The 1906 Revival in Aurangabad, India

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad, India, was a significant spiritual awakening that touched numerous mission stations and churches across various denominations. This revival, part of a larger wave of revivals sweeping through India from 1904 to 1906, fostered unity among different Christian groups and left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of the region¹.

Background

Before the revival, Christianity in India was primarily concentrated in a few regions and denominations². While the religious landscape was dominated by Hinduism and Buddhism, with smaller populations of Sikhs and Jains ³, Christianity had been present in India for centuries.

The Church Missionary Society had established a presence in Aurangabad in 1860 ⁴, and the Methodist Episcopal Church had sparked a revival in Hyderabad between 1872 and 1874 ⁴. However, the Christian population remained relatively small compared to other religious groups, particularly in the Aurangabad region. Further research is needed to understand the specific religious landscape of the Aurangabad region before the revival.

The Mukti Mission and its Influence

The Mukti Mission, founded by Pandita Ramabai, played a crucial role in promoting revival in India⁵. Ramabai, a remarkable woman who was the first to receive the title of “Pandita” (scholar) from the University of Calcutta, established Mukti (“salvation”) as a refuge for widows and other women in need⁵. The mission, located north of Kedagaon in Maharashtra, became a centre for spiritual growth and social reform⁵.

Mukti’s emphasis on prayer and dedication to serving others created fertile ground for revival⁵. When a Church Mission Society station in Aurangabad requested a team from Mukti to conduct meetings, Minnie Abrams, a missionary from the American Midwest, was chosen to lead the team¹. Abrams had a proven track record of leading successful revival teams, and her presence in Aurangabad proved to be a catalyst for the awakening¹.

The Sialkot Convention and its Impact

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad was preceded by a series of events that contributed to its emergence. The 1904 Sialkot revival in India’s Punjab region is considered the initial spark that ignited the widespread revival movement¹. This revival was born out of a period of intense prayer by disheartened missionaries who had witnessed little success in conversions⁶.

The Sialkot Convention of 1906, with its focus on prayer and spiritual renewal, further fuelled the revival fire⁶. The 1906 Sialkot Convention was open to all denominations, not just Presbyterians, leading to a significant increase in attendance⁶. With 1,300 attendees and 70 missionaries, the convention fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among Christians from diverse backgrounds⁶.

The Scottish Mission was used as a prayer room, and a tent was set up for women’s prayer, creating an atmosphere of dedicated seeking and spiritual fervor⁶. The convention had a profound impact on those who attended, with reports of people being humbled by God’s presence, a burden for souls, visions of Christ and angels, and the testimony of a converted beggar⁶. These experiences fueled the desire for spiritual awakening and contributed to the spread of the revival movement.

Key Leaders and Churches Involved

While Minnie Abrams played a significant role in initiating the revival in Aurangabad, the movement was not limited to any single leader. A nine-year-old schoolgirl returning from Aurangabad sparked the revival in Bombay by inviting other girls to pray with her for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit¹. This demonstrates the spontaneous and widespread nature of the revival, where individuals from different backgrounds and ages were touched by the Holy Spirit.

The revival touched various denominations, including Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Brethren, Anglicans, Christian and Missionary Alliance, and the London Missionary Society¹. This interdenominational participation contributed to a sense of unity and broke down barriers between different Christian groups¹.

Specific churches involved in the Aurangabad revival included the Church Mission Society station that initially requested the Mukti team, as well as eleven other churches in surrounding villages and towns¹. Holy Trinity Church, one of the oldest churches in India, also played a role in the revival⁷.

Prayers and Practices

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad was characterized by fervent prayer, extended meetings, and a deep focus on spiritual renewal. Meetings often lasted for many hours, with participants engaging in prayer, confession, and praise¹. Some individuals spent entire nights in prayer, creating an atmosphere filled with the presence of God⁶.

There were also periods of extended silence, where participants focused on inward reflection and listening to the voice of God⁸. Some attendees were “slain in the Spirit,” a phenomenon characterized by a temporary loss of physical control and an intense spiritual experience⁸.

The intensity of the revival is evident in the accounts of the meetings. Some meetings lasted for up to 12 hours, with “prayer, confession, praise, succeeding each other without intermission.” ¹ More than 50 girls and widows were reported to have spent hours each day in prayer, with some experiencing trances and visions¹. This dedication to prayer and spiritual seeking created a powerful atmosphere of spiritual hunger and expectation.

Personal Testimonies

One notable testimony from the Aurangabad revival involved a dying girl whose family was unable to attend the meetings. When the Mukti team visited their home, the young men from the Normal School prayed for the girl, and she was miraculously healed¹. This healing led the family to attend the meetings and experience the revival firsthand¹.

Another testimony came from a pastor who was deeply in debt and considered unfit to lead an evangelistic team. After genuine repentance and efforts to repay his debts, the pastor experienced a powerful anointing and led successful meetings in area churches¹. This testimony highlights the revival’s emphasis on repentance and spiritual transformation.

Aurangabad at that time was considered the second hottest city in India, with temperatures sometimes reaching 109 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade¹. Despite the extreme heat, participants remained focused on God, undeterred by physical discomfort¹. Their ability to endure the heat while engaging in extended periods of prayer and worship is seen as evidence of God’s empowering presence¹.

A particularly striking testimony comes from a young man who participated in an evangelistic ministry trip to a Tamil mission orphanage⁹. This trip was supported by a group of intercessors who dedicated 8-10 hours per day to prayer⁹. During the trip, the young man became so overwhelmed by the spiritual experience that he fell unconscious for three days, without food and with very little sleep⁹. He later recounted having beautiful visions of Christ’s suffering and the heavenly host⁹.

Rev. L. B. Butcher of the Church Mission Society reported on the revival’s impact on the girl’s school in Manmad. He described a “spirit of prayer” that took hold of the students, with many experiencing a deep connection with God and a desire for spiritual growth¹.

Connection to Other Revivals

The 1906 Aurangabad revival was closely connected to other revivals occurring in India and around the world. The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, with its emphasis on prayer and spiritual awakening, had a significant influence on the revival in India¹¹. The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, which began in 1906, was also seen as a parallel movement, further contributing to the growth of Pentecostalism globally¹⁰. In fact, the Azusa Street Revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century⁸.

The revivals in India during this period were characterized by a sense of interconnectedness and shared experiences. Reports of revivals in one location often inspired and encouraged similar movements in other areas¹¹. This interconnectedness highlights the global nature of spiritual awakenings and the power of prayer and unity.

The Canadian Baptist missionaries in India also experienced the revival’s impact¹¹. A book about the Canadian Baptists in India, covering the years 1874-1924, provides insights into their experiences during the 1906 revival¹¹. The book, titled “The Enterprise,” states: “In 1906 the Mission was visited by a revival which was part of a larger, nation-wide movement; itself ¹⁵.

Researchers have explored the revival’s connection to other movements, its impact on Pentecostalism, and its role in shaping the religious landscape of India¹². These studies help to deepen our understanding of the revival’s historical context and its lasting legacy.

Timeline of Events

Analysis and Takeaways

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad provides valuable lessons for Christians today. The revival highlights the importance of:

• United Prayer: The revival was preceded and sustained by fervent and united prayer among Christians from different denominations.
• Openness to the Holy Spirit: Participants in the revival were open to the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit, leading to conversions, healings, and spiritual renewal.
• Personal Testimony: Sharing personal testimonies played a crucial role in inspiring and encouraging others to experience the revival.
• Interdenominational Unity: The revival broke down barriers between denominations, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among Christians.

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of seeking spiritual awakening in our own lives and communities.

The revival also offers several key insights:

• The Prominent Role of Women: Women played a crucial role in the 1906 revival, demonstrating their leadership and spiritual influence. Minnie Abrams led the revival team from Mukti Mission, while Pandita Ramabai’s vision and dedication created an environment where revival could flourish¹. Furthermore, the revival spread to Bombay through the initiative of a young schoolgirl, and the “spirit of prayer” was particularly strong among the girls and widows in Manmad¹. This highlights the significant contributions of women to the revival movement.
• Fostering Interdenominational Unity: The revival transcended denominational boundaries, bringing together Christians from various backgrounds and traditions¹. This unity in the Spirit fostered a sense of shared purpose and broke down barriers that had previously separated different Christian groups.
• The Power of Personal Experience: The revival was characterized by powerful personal experiences, including visions, healings, and testimonies of transformed lives¹. These experiences served as catalysts for the spread of the revival, inspiring others to seek a deeper relationship with God.
• A Global Awakening: The Aurangabad revival was not an isolated event but part of a larger global movement of spiritual awakening¹⁰. The connections to the Welsh Revival and the Azusa Street Revival demonstrate the interconnectedness of spiritual movements and the universality of the human desire for God.

Conclusion

The 1906 revival in Aurangabad was a significant event in the history of Christianity in India. It was a time of spiritual awakening, unity, and growth for the Christian community. The revival’s emphasis on prayer, openness to the Holy Spirit, and personal testimony contributed to its success and lasting impact. The revival also serves as an example of the interconnectedness of spiritual movements and the power of prayer to bring about transformation.

The Aurangabad revival holds valuable lessons for Christians today. It reminds us of the importance of seeking unity in the Spirit, embracing the power of prayer, and being open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The revival’s legacy continues to inspire and challenge believers to pursue spiritual renewal and actively participate in God’s work in the world.

Works cited

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2. PENTECOSTALISM IN INDIA, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://members.tripod.com/sharon_america/files/pentindia.pdf
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4. Telugu Christians – Wikipedia, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_Christians
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6. Aurangabad Revival Archives – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/tag/aurangabad-revival/
7. Holy Trinity Church Aurangabad – Wix.com, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://holytrinitychurchcni.wixsite.com/cni9/copy-of-youth-fellowship-1
8. The Azusa Street Revival -1906-1908 – Apostolic Archives International, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://www.apostolicarchives.com/articles/article/8801925/173190.htm
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10. Pandita Sarasvati Ramabai – Sci-Hub, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://sci-hub.se/downloads/2021-05-28/c9/heatonanderson2012.pdf
11. 1906 India Revivals VI (8 Locations) – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://romans1015.com/1906-india-vi/
12. Ordinary Indian Pentecostal Christology – University of Birmingham, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/1717/1/Abraham11PhD.pdf
13. A CONTEXTUAL MISSIOLOGY OF THE SPIRIT: A STUDY OF PENTECOSTALISM IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA – University of Birmingham, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/294/1/Lukose09PhD_A1a.pdf
14. Sixth Great Awakening 1900 – Revival Library, accessed on December 18, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1900-the-sixth-great-awakening/
15. Full text of “The enterprise; the jubilee story of the Canadian Baptist mission in India, 1874-1924. By M.L. Orchard and K.S. McLaurin” https://archive.org/stream/enterprisejubile00orchuoft/enterprisejubile00orchuoft_djvu.txt