God could only be found by love, dedicati Answer: The term Bhakti which means devotion, originated as a news of worshipping God. The poem mentions their long association, bonding, anger, and disappointment. [63][82] These writers championed a spectrum of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism, qualified nondualism and absolute monism. Although, his lessons greatly impacted the Indian society that still enchanted Kabir Chaura Varanasi. After searching so many lands, [39][40][41], The Bhakti movement originated in South India during the seventh to eighth century CE, spread northwards from Tamil Nadu through Karnataka and gained wide acceptance in fifteenth-century Assam,[43] Bengal and northern India. The period witnessed the emergence of a number of saints and reformers who tried to purge Hinduism of its evils and blind practices. The notion of Bhakti originated with Hinduism and is related to complete devotion to God. It also describes maintaining unity in society, which begins with worshipping God. On the philosophical front, both the Saguna and the Nirguna adhered to the Upanishadic doctrine of Advaita, with slight variations provided by various Bhakti saints. It is derived from the Sanskrit root word Bhaja whose literal meaning is to utter. [10] In turn it influenced devotional practices in Islam such as Sufism,[56] and other religions in India from the 15th century onwards, such as Sikhism, Christianity,[57] and Jainism. Bhakti, a state of deep love and devotion, is the only way to attain salvation. these teachings will be illuminating. 3. [85] Saguna bhakta's poetry were Prema-shrayi, or with roots in love. So subsequent Bhakti literatures were compiled in these languages and many Musilm writers also translated Sanskrit works into regional languages. Eventually, many religious groups came in their support and moved from one place to another, enchanting poems and songs to devote to God. It gave a new dimension to the ancient beliefs and values, which heralded a major change in the existing social conditions. Promotion of regional languages of the common people: In place of Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian, the Bhakti saints preached through the medium of local languages which could be understood very easily. The other prominent feature of Bhakti movement was its emphasis on Bhakti or devotion to God as the only means to achieve salvation. Local colour, also known as regional literature, is fiction and poetry which emphasises characters, dialects, customs, landscape, and other characteristics that seem to be unique to a given area. Privacy Policy 9. Goswami Tulsi Das composed his works in Awadhi. It is a reform movement within the Islamic religion which started in Persia. Thus Bhakti is one of the three recognized means of achieving salvation. They stressed human qualities and moral attitudes. One who practices bhakti is called a bhakta. They brought necessary. Main features of the Bhaktti Movement were; Believe in the unity of God Preaching of love and mutual respect Surrender to the will of God Negation of blind faith Negation of unethical ritual and customs Condemn caste system Negation of idol's worshiping and so on. But when we talk of Bhakti movement in the context of socio-religious background it has a different connotation. Need of a guru for guidance advocated by some. From 8th century A.D. to 15th century A.D. this movement gathered its momentum in the south. The Sur Empire was an Afghan administration that controlled an enormous region in northern India for almost 16 years, somewhere in the range of 1540 and 1556. Any object could be used as a symbol of the god. The Hindu and as well as the Muslim saints emphasized religious simplicity. 2. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the only way to salvation. Brotherhood: They aimed to set up a good social order upholding high moral values. All must strive to live a clean life. Usually it is accepted that the most characteristic feature of the religious development during the medieval period was the movement which emphasized single-minded intense devotion to God. The earliest reformer-saint in South was Adi Shankaracharya who had a unique success. Giving up their mutual suspicion, hatred and rivalry a new bond of unity and fraternity began to emerge. The influence of Sufism cannot be set aside from the origin of Bhakti movement in India. Image Source: krishna.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/LordCaitanyaChanting.jpg. Uploader Agreement. Therefore, one should constantly chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Devotional practices included reciting the name of the god or goddess, singing hymns in praise of the deity, wearing or carrying identifying emblems, and undertaking pilgrimages to sacred places associated with the deity. Each of the major divinities of HinduismVishnu, Shiva, and the various forms of the Goddesshave distinct devotional traditions. They emphasized the self-surrender for obtaining the bliss and grace of God. Some of the most important features of the Bhakti movement include: The unity of all the Hindu gods into one God Rejection of the worship of idols and de-emphasis on rituals or dogma that. The Kama connotes emotional connection, sometimes with sensual devotion and erotic love. The Bhakti Movement is characterized by the following characteristics: unity of God or one God, despite the fact that he is recognized by several names. The poets way of immortalizing love was praised by many, giving a new direction to the Bhakti. Although, theBhakti saintsplayed a vital role in the revolution of medieval India. [1], The movement started with the Shaiva Nayanars[44] and the Vaishnava Alvars, who lived between 5th and 9th century CE. Self-Surrender. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Open- mindedness about deciding religious matters. The fire of desire has invaded my body To be specific, the impact of Bhakti movement was felt in all spheres of Hinduism. With the above mentioned characteristics Bhakti movement began a new chapter in the Indian society. Even Lord Buddha came to be regarded as the ninth incarnation of Lord Krishna in the Hindu pantheon. He used to believe in the idea of One God and honesty. [87], Jeaneane Fowler states that the concepts of Nirguna and Saguna Brahman, at the root of Bhakti movement theosophy, underwent more profound development with the ideas of Vedanta school of Hinduism, particularly those of Adi Shankara's Advaita Vedanta, Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Madhvacharya's Dvaita Vedanta. ; Bhakti movement was based on the doctrine that the relationship between god and man is through love and worship rather than through performing any ritual or religious ceremonies. Because such knowledge might be obtained through a teacher or guru, the Bhakti movement placed a high value on obtaining authentic knowledge through a guru. In India, Sufism adopted many native Indian concepts such as yogic postures, music and dance. (4) A large number of temples and idols of the Hindus had been destroyed by the Muslims and the people had to resort to Bhakti movement. The chief exponents of the movement were Shankara, Ramanuja, Kabir, Nanak, Shri Chaitanya, Mirabai, Ramananda, Namdev, Nimbarka, Madhava, Eknath, Surdas, Tulsidas, Tukaram, Vallabhacharya and Chandidas. Devotion to the goddesses is more regional and local, expressed in temples and in festivals devoted to Durga, Kali, Shitala (goddess of smallpox), Lakshmi (goddess of good fortune), and many others. Bhakti movement deals with the Indian response to face a new challenge that appeared in the form of Islamic religion. The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism of Dvaita to absolute monism of Advaita Vedanta.[11][12]. that could convince many to urge on the path of devotion, love and tenacity. They advocated that the salvation could be attained only by deep devotion and faith in God. Hinduism, therefore, tried to defend itself by purging off some of its evil practices particularly those related to regions of caste and image worship. Thus, Hinduism needed purification. 5. The Bhakti movement promoted the growth of vernacular language and literature in different parts of the country. It highlighted the importance of acquiring money via hard effort and honest ways. The Bhakti saints believed in equality of man and man. The bhakti reformers preached the principles of monotheism (oneness of God) 2. Answer: The Bhakti movement was primarily dominated by the significant contributions of Guru Nanak, Kabir and Ramananda. [86] Saguna Brahman, in contrast, was envisioned and developed as with form, attributes and quality. A shiva devotee can chant " Om Namah Shivaya". This religion had its own individual characteristics like universal brotherhood, equality of all in the society, absence of any caste system or untouchability, opposition to idol worship and above all, practice of monotheism or oneness of God. One should accept a genuine spiritual master (Guru), and under him or her constantly practice the activities of Bhakti yoga to achieve the highest perfection of life. Nanaks teachings emancipated his followers to break the social shackles and caste system of Indian society. ADVERTISEMENTS: 4. 3. That God is one single entity, with different names. Pure devotion to a deity was most important aspect. I swear by Rama. [130][131], Bhakti has been a prevalent practice in various Jaina sects, wherein learned Tirthankara (Jina) and human gurus are considered superior beings and venerated with offerings, songs and rat prayers. Sikander Lodi was succeeded on the throne in 1489. Bhakti movement centred round monotheism or the worship of one God. They range from the 7th to 9th century, with Muslim traders settling in coastal regions of the Indian peninsula, to Muslims seeking asylum in Tamil Nadu, to raids in northwest India by, Karen Pechelis (2011), "Bhakti Traditions", in. Devotees also offered daily sacrificesfor some, animal sacrifices; for others, vegetarian sacrifices of fruit and flowersin the home or temple. 4. sent through you? They believe that God lives in ones heart and not in any specific temple or mosque. Unity of God or one God though known by different names. Now, let us proceed to recall the ten main features of the Bhakti Movement. Bhakti, in contrast, is spiritual, a love and devotion to religious concepts or principles, that engages both emotion and intellection. Nanaks teachings emancipated his followers to break the social shackles and caste system of Indian society. [128][129] Arti and devotional prayer ceremonies are also found in Ravidassia sect, previously part of Sikhism. 2. 1. Main Features of the Bhakti Movement Unity of God or one God though known by different names. Content Guidelines 2. The movement tried to loosen the bond of caste. The term Bhakti refers to a single-minded devotion to one God. It was a popular movement that piqued the publics curiosity. Gyan marga Attaining salvation through learning and understanding. They began to mix together on the basis of equality. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith. The impact of the Bhakti movement in India was similar to that of the Protestant Reformation of Christianity in Europe. According to the Bhakti saints, individuals can realise God via devotion and personal effort. Another remarkable impact was bringing about a unity among the Hindu and Muslim communities. The Sanskrit word bhakti is derived from the root bhaj, which means "divide, share, partake, participate, to belong to". The religion itself was monopolized by the Brahmins who themselves led a degenerated and corrupt moral life. In Rig Veda Samhita, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chhandyoga Upanishad, Katha and Kausitaki Upanishad, the word Bhakti has been referred to several times. [29] Grierson, as well as Carus, note that the first epilogue verse 6.21 is also notable for its use of the word Deva Prasada (, grace or gift of God), but add that Deva in the epilogue of the Shvetashvatara Upanishad refers to "pantheistic Brahman" and the closing credit to sage Shvetashvatara in verse 6.21 can mean "gift or grace of his Soul". The movement attempted to infuse a spirit of piety in the daily life of the people. PMVVY Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, EPFO Employees Provident Fund Organisation. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. According to Sufi saints, God is the beloved of the lover ('Mashook") i.e. Various poems were compiled as Alvar Arulicheyalgal or Divya Prabhandham, developed into an influential scripture for the Vaishnavas. The Bhakti reformers believed in freedom from the cycle of life and death and preached that salvation could be attained only by deep devotion and faith in God. These include Ramanuja, Madhva, Vallabha and Nimbarka. However, the Bhakti movement emerged later due to changing social and political situations. The three highest contributions in the Sikh scripture of non-Sikh bhagats were from Bhagat Kabir (292 hymns), Bhagat Farid (134 hymns), and Bhagat Namdev (60 hymns). The paths of Gnana marga and Karma marga were difficult for them to practise in day to day life. [133] Karel Werner notes that Bhatti (Bhakti in Pali) has been a significant practice in Theravada Buddhism, and states, "there can be no doubt that deep devotion or bhakti / Bhatti does exist in Buddhism and that it had its beginnings in the earliest days". Strictly objectifying blind faith, ceremonies, and superstitious rituals. The society also suffered from polytheism, segregation, severe economic disparity due to casteism, untouchability etc. Main Features of the Bhakti Movement: Unity of God or one God though known by different names. According to the Bhagavadgita, a Hindu religious text, the path of bhakti, or bhakti-marga, is superior to the two other religious approaches, the path of knowledge (jnana) and the path of ritual and good works (karma). The status of women received more importance. It started under the initiative of King Husain Shah of Jaunpur which later paved the way for the spirit of liberalism adopted by Akbar. [119] Nam-simran the realisation of God is an important Bhakti practice in Sikhism. [81][80], The earliest writers from the 7th to 10th century CE known to have influenced the poet-saints driven movements include, Sambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Nammalvar, Adi Shankara, Manikkavacakar and Nathamuni. The leaders extended their support to help the ordinary people attain salvation between the 14th and 15th centuries. They not only patronized these new religions but also extended whole-hearted support to the spread of these religions. The Bhakti religion was a vast movement engulfed the whole Indian subcontinent for several centuries. In the 16th century Tulsidass Hindi retelling of the Rama legend in the Ramcharitmanas (Sacred Lake of the Acts of Rama) focused on the sentiment of friendship and loyalty. Bhakti Movement: Meaning, Features and Impact, Notes on the Bhakti Movement | Medieval India, Effects of Bhakti Movement on India | Medieval Period, Forts in India: 5 Magnificent Ancient Forts in India, Mosques in India: 15 Ancient Mosques in India. just like his Deva, so for his Guru (teacher), A guru could lead the devotee from the material world to the spiritual world. Seen as a reform movement, bhakti presented a parallel to the orientalist agenda of intervention in the service of the empire. within the body the puja-leaves. The movement tried to reduce the growing bitterness between the two and bridge the gap. There is only one God with different names. Question 3: What were the main features of Bhakti? It describes the love of Lord Radha and Krishna. He writes, that in virtually every Bhakti movement poet, "the Upanishadic teachings form an all-pervasive substratum, if not a basis. It is to be noted that Southern Vaishnavite saints are called Alwars and the Saivite saints are called Nayanars. Formalities or external rituals were of no avail to realize God. Muslim ideas of surrender to God may have influenced Hindu ideas of bhakti from the start, and later poet-saints such as Kabir (14401518) introduced Sufi (mystical) elements from Islam. In South India passionate, often erotic, poems to Shiva and Vishnu (particularly to Krishna) were composed in Tamil and other Dravidian languages, such as Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. 5. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith. This aspect of tenacity and sheer devotion turned many minds to breaking peoples superstitious beliefs about the lower-caste category. This was due to the ethos of tolerance espoused by Bhakti saints, In place of Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian, the Bhakti saints taught in local languages that were easily comprehended, Kabirs language, for example, was a mash-up of various ordinary languages. So the next alternative was Bhakti margaa simple way of devotion to get salvation from worldly life. Guru Granth Saheb the holiest book of the Sikhs which was complied later on included the messages of saints belonging to different sects. Pure devotion to a deity was most important aspect. image source: hinduhumanrights.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/VIKHANASA-RISHI.jpg. The idea of the unity of God is reflected in the words, Even those devotees who worship other gods worship Me alone. (IX 23). Causes for the Origin of Bhakti Movement. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the only way to salvation. For instance the language of Kabir was a mixture of several languages of every day use. The movement aroused awakening among the Hindus and Muslims regarding the futility of ritualism and superstitions. A term in Shaiva Hindu religiosity, referring to an individual who is always on the go, seeking, learning; See: Winnand Callewaert (2000). Explain the essential aspects of the Bhakti Movement in the main body. The poet was a disciple of Guru Ramananda Ji, who guided Kabir on the path of devotion. [100] Of community kitchen concepts, the vegetarian Guru ka Langar introduced by Nanak became a well-established institution over time, starting with northwest India, and expanding to everywhere Sikh communities are found. 3. 7. Content Guidelines 2. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the only way to salvation. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the only way to salvation. He approached the Indian society to bring unity in God and not differentiate any of them. We also learn about the Shankaracharya, salvation, idol worship and much more about the topic. They wanted some solace to heal their despairing hearts. The Sufi saints of the Muslims also emphasized devotion to Allah (God). While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The use of the true name on a regular basis. 6. The method of worship and belief in God took a new turn during the movement. In Gods sight, everyone is comparable. the Hindus and Muslims. This helped to bring the two communities nearer. Some of the rulers adopted liberal religious policies under the impact of the Bhakti movement. The Bhakti movement started in the South in response to the conquest of northern India by Muslim rulers. The Sufi Saints like Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti, Bakhyiya Kaki, Nizamudin Aulia and Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Delhi etc. Repetition of the True Name. Andal went a step further by composing hymns in praise of God in vernacular Tamil rather than Sanskrit, in verses known as the Nachiyar Tirumoli, or the Woman's Sacred Verses:[97]. For instance the followers of Kabir came to be known as Kabir Panthis. bringing about reforms in Hinduism and developing harmonious relations between the Hindus and the Muslims. They condemned ritualism, false practices, blind faiths and dogmas. Later on, the movement took a new direction by evolving the devotion to God, i.e., Lord Krishna. A person was free to choose his ways and means to worship a god. Its real impact was felt when prominent saints like Kabir, Nanak and Shri Chaitanya spread the ideas of fraternity, equality and love inherent in both the religions. [50], Some scholars state that the Bhakti movement's rapid spread in India in the 2nd millennium was in part a response to the arrival of Islam[51] and subsequent Islamic rule in India and Hindu-Muslim conflicts. Therefore, popular dissatisfaction against the existing social religious evils was a major catalyst behind the spread of Bhakti movement all over India for a long period of time. 2. Unacademy is Indias largest online learning platform. [92], Sheldon Pollock writes that the Bhakti movement was neither a rebellion against Brahmins and the upper castes nor a rebellion against the Sanskrit language, because many of the prominent thinkers and earliest champions of the Bhakti movement were Brahmins and from upper castes, and because much of the early and later Bhakti poetry and literature was in Sanskrit. The term Bhakti means devotion, which proposed the following, The Bhakti saints derive Bhakti, devotion and love to be the only way to attain salvation, An objection to blind faith, ceremonies, norms and rituals, The objection of worshipping idols by the exponents, An open conversation and thoughtfulness in taking decisions on religious matters, No differentiation between lower and higher category castes, The movement raised the need for Guru to guide the socio-religious movement, Surrendering oneself to take the path of salvation and reach God, Promotion of religious messages by moving from one place to another through several groups, The principles and features of the Bhakti movement are interconnected. Many of those poems continue to be recited and sung, often at all-night celebrations. [134], Contemporary scholars question whether the 19th- and early 20th-century theories about the Bhakti movement in India, its origin, nature, and history are accurate. Unity of God or one God though known by different names. [141] These show Saivite, Vaishnavite and Hindu Brahmin monasteries revered Bhakti themes in China. Kabir Nanak and Chaitanya preached in their respective vernacular tongues Kabir in Hindi, Nanak in Gurmukhi and chaitanya in Bengali. [54] Yet other scholars state that Muslim invasions, their conquering of Hindu Bhakti temples in south India and seizure/melting of musical instruments such as cymbals from local people, was in part responsible for the later relocation or demise of singing Bhakti traditions in the 18th century. Solution Verified by Toppr Following are the main features of Bhakti: This was the result of people's struggle to free the religion from control of the priests and varna boundaries. He suggested uniting the Hindus and Muslims by uniting their lords. 2. The saints of Bhakti movement and the Sufi saints spread message of friendship, amity, tolerance, peace and equality among all. As Bhakti movement stressed upon Bhakti or a passionate feeling of love for God, purification of the self was very essential for them. Main Features of the Bhakti Movement: 1. Within the body is the god, the temple, the devotee and the devotee is eager to meet his beloved (God). The Muslim rulers in general wanted to enforce the Islamic laws on the Hindus. [46] The Panchasakha Balarama Dasa, Achyutananda, Jasobanta Dasa, Ananta Dasa and Jagannatha Dasa (Odia poet) preaching Bhakti by doing mass sankritana across the Odisha before Chaitanya's arrival. Many people suggest that Ramanuja travelled from Chola to Mysore and established the Vaishnav group before their death. Some of the main principles of Bhakti Movement are given below God is one All men are equal Give up caste practices Devotion is more important than rituals. During the medieval time, a new wave of cultural development emerged in the shape of the Bhakti Movement, giving rise to many cultures, rituals, philosophical and theological traditions, and ideas. Main Features of the Bhakti Movement: Unity of God or one God though known by different names. bhakti, (Sanskrit: devotion) in Hinduism, a movement emphasizing the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee toward a personal god and of the god for the devotee. Their efforts helped in the promotion of Bhakti poems, songs and mantras. Although, the, played a vital role in the revolution of medieval India. For example. The concept was only to propel the Indian society to devote their life for the sake of love, devotion, and equity. An important factor which led to the popularity of Bhakti movement was that most of the promoters of this movement attempted to reconcile the differences between the Hindus and the Muslims by stressing that Rama and Rahim were one and the same. Chaitanya took part in the Bhakti revolution in the early 15th century and led the foundation of Achintya Bheda Abheda. With such long-lasting impacts, the religious depression of the medieval society was set aside. [102] Bhakti temples and matha (Hindu monasteries) of India adopted social functions such as relief to victims after a natural disaster, helping the poor and marginal farmers, providing community labor, feeding houses for the poor, free hostels for poor children and promoting folk culture. In the words of Sheikh- al-Islam Zakariyah Ansari, Sufism teaches how to purify ones self, improve ones morals and build up ones inner and outer life in order to attain perpetual bliss. Thus, according to Sufists, self-purification is the best way to attain eternal bliss. The Bhakti movement was a significant religious movement in medieval Hinduism[1] that sought to bring religious reforms to all strata of society by adopting the method of devotion to achieve salvation. The most important social impact of the Bhakti movement was that the followers of the Bhakti movement rejected the caste distinction. Bhakti movement preached against the caste system using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. [7] Salvation which was previously considered attainable only by men of Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya castes, became available to everyone. Common men in general had developed an averse attitude towards these social evils and were in need of a liberal form of religion where they could identify themselves with simple religious practices. A similar language, called Brajabuli was popularised by Vidyapati,[77][78] which was adopted by several writers in Odisha[79][80] in the medieval times, and in Bengal during its renaissance. The movement tried to instila sense of piety in the peoples daily lives. Religions go through stages of change that are frequently influenced by the local political and social circumstances. Content Filtration 6. No other formalities like ceremonies or rituals were required to worship God. Bhakti movement swept over India in the east and north since the 15th century. [109] Some of the bhagats whose hymns were included in the Guru Granth Sahib, were bhakti poets who taught their ideas before the birth of Guru Nanak the first of Sikh Guru. In this respect, certain scholars could identify with the monotheism of bhakti. [23][26] Scholars[27][28] have debated whether this phrase is authentic or later insertion into the Upanishad, and whether the terms "Bhakti" and "God" meant the same in this ancient text as they do in the medieval and modern era Bhakti traditions found in India. Right from the time of the compilation of the Vedas, the word Bhakti has come into vogue. 2. Five writers of repute Achyuta, Balaram, Jagannath, Yasobanta and Ananta heralded the age of Panchasakha literature, known for its socio-religious exposition of Bhakti. The doctrine of self-surrender is echoed in the words of Lord Krishna, Give up all religious paths, and take refuge in Me alone. So it became the religion of the ruling community.