Bairagi (Hindu traditions)

The Bairagi are a group of gurus, or spiritual guides in the Hindu religious system. The history of the Bairagi begins with Ramanuja, who lived in the eleventh and twelfth centuries and taught in the southern part of India. A proper Bairagi is one whose principal deity is either Vishnu or any of his incarnations, like Rama and Krishna. They are much more numerous in India, where there is a Hindu majority, but they also live in the nearby South Asian countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. They are indifferent to the education of girls. Most are involved with Hindu religious instruction. They have disciples who are from the forward castes, with whom they usually interact once a year.

Ministry Obstacles

To follow Christ is to risk disturbing the harmony within this Hindu community. Ideally, the gospel would first influence their leaders, who can open the door for others to accept it as well.

Scripture Focus

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."  Psalm 23:6

Scripture Prayer

Pray for leaders of today’s people group to put all their hope in the Lord just like King David did when he wrote this Psalm.

Prayer Focus

Ask God to give the Bairagi a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the one faithful Savior of all mankind. Ask the Lord to open the way for all of them to hear and respond to Jesus and that many disciples will be made among the middle and high caste Hindus. Ask God to soften hearts among the Hindu Bairagi community to make schooling a priority for both boys and girls.