Born in the holy city of Varanasi, Kabir or Kabir Das was an iconic Indian mystic, sage, and poet from the 15th century whose work is cherished by followers of both Hinduism and Islam, and also, Sikhism. Though brought up by Muslim parents (a family of weavers), Kabir became a follower of devotional Hinduism leader Ramananda. But he was critical of both Hinduism and Islam and often questioned the relevance or purpose of rituals like sacred thread ceremony and circumcision.
Kabir favored the path of conscious actions and righteousness above any religion or belief system. He propounded that ‘Truth’ is the only authority and pursuit of truth is the most virtuous path to salvation. He urged his followers to drop their ego identities in order to detach themselves from all their earthly attachments.
Kabir’s preferred modes of communication were Dohas or Shabads (rhymed couplets) and Padas (songs) spoken in vernacular Hindi mixed with other North Indian dialects. His teachings are still followed by a religious community called Kabir Panth (meaning the path of Kabir), primarily based in northern and central India.