S. P. Dubey English Studies

  Introduction Kabir was one of the most influential mystic poets of medieval India and a central figure of the Bhakti movement. Traditionally believed to have been born in Varanasi and raised in a family of Muslim weavers, Kabir occupies a unique position between Hindu and Islamic spiritual traditions. His poetry reflects a deep engagement with both Bhakti (devotional Hinduism) and Sufi mysticism, yet he strongly rejected sectarian identities and ritualistic practices. Kabir’s compositions are primarily found in the Bijak , the Kabir Granthavali , and in the Adi Granth of the Sikhs. Written in simple vernacular Hindi (often called Sadhukkari ), his verses are direct, aphoristic, and rich in metaphor. He criticized empty religious formalism, caste discrimination, idol worship, and dogmatic theology. Instead, he emphasized inner purity, personal devotion, and the realization of a formless God ( Nirguna Brahman ). Verse 1   मोको कहाँ ढूँढ़े बंदे , मैं तो तेरे पास ...