The Brahmrandhr ahead will not open by this naam of yours. This Brahmrandhr too will open by Satnaam. Kabir Sahib uttered His Satnaam through breaths, the front door opened up. Kabir Sahib said, “Now I will show you Kaal God whom you call formless; who says in Gita that I will eat everyone. Arjun! I never grant audience to anyone, I never appear before anyone.” Kabir Sahib said, “Now I will make you see him with your eyes.” First of all, showed Brahm (Kaal) in the secret places in Brahmlok built in one brahmand; he was in Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv form. Then exiting from the door which crosses Brahmlok, took to the twenty-first brahmand. Brahm (Kaal) also keeps an eye on the path which extends beyond Brahmlok, which is above the Jata Kundali Sarover (lake) so that no one should escape. The last lok of twenty-one brahmands is Kaal-Brahm’s (Kshar Purush) personal place. There he is sitting in the same dreadful appearance which is his actual form. Kabir Sahib said, “See, your formless God is sitting there; whom you call formless.” (Because the yogis did sadhna by ‘Om’ naam based on the Vedas; did not achieve God, attained supernatural powers, went to heaven, to great heaven, then became animals. Therefore everybody has accepted him to be formless that he is not visible, whereas it is written in Vedas that God is in form.) When approached Kaal ahead, then Sahib uttered His Satnaam along with Saarnaam. At that very moment, Kaal’s head bent down. Above Kaal’s head is that door through which one goes to Satlok and enters the lok of ParBrahm. After that, one Bhanvar cave starts. (There is also one Bhanvar cave in Kaal’s lok.) Kabir Sahib Ji’s hans (flawless devotees) go up by stepping on Kaal’s head. This Kaal acts as his stair. After crossing the lok of ParBrahm, Kabir Sahib took the soul of Shri Ramanand Ji to Satlok. (There is also a Bhanvar cave there.) On going to Satlok, Shri Ramanand Ji saw that Kabir Sahib (KavirDev) is sitting in His actual form. There is so much brightness in Kabir Sahib there as if in one hair follicle, there is more brightness than the combined light (but there is no warmth) of crore suns and crore moons. On going there Kabir Sahib started moving whisk on His own another form. Shri Ramanand Ji thought that this is God and this Kabir might be some servant here, but the lok is different from all. God is very effulgent. He is thinking all this, with that, the effulgent form of God stood up and Kabir Sahib in the form of the five-year-old child sat down on the throne. The actual visible effulgent form of God started moving whisk on Kabir Sahib in child form. Thereafter Kabir Sahib’s effulgent form vanished into Kabir Sahib in the child form. And Kabir Sahib is sitting on the throne only in the form of the five-year-old child; the whisk is moving itself. With that, sent Ramanand Ji’s soul back into his body. His meditation broke; saw in front of him that Kabir Sahib is sitting in the form of a fiveyear- old child. At that time, Swami Ramanand Ji said Oh Parmeshwar! Oh Kabir Parmatma! Oh Kabir Kartaar (Creator of the entire nature)! You alone are the Omnipresent Complete God.”Oh God Kabir! You are in both the places, in Satyalok as well as in front of me and making two forms from one, have come here for us insignificant living beings.

Ramanand Ji, a 104-year-old greatman is saying to 5-year-old Kabir Parmeshwar that I, your Das (servant), have become liberated and the wandering of my mind has ended. I have obtained sight of God’s actual appearance. Oh Purna Parmatma Kabir Sahib (KavirDev)! All the four Holy Vedas and Holy Gita Ji are only singing your praises. 

Kabir Poetry

God Kabir gave his knowledge through his speech and became renowned as a poet

God Kabir uttered numerous speeches during his tenure on earth which were compiled by one of His disciples "Dharamdas". These are available to us as Kabir Sagar and the Bijak of Kabir. It is a collection of speeches (Banis / Vani) by God Kabir. To the general public God Kabir was known as a poet and is still known the same way. However he was God himself. Even this trait of Supreme God is mentioned in the Vedas in Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 18.

ऋग्वेद मण्डल 9 सूक्त 96 मंत्र 18

ऋषिमना य ऋषिकृत् स्वर्षाः सहòाणीथः पदवीः कवीनाम्।
तृतीयम् धाम महिषः सिषा सन्त् सोमः विराजमानु राजति स्टुप्।।18।।

भावार्थ - मंत्र 17 में कहा है कि कविर्देव शिशु रूप धारण कर लेता है। लीला करता हुआ बड़ा होता है। कविताओं द्वारा तत्वज्ञान वर्णन करने के कारण कवि की पदवी प्राप्त करता है अर्थात् उसे कवि कहने लग जाते हैं, वास्तव में वह पूर्ण परमात्मा कविर् (कबीर प्रभु) ही है। उसके द्वारा रची अमृतवाणी कबीर वाणी (कविर्गिरः अर्थात् कविर्वाणी) कही जाती है, जो भक्तों के लिए स्वर्ग तुल्य सुखदाई होती है। वही परमात्मा तीसरे मुक्ति धाम अर्थात् सतलोक की स्थापना करके एक गुबंद अर्थात् गुम्बज में सिंहासन पर तेजोमय मानव सदृश शरीर में आकार में विराजमान है।

Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 18.

Rishimna ya rishikrit′ swarshaH sahastraneethH padviH kavinam′  Trteeyam′ dhaam mahishH sisha sant′ somH viraajmanu rajti stup′ ||18||

Translation: The narrator of Ved, Brahm, is saying that the Supreme God, who coming in the form of an extraordinary child, attains the title of famous poets i.e. plays the role of a saint or a Rishi (sage), the thousands of speeches composed by that God who has appeared as a saint, are provider of happiness equal to that of heaven to the individuals of saintly nature i.e. to devotees. He, who has appeared in form of a Rishi/Saint is Eternal God i.e. SatPurush only; that Complete God, after establishing the very firm Earth of the third lok of salvation i.e. Satyalok, is seated in a saint form in a dome on a high hillock-like throne in bright material body i.e. in a humanlike effulgent body.

Meaning: It is said in Mantra 17 that KavirDev acquires a child form. Then, He grows up while playing a divine act. Because of describing the Tatvgyan through poems, He attains the position of a poet (kavi) i.e. people start calling Him Kavi; in reality, He is Supreme God Kavir (God Kabir) only. The nectar speech composed by Him is known as Kabir Vaani (KavirgirbhiH i.e. Kavir Vaani/ Speech), which is comforting like heaven to the devotees. That same God establishing the third lok of salvation i.e. Satlok, is seated in form in a dome on a high throne in a bright human-like body.

It is further mentioned in Rig Ved Mandal 9, Sukt 94, Mantra 1, that, that God behaves and wanders like a poet and spreads his knowledge via couplets, poems etc.