Sant Ramananda (14th–15th century), a prominent Vaishnava saint of Varanasi, democratised spirituality in North India. He opened the path of bhakti to all sections of society by accepting disciples from different castes and backgrounds, including women and lower castes. Breaking rigid caste barriers, he taught that devotion to Lord Rama is open to everyone irrespective of birth. His liberal approach greatly influenced later saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Tulsidas, laying the foundation for the widespread Bhakti movement in northern India.