Barmati Panth

Introduction :

The Baarmati^[1] religion, believed to have been established at the dawn of the universe by the Almighty, represents a profound spiritual tradition that transcends time and geography. Rooted in the belief that divine teachings were granted to humanity as they evolved intellectually, Baarmati is a unique religion where equality and universal divinity are core tenets. This article delves into the rich history, beliefs, and practices of Baarmati, exploring its distinctive characteristics and the inclusive philosophy that binds all religions.

Historical Context and Foundational Beliefs:

Baarmati, the religion, is said to have been present since the beginning of time, with its teachings emerging fully formed as humanity’s capacity to comprehend complex spiritual concepts developed. The religion traces its followers through the epochs of time, known as Yugas in religious cosmology. In the Satyuga (Karta or Krit Yuga), Prahlad, the virtuous son of the king Hiranyakashipu, is recognized as a follower. In the Treta Yuga, Vibhishan, the righteous brother of the king Ravana, adhered to its principles. The Dwapar Yuga (Dua Yuga) saw Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas and a paragon of righteousness, uphold Baarmati practices during significant rituals.

The Baramati religion was introduced by Shree Dhani Matang Dev around the 8th century in the current age, i.e., Kaliyuga (Kalyug), revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Matang Dev (Kalkipatra or Kalki) is believed to have brought the teachings to the Maheshawri Meghwal Samaj, formerly known as Simbhariya and Rakheshar, spread across regions of Kachchh, Jamnagar, Rajkot in Gujarat, India, and Sindh Province in present-day Pakistan. His teachings emphasized equality, divine wisdom, and the ultimate unity of all religious traditions.

Core Beliefs and Practices: A defining feature of Baarmati is its egalitarianism. It is the only known religion where men and women are entirely equal in religious duties and practices. Both genders take religious oaths and participate in rituals without discrimination. The central ritual, known as Baarmati or Karam Baarai, begins with women, highlighting the significant role they play in the faith.

Baarmati espouses a universal approach to spirituality, recognizing the interconnectedness of all religions. It teaches that the concept of reincarnation is not confined to its own faith but encompasses the greatest figures from all religions. For instance, the incarnations of Shree Ganesha include figures such as Narasimha Avtar, Parshuram Avtar, Shree Hanuman, Hazrat Husain, and Shree Lunang Dev. Similarly, Lord Shiva’s incarnations encompass figures like Shree Rama, Shree Krishna, Hazrat Ali, Prophet Adam, and Shree Dhani Matang Dev. This inclusivity extends to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, whose incarnations include figures from various religious traditions, illustrating the Baarmati belief in a singular divine source manifesting through different avatars and prophets.

The religion also holds that the universe has witnessed numerous Yugas beyond the well-known four (Satya, Treta, Dwapar, and Kali), such as Trikhandi Yuga and Aparichh Yuga, with many more to come, including Panchorath Yuga, Chatorath Yuga, Tramborath Yuga, and Kumbhkar Yuga. Baarmati posits that this is only the beginning of the universe’s spiritual journey, with much more to unfold in future Yugas.

Divine Beings and Ultimate Purpose:

Baarmati’s theology includes the concept of 36 crore (360 million) divine beings, equally divided between male and female. These beings, believed to be immortal and close to God, are destined to maintain peace and harmony in future ages (Eras or Yuga). The ultimate purpose of life, according to Baarmati, is to attain divinity and become one of these divine souls through righteous living and good deeds, irrespective of one’s religious background. The religion emphasizes that all religions were created by the same God, delivered through different avatars or messengers, with the shared goal of guiding humanity toward divinity.

Conclusion : Baarmati stands out as a religion that not only honors the diversity of religious traditions but also unites them under a common divine purpose. It advocates for equality, inclusivity, and a universal approach to spirituality. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all faiths and emphasizing the importance of good karma, Baarmati offers a unique and harmonious path toward achieving divine enlightenment. The teachings of Baarmati remind us that while religious expressions may differ, the ultimate goal of spiritual growth and unity remains the same. As humanity continues to evolve, Baarmati’s message of equality, peace, and divine unity remains a timeless and essential guide for all.^[2]^[3]