Sevalal Maharaj
Sevalal Maharaj was an Indian socio-religious reformer and community leader. He is revered by the Gor Banjara community as a guru.
Early life
Guru Sevalal Maharaj was born to Bheema Naik Ramawat and Dharamani Mata Bheema Naik Ramawat in the 18th century. Maharaj had 3 siblings: Shri Badu Bhima Naik Ramawat, Shri Happa Bhima Naik Ramawat, and Shri Pura Bhima Naik Ramavat.He died at Ruhigarh and was buried at Poharadevi in Washim district, now in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Legacy
His samadhi stands adjacent to a temple dedicated to goddess Jagadamba devi in Pharadevi. Although he was opposed to personality cults and rituals, it became a popular destination for Banjaras.Similar temples dedicated to Sevalal and to Jagdamba exist elsewhere and attract many worshipers.
Folk songs praising Sevalal are popular during Banjara festivities. Every Banjara/Gor/Lambadi village or hamlet has a temple for Sri Sevalal Guru. Banjara hoist a pink or red flag for the jagadamba and white colour for him at spiritual sites in every village as a show of reverence and community dignity.