Bhagat

Bhagat is a term used in the Indian subcontinent to describe religious figures who have obtained high acclaim in their communities for their acts and devotion.

[1] Furthermore, Bhagat is additionally a surname found among Marathas, Bania communities and Punjabi Brahmins.

Sikhism's central scriptural book, Guru Granth Sahib, has teachings of 15 Bhagats, along with bani of Sikh Gurus, Bhats and Gursikhs.

Because Sikhism believes in one human creed (no one belongs to a higher or a lower social status or caste) and that accounts to adding Bani of various authors, a total of 36, in Guru Granth Sahib irrespective of many belonging to religions other than Sikhism.

Broadly speaking, therefore, a Bhagat is a holy person or a member of a community whose objectives involve leading humanity towards God and highlighting injustices in the world.

Four Bhagats of Sikhism: Bhagat Ravidas , Bhagat Kabir , Bhagat Namdev , and Bhagat Pipa .
Fresco depicting Guru Arjan meeting the Bhagats and composing the Adi Granth (first rendition of the Guru Granth Sahib) with the assistance of Bhai Gurdas, circa mid-19th century. The fresco is located within Gurdwara Baba Bir Singh. Positioning of the Bhagats (on the right-side), starting clock-wise from beside Guru Arjan's right-side: Kabir, Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, Jaidev, Farid?, Beni, Pipa, unknown, Trilochan, Dhanna?, and Namdev. Bhai Gurdas is on the left-side, scribing a manuscript.