The Bhakti Movement was a significant religious and social reform movement in medieval India. It emphasized direct devotion to God, bypassing priestly intermediaries and rigid religious rituals. The movement sought to break down barriers of caste, creed, and gender, fostering an inclusive spiritual practice based on love and devotion.
Derived from the Sanskrit word “Bhaj,” meaning to serve, ‘Bhakti’ signifies deep faith, love, and devotion. The central tenet of the Bhakti movement was that true devotion to God transcends all worldly distinctions.
Core Principles of the Bhakti Movement
The movement was founded on several key principles:
- Monotheism: God is one but may manifest in various forms.
- Devotion Over Rituals: Worship through love and devotion is superior to rituals and pilgrimages.
- Service to Humanity: Serving others is equivalent to worshiping God.
- Equality: All human beings are equal, rendering caste distinctions meaningless.
- Rejection of Superstition: Blind rituals and superstitious practices must be abandoned.
Bhakti saints composed poetry in vernacular languages, making spiritual ideas accessible to the common people. Though references to ‘Bhakti’ exist in ancient texts like the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, the Bhakti Movement as a socio-religious phenomenon began in the 6th century CE.
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Origins and Growth of the Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti Movement first took root in South India between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, flourishing through the devotional hymns of the Alvars (Vishnu devotees) and Nayanars (Shiva devotees). It later spread across India, peaking between the 14th and 17th centuries CE.
Causes Behind the Bhakti Movement
Several factors contributed to the rise of the Bhakti Movement:
- Religious Decay: Religious practices had become overly ritualistic and superstitious.
- Social Injustices: The caste system, untouchability, and discrimination against women were prevalent.
- Political Changes: The decline of Brahmanical dominance due to Islamic rule allowed alternative spiritual ideologies to flourish.
- Economic Hardships: Feudal oppression and heavy taxation led people to seek solace in spiritual movements.
- Influence of Sufism: The Bhakti Movement shared similarities with Sufi practices, promoting love and unity.
- Reaction to Violence: Frequent invasions and internal conflicts made people turn to Bhakti for peace.
Bhakti Movement in South India
The movement began with Alvars and Nayanars, Tamil poet-saints who spread their message through devotional hymns.
Key Features:
- Rejected Buddhism and Jainism.
- Welcomed people of all castes, including untouchables.
- Sang praises of Vishnu (Alvars) and Shiva (Nayanars) at local temples.
- Composed hagiographies of saints.
- Included women saints like Andal (Alvar) and Karaikkal Ammaiyar (Nayanar).
Notable Bhakti Literature:
- Nalayira Divya Prabandham: Compiled by Nathamuni, it contains 4,000 hymns by Alvar saints, praising Vishnu.
- Tiruvaymoli: Composed by Nammalvar, depicting Krishna devotion.
- Thirumurai: A collection of hymns on Shiva, considered the “fifth Veda” by Shaivites.
- Periya Puranam: Life stories of 63 Nayanar saints, compiled by Sekkizhar.
Development of Vedanta and Bhakti Schools
Vedanta philosophy significantly influenced the Bhakti Movement. Several saints propagated different schools of thought:
| Saint | Philosophy | Key Teachings |
|---|---|---|
| Shankaracharya (8th Century CE) | Advaita (Non-dualism) | The soul and Brahman (Supreme God) are one. The world is an illusion (Maya). |
| Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 CE) | Vishishta Advaita (Qualified Non-Dualism) | The soul, even when united with God, remains distinct. Advocated Bhakti Marga (Path of Devotion). |
| Madhavacharya (1238-1317 CE) | Dvaita (Dualism) | The soul and God are separate. The world is real, not an illusion. |
| Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 CE) | Shuddha Advaita (Pure Non-Dualism) | Everything is Krishna’s divine play (Leela). Founded Pushti Marg (Path of Grace). |
| Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534 CE) | Achintya-Bhed-Abheda (Inconceivable Oneness and Difference) | God is simultaneously one with and distinct from the universe. Founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism and popularized the Hare Krishna mantra. |
Bhakti Movement in Karnataka
The Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement, led by Basavanna in the 12th century, opposed caste discrimination and ritualism. Lingayats rejected temple worship, focused on social justice, and wore a personal Ishtalinga (symbol of Shiva) as a spiritual mark.
Key Features of Lingayatism:
- Anti-caste and anti-pollution ideology.
- No idol worship or priestly hierarchy.
- Vachana poetry (simple rhythmic verses) composed in Kannada.
Key Figures:
- Basavanna: Founded Anubhava Mantapa, a spiritual discourse platform.
- Akka Mahadevi: A prominent woman poet and mystic.
- Allama Prabhu: A philosopher and poet.
Nathpanthis, Siddhars, and Yogis
These sects challenged religious orthodoxy and promoted meditation and renunciation.
- Nathpanthis: Followers of Gorakhnath, blending Shaivism, Buddhism, and yoga.
- Yogis: Practiced self-discipline and mind control through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
- Siddhars: Tamil saints who contributed to Siddha medicine.
Bhakti Saints of Maharashtra
Between the 13th and 17th centuries, saints in Maharashtra spread Bhakti in simple Marathi, promoting personal devotion over rituals.
| Saint | Contribution |
| Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296) | Wrote Dnyaneshwari (Gita commentary) and Amrutanubhav. |
| Namdev (1270-1350) | His hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. |
| Eknath (1533-1599) | Wrote Eknathi Bhagavata, Bhavarth Ramayana. |
| Sant Tukaram (17th Century) | Opposed ritualism, casteism, and emphasized humanism. |
| Chokhamela (14th Century) | A Dalit saint who composed devotional Abhangas. |
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The Bhakti Movement was a transformative force in India’s spiritual and social landscape. It championed equality, devotion, and social justice, cutting across caste and gender barriers. Its impact is evident even today in various sects and spiritual traditions across India. The movement’s literature, philosophy, and inclusivity continue to inspire millions, proving that devotion to God is a unifying force beyond all societal divisions.
