Kavir Dev, also known as Saint Kabir, is revered as a divine spiritual leader and an eternal messenger of truth. Unlike ordinary beings, he is believed to have manifested as an infant on a lotus flower in Lahar Tala, Varanasi, rather than being born from a mother’s womb. His teachings, expressed in profound yet simple verses, challenge blind rituals and emphasize the pursuit of true spiritual knowledge (gyan). Kavir Dev is known for revealing the ultimate reality of God and guiding seekers toward liberation (moksha) through devotion to the Supreme Being. His wisdom transcends religious boundaries, advocating that all living beings belong to one universal race, and true religion lies in recognizing the Supreme Truth. His discourses with various religious figures, including Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Muhammad, highlight his role as a divine teacher sent to illuminate the path of salvation.
The name Kavir Dev is explicitly mentioned in the Vedas as the name of the Supreme God. One such reference is in Rigveda Mandal 9, Sukta 96, Mantra 17, the term "Kavir Manishi" is used, which refers to the Supreme God who is all-knowing and self-existent. The word "Kavir" is the actual name of Supreme God, signifying the divine entity who has crafted the entire creation with His supreme wisdom. The suffix "Dev" further confirms His divine status. Kavir Dev is described in the Vedas as the eternal, self-manifested God who imparts true knowledge (Tatvagyan) and grants liberation to souls. This reference aligns with the belief that Kavir Dev, also known as Saint Kabir, is the Supreme God who descended to guide humanity. His teachings clarify that while Vedic knowledge is significant, it does not fully reveal the method to attain the Supreme God, which He Himself has come to disclose. The Vedas subtly indicate that worship of Kavir Dev leads to liberation, and His true identity is revealed only to those who seek beyond the material realm through His divine wisdom.
The names Kabir and Kavir are one and the same, both referring to Supreme God Kavir Dev (Kabir Sahib). The difference in spelling arises due to linguistic variations across different languages and scriptures. In Vedic texts, including Rigveda (9.96.17), the name "Kavir Dev" is used, where "Kavir" signifies the Supreme Being who has designed the entire creation. Over time, in regional languages like Hindi, the pronunciation evolved to "Kabir", but the essence remains unchanged. Whether it is "Kabir" or "Kavir," both denote the same eternal God who descended on earth to impart true spiritual knowledge (Tatvagyan). He revealed the secrets of creation, the identity of Kaal, and the path to liberation, proving that He is the Supreme God mentioned in the Vedas and other scriptures.