The Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, includes the writings of Sikh Gurus as well as several Bhakti and Sufi saints, collectively known as Bhagats or Sants. These saints were revered for their devotion to God, spiritual insights, and emphasis on inner realization. Here’s a list of prominent saints (Bhagats) whose compositions are included in the Guru Granth Sahib:
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Bhagat Kabir (1440–1518)
- A prominent mystic poet, Kabir’s verses emphasize the oneness of God and the rejection of ritualism and caste distinctions. His hymns are direct, focusing on the need for inner devotion.
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Bhagat Farid (1173–1266)
- A Sufi saint from Punjab, also known as Baba Farid, his teachings focus on humility, detachment from materialism, and meditation on God. His verses reflect deep spiritual insight and simplicity.
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Bhagat Ravidas (1450–1520)
- A low-caste leather worker, Ravidas emphasized equality, the importance of devotion to God, and the rejection of social hierarchies based on caste. His hymns express a desire for liberation through love for God.
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Bhagat Namdev (1270–1350)
- A saint from Maharashtra, Namdev’s hymns advocate pure devotion to God and challenge the rigid caste system. His focus was on the omnipresence of the Divine and equality among all people.
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Bhagat Sain (14th Century)
- A barber by profession, Bhagat Sain’s hymns focus on devotion and the greatness of God’s grace. He is believed to have been a disciple of Bhagat Ramanand and is venerated for his humility and piety.
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Bhagat Trilochan (1267–1335)
- A saint who emphasized detachment from worldly desires and devotion to God, Trilochan’s hymns reflect on the distractions of the material world and the importance of a focused spiritual life.
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Bhagat Dhanna (15th Century)
- A simple farmer, Bhagat Dhanna’s hymns reflect his direct and uncomplicated devotion to God. He is known for his faith and innocence in approaching the Divine, seeking a personal connection with God.
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Bhagat Pipa (1425–1520)
- A Rajput king who renounced his throne to seek spiritual truth, Bhagat Pipa’s hymns emphasize devotion to the formless God and the futility of attachment to worldly wealth and power.
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Bhagat Beni (14th Century)
- A mystic saint, Bhagat Beni’s hymns delve into the complexities of spiritual life and the struggles of the soul in its quest for union with the Divine.
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Bhagat Sadhana (1180–1280)
- A butcher by profession, Bhagat Sadhana’s hymns focus on the omnipresence of God and the idea that one can attain spiritual liberation regardless of social status or occupation.
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Bhagat Jaidev (12th Century)
- A famous Sanskrit poet and the author of the Gita Govinda, Jaidev’s hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib express devotion and surrender to God, emphasizing the love between the soul and the Divine.
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Bhagat Surdas (1478–1583)
- A poet-saint known for his devotion to Krishna, some of his hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His verses focus on the love between God and the devotee, as well as the soul’s yearning for union with the Divine.
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Bhagat Paramanand (13th–14th Century)
- A saint whose hymns reflect deep devotion and the longing for spiritual liberation through love and surrender to God. His poetry emphasizes the importance of the soul’s connection to the Divine.
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Bhagat Ramanand (1360–1470)
- A key figure in the Bhakti movement, Ramanand taught that devotion to God was available to all, regardless of caste or creed. His influence is seen in many of the other saints whose hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
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Bhagat Bhikhan (1480–1573)
- A saint who advocated for selfless devotion and meditation on God. His hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib emphasize the importance of humility and detachment from worldly pleasures.
These saints were included in the Guru Granth Sahib by the Sikh Gurus because their teachings aligned with the Sikh principles of devotion to one God, equality, humility, and living a life of virtue. Their hymns and spiritual insights continue to inspire devotees and emphasize that the path to God is accessible to all, regardless of social status or religious background.