Raval Yogi

Raval (also known as Yogi or Raval Yogi ) are a Hindu community, found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is an Indian caste categorized among the Other Backward Classes (Non Creamy Layer)[1][2].

The term Yogi in Raval Yogi is a colloquial term which refers to the people who practiced yoga as part of their daily rituals. Over the time, this resulted into the formation of a community, and then into a caste. Raval 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.

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