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Shree Sevalal Maharaj | |
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| Born | Sevalal 15 February 1739 Ramji Naik Thanda, Bavan Barad, Gutti - Bellari Region- now known as Sevagad, Gutti Mandal,Anantapur District,Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Died | 4 December 1806 (aged 67) |
| Resting place | Poharagarh, Washim district, Maharashtra |
| Occupation | Social reformer |
| Parents |
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Sevalal Maharaj (15 February 1739 – 4 December 1806) was an Indian socio-religious reformer and community leader, and is revered by the Gor Banjara community as a spiritual guru.
Guru Sevalal Maharaj was born to Bheema Naik (father) and Dharamani Yaadi (mother) in 18th century. He 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. 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] Every Banjara/Gor/Lambadi village or hamlet has a temple for Sri Sevalal Guru. All the Banjara hoist a pink or red colour flags for the jagadamba and white colour for the sri shanth sevala maharaj at spiritual sites in every village to show deep sense of spiritual reverence and claim the deep sense of community dignity.
- ^ a b Burman, J. J. Roy (2010). Ethnography of a Denotified Tribe: The Laman Banjara. Mittal Publications. p. 94. ISBN 978-8-18324-345-2.