The Bhakti Movement

Do you know what do we mean by the term bhakti?

The term Bhakti means love and devotion for God which is derived from bhakta, meaning to serve, honor, revere, and love. It is the devotion to God and is defined as �that particular affection which is generated by the knowledge of the attributes of the Adorable One�. The Bhakti Movement began as a reform movement in Hinduism and emphasized total devotion on God. It emerged as a reaction to caste distinction and ritualism.

Where did it originate?

The Bhakti Movement originated in South India in eight century AD. It emphasized human brotherhood between the alvar (Vaishnav) and nayannar (Shaiva) saints. The movement was headed by Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Madhavacharya.

Other saints which preached the cult of Bhakti were Namdeva, Ramananda, Gyaneshwara, Vallabhacharya, Kabir, Tulsidas, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Nathpanthis, Surdas, Chaitanya, women Bhaktas like Mahadevi Yakka, Laldey and Mira Bai.

The following lines in a Hindi couplet emphasized brotherhood.

Jaati Paati Poochhai Na Koi, Hari Ko Bhaje, So Hari Ka Hoi.

They preached the path of surrendering oneself to God. These saints traveled to different places singing hymns to praise different Gods. The Chola kings built temples at places visited by these saints. Bhakti movement led to the emergence of new forms of spiritual leadership. It also led to new forms of voluntary social giving such as Seva (service), Dana (Charity), and Community Kitchens (Bhandara/Langar).

Doctrines of Bhakti Cult or Bhakti Movement

� God is one and must be worshipped with love and devotion.
� By following the path of true devotion, one can find salvation. Blind faith, empty ceremonies, and external rites are not to be followed.
� All are equal before God. The dignity of man depends on his actions and not on the privileges of birth. The universal brotherhood of humanity is a reality to be accepted.
� Guru, an enlightened teacher, is indispensable for realizing God.
� Religious rites, rituals, and ceremonies are devoid of substance. Man can reach God only through absolute surrender to Him.
� One must avoid image-worship, caste distinctions, and class hatred.

Read More:
Impact of Bhakti Movement: Social and Religious Impact Of Bhakti Cult