The Bhakti Movement stands as a transformative chapter in medieval India’s cultural history, catalysing a subtle societal revolution through the tireless efforts of numerous socio-religious reformers. This theistic devotional trend emerged during the medieval period, reshaping the fabric of Indian society.
Bhakti Movement – Origin
- Southern Genesis: The Bhakti Movement originated in the southern regions of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, spanning the 7th to 12th centuries, and gradually spread northwards by the late 15th century.
- Nayanars and Alvars: Southern India witnessed the emergence of two prominent Bhakti saint groups: the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu). They advocated devotion to God as a path to salvation, contrasting the asceticism promoted by Buddhism and Jainism.
- Vernacular Expressions: The Nayanars and Alvars composed their teachings in vernacular languages such as Tamil and Telugu, ensuring accessibility to the common populace.
- Priesthood Not Mandatory: A unique feature of Bhakti tradition was the absence of the necessity of a priest, making it more inclusive and appealing to the masses.
- Etymology of ‘Bhakti’: The term ‘Bhakti’ finds its roots in the Sanskrit word “bhaj,” signifying participation, sharing, and devotion. Unlike earthly love, Bhakti is a spiritual devotion that transcends the physical.
| PRELIMS-2013 Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 1. Dadu Dayal 2. Guru Nanak 3. Tyagaraja Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over? A: 1 and 3 B: 2 only C: 2 and 3 D: 1 and 2 Ans-B |
Causes Behind Bhakti Movement
- Evolution of Hinduism: The Bhakti Movement was a response to the growing ceremonial nature of Hinduism and the entrenched caste system.
- Decline of Buddhism and Jainism: Buddhism and Jainism, once influential, had waned, leaving a void for alternative spiritual paths.
- Influence of Sufi Movement: The egalitarian principles of the Sufi movement, coupled with its accessible prayer practices, attracted people seeking emotional and spiritual fulfillment.
- Desire for Simplicity: The complexity of Vedic and Upanishadic philosophy necessitated a simpler form of worship and religious practice.
The Two Schools of Bhakti
| Nirguna School | Saguna School |
| This school perceives God as formless and devoid of attributes. Prominent proponents include Nanak and Kabir, and they emphasized monotheism. | Contrarily, the Saguna School believes in a God with specific forms, attributes, and positive qualities. Tulsidas, Chaitanya, Surdas, and Meera championed this school, advocating for worship with idols and upholding the caste system. |
Significance of Bhakti Movement
- Idol Worship Condemned: Bhakti reformers largely rejected idol worship.
- Love and Devotion: The movement underscored that devotion and love were the most profound means of connecting with God, surpassing rituals and rites.
- Escape from Samsara: Bhakti saints emphasized that salvation could only be achieved through unwavering devotion and trust in God.
- Value of Gurus: Gurus played a pivotal role in guiding devotees on their spiritual journeys.
- Universal Brotherhood: Bhakti proponents championed universal brotherhood and denounced caste-based divisions.
- Singing Hymns: The singing of hymns with profound devotion, often in the vernacular languages, became a prevalent form of worship.
Textual Influences of Bhakti Movement
Bhakti finds mention in ancient Indian scriptures like the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, and the Bhagavad Gita, which discuss it as a means of salvation. Texts like Narada Sutra and Sandilya Sutra also reference ‘Bhakti.’
Bhakti Movement in South India
- Regional Growth: Between the 7th and 12th centuries, the Bhakti Movement flourished in South India, underpinned by religious equality and societal engagement.
- Nayanars and Alvars: These saintly groups propagated Bhakti, proclaiming personal commitment to God as the sole path to salvation. They transcended caste rigidities and employed local languages to disseminate their message.
Bhakti Movement in North India
- Northern Expansion: From the 12th to the 17th centuries, the Bhakti Movement gained prominence in northern India.
- Impact of Islam: The movement in the north was influenced by the spread of Islam, which shared principles such as monotheism, equality, and opposition to rituals and class divisions.
Prominent Bhakti Saints
- Ramanuja (1060-1118 AD)
Ramanuja, a Bhakti saint, was a Tamil Brahmin and a prominent Vaishnavist. His spiritual journey took him to various corners of the Indian subcontinent as he disseminated his message of unwavering love and dedication to the divine. Ramanuja is renowned as the architect of the ‘Vishist Advaita’ philosophy, often termed qualified monism. According to his profound teachings, salvation can be attained through three distinct paths:
- Karma (action),
- Gyan (knowledge),
- Bhakti (devotion)
His legacy endures through his philosophical contributions and his influence on the Vaishnavite tradition.
- Madhvacharya (1238-1317 AD)
Madhvacharya, another luminary in the Bhakti Movement, founded the ‘Dvaita Vada’ or dualism school of Vedanta. He emerged as a critic of Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaitavada theory, asserting that the Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality, i.e., Lord Vishnu) are fundamentally distinct entities. Madhvacharya’s philosophical stance posits that the individual soul is eternally dependent on Brahman and can never attain identity with the divine. His enduring contributions to the Bhakti Movement are rooted in his relentless pursuit of dualistic spiritual truths.
- Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 AD)
Vallabhacharya, a profound thinker and Bhakti saint, is associated with the foundation of ‘Shuddhadvaita’ or Pure Non-dualism. His philosophy is renowned as ‘Pushti Marg,’ emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna, particularly during his divine child-like form. Vallabhacharya’s teachings were enriched with the incorporation of customs, music, and festivals as integral components of devotion. Additionally, he established the Rudra Sampradaya school, perpetuating his unique spiritual legacy that continues to inspire devotees.
- Dnyaneshwar (Jnanadev) (1275-1296)
Dnyaneshwar, an early luminary in the Bhakti Movement, holds a special place as the first Bhakti saint in Maharashtra. He left an indelible mark with his profound work, the ‘Dnyaneshwari,’ a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. In addition to this monumental work, Dnyaneshwar’s ‘Amrutanubhav’ delves into the realms of yoga and philosophy, standing as a cornerstone in Marathi literature. His enduring contributions to the Bhakti Movement continue to guide seekers on the path of devotion and knowledge.
- Eknath (1533-1599)
Eknath, a prominent Maharashtrian saint, traversed the realms of Sufi mysticism and Vedanta philosophy, synthesizing diverse spiritual influences into his teachings. The ‘Eknathi Bhagavatam,’ serves as a profound commentary on the Bhagavata Purana. Eknath’s teachings were aligned with the Saguna tradition, emphasizing devotion to the divine with attributes. His spiritual legacy transcends time and continues to resonate with seekers of the divine.
- Bhakti Movement and Women
The Bhakti saints promoted gender equality, condemning practices like female infanticide and Sati. Women were encouraged to renounce worldly ties and engage in community-based kirtans. Meerabai, the most renowned female Bhakti saint, composed songs dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Contributions of Bhakti Movement
- Social and Religious Reforms: The Bhakti Movement catalyzed much-needed reforms, combating caste and gender biases.
- Religious Concord: It fostered religious harmony, bridging gaps between Hindus and Muslims.
- Universal Brotherhood: Bhakti saints instilled the values of purity of mind and action and advocated for universal brotherhood.
- Vernacular Literature: By employing vernacular languages, Bhakti contributed to the development of vernacular literature.
- Simplicity in Worship: The movement popularized simple forms of devotion, diminishing the significance of complex ceremonies.
The Bhakti Movement, marked by devotion and love for the divine, played a pivotal role in reshaping medieval India’s religious and social landscape. It championed equality, universal brotherhood, and spiritual simplicity, leaving an indelible mark on Indian culture and literature.
FAQs on Bhakti Movement
Q: What is the Bhakti Movement?
The Bhakti Movement was a socio-religious reform movement that emerged in medieval India, roughly between the 7th and 17th centuries. It emphasized the path of devotion (bhakti) to a personal god as the means to attain salvation, breaking away from ritualistic and caste-based practices prevalent in Hinduism at the time.
Q: Who were the key figures of the Bhakti Movement?
Prominent saints and poets played a crucial role in the Bhakti Movement, advocating for a direct and personal connection with the divine. Some of the notable figures include Ramanuja, Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Their teachings often transcended religious boundaries and sought to unite people through love and devotion.
Q: How did the Bhakti Movement influence Indian society?
A: The Bhakti Movement had a profound impact on Indian society by challenging the rigid caste system and promoting social equality. It emphasized the idea that devotion to God was more important than one’s social status or background. This inclusive approach contributed to social cohesion and unity.
Q: What were the common themes in the poetry of the Bhakti saints?
A: Bhakti saints expressed their devotion and spiritual experiences through poetry and music. Common themes included the love and surrender to a personal deity, criticism of formal rituals, and the rejection of social inequalities. Their works were often composed in vernacular languages, making the teachings accessible to a wider audience.
Q: Did the Bhakti Movement only influence Hinduism?
No, the Bhakti Movement transcended religious boundaries and had a significant impact on various religious traditions in India. While it originated within Hinduism, it also influenced Sikhism, with Guru Nanak incorporating elements of bhakti in Sikh philosophy. Additionally, Sufi mystics in Islam and some Bhakti saints found common ground in their emphasis on a direct and personal connection with the divine.
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