Raval Yogi Explained

Ravaldev (also known as Jogi/Yogi or Raval Jogi/Yogi) are a Hindu community belonging to the prehistoric times,known as Shiva vansh(Descendants of Shiva) mostly found in Gujarat(Population over 35 Lakhs) and Rajasthan.[1] [2]

Raval Jogi/Yogi are believed to be one of the oldest of the Ravaldev group.They are spread all over state in Gujarat.[3]

History and origin

There is a legend about Raval Yogi's origin. It says that once lord Shiva (Shankar) had to go to Kailash mountain for meditation. He had to leave Devi Parvati (Wife of Lord Shiva) behind. Devi Parvati requested lord Shiva (Shankar) to appoint a person to look after her in his absence. Lord Shiva (Shankar) immediately prepared an idol out of dirt and sweat or rav of his body and named him Raval Yogi to look after his consort Parvati.

Being impressed by the services of Raval Yogi, lord Shankar presented him an akshaypatra (a devine pot) to get rid of hunger etc. Raval Yogi once accepted food from Pandavas. Lord Shankar became angry and cursed him saying that he would not get anything in future from akshaypatra and will have to beg for food.

Notes and References

  1. Book: People of India: Gujarat . XXII . Gopal Krishna . K. S. Singh . 2003 . Popular Prakashan . 978-81-7991-106-8 . 1194–1197 .
  2. Book: S. P. Agrawal . J. C. Aggarwal . Educational and Social Uplift of Backward Classes: At what Cost and How? : Mandal Commission and After . 1991 . Concept Publishing Company . 978-81-7022-339-9 . 227 .
  3. Book: People of India: Gujarat . XXII . Gopal Krishna . K. S. Singh . 2003 . Popular Prakashan . 978-81-7991-106-8 . 1194–1197 .