Sevalal Maharaj
Sevalal Maharaj (15 February 1739 – 4 January 1773) was an Indian socio-religious reformer, community leader, and is now revered by the Gor Banjara community as a spiritual guru.
Shree Sevalal Maharaj | |
|---|---|
| Born | Seva Bhimasingh Ramavath 15 February 1739 Surgondankoppa, Davangere district, Karnataka, India |
| Died | 4 January 1773 (aged 33) Ruhigad |
| Resting place | Poharagarh, Washim district, Maharashtra |
| Occupation | Social reformer |
Sevalal Maharaj died at Ruhigarh (Yavatmal District) and was buried at Poharagarh in Washim district, now in the state of Maharashtra. His samadhi still stands there, adjacent to a temple dedicated to goddess Jagadamba. Although he was opposed to personality cults and rituals, it is a popular destination for Banjaras at Hindu festivals such as Diwali. Similar adjacent temples dedicated to Sevalal and to Jagdamba exist elsewhere and also attract worshipers in significant numbers.[1]
There are folk songs praising Sevalal that are popular during Banjara festivities.[1]
References
- Burman, J. J. Roy (2010). Ethnography of a Denotified Tribe: The Laman Banjara. Mittal Publications. p. 94. ISBN 978-8-18324-345-2.
Further reading
- Naik, Dhanasing B. (2000). The Art and Literature of Banjara Lambanis: A Socio-cultural Study. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-8-17017-364-9.