main features of bhakti movement

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. Uploader Agreement. Jaidev was a Sanskrit poet of the 12th century, famous for Gita Govindas poem. According to conclusion of all the revealed scriptures, by constantly chanting the holy names of the Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Devi or Adi Para Shakti (in their any form) one can achieve all perfection, even in this Dark Age of Kali. 6. 6. 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. The devotees worship is intended to obtain Gods favour for salvation. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the sole thanks to salvation. what message has the dark-hued lord 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). [20], Ancient Indian texts, dated to be from the 1st millennium BCE, such as the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, the Katha Upanishad, and the Bhagavad Gita mention Bhakti.[21]. 2. The saints and reformers through Bhakti movement reduced the rigours of caste-system and through paved the way for their retention in the fold of Hinduism. But in due course of time both these religions lost much of their vitality due to the tolerant and liberal outlook of Hinduism. As a movement, it emphasized on the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee toward a personal god and of the god for the devotee. They, therefore, felt the urgent necessity of making the dormant Hinduism more active and a living force among the common masses. A person was free to choose his ways and means to worship a god. With supreme devotion to the Almighty one could realize Him. There has never been a more broad and popular movement in our nation following the demise of Buddhism than the Bhakti movement. Due to this synthesising attitude Bhakti movement attained tremendous success. Causes for the Origin of Bhakti Movement. [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. Self-Surrender. Helmut Anheier and Stefan Toepler (2009). W. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi (1997), A Mandair (2011), "Time and religion-making in modern Sikhism", in, "CBSE Class 12 History #CrashCourse: Bhakti movement's emergence and influence", "Ankiya-bhaona of Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva performed in the Sattra Institutions of Assam: A study", The History and Culture of the Indian People, "Andal-Nacciyar Tirumoli Poetry Makes Worlds", "Religious Movements in Hindu Social Contexts: A Study of Paradigms for Contextual "Church" Development", "The Sacred Geography of the Tamil Shaivite Hymns", "Shrines, Shamanism, and Love Poetry: Elements in the Emergence of Popular Tamil Bhakti", "Mrb and Her Contributions to the Bhakti Movement", "Author and Authority in the Bhakti Poetry of North India", "The Vithoba Faith of Maharashtra: The Vithoba Temple of Pandharpur and Its Mythological Structure", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bhakti_movement&oldid=1151004976, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 April 2023, at 09:44. [132] John Cort suggests that the bhakti movement in later Hinduism and Jainism may share roots in vandal and puja concepts of the Jaina tradition. [139][140], John Guy states that the evidence of Hindu temples and Chinese inscriptions from the 8th century CE about Tamil merchants, presents Bhakti motifs in Chinese trading towns, particularly the Kaiyuan Temple (Quanzhou). The Bhakti movement arose in part due to the Muslim invasion and governance. image source: images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/122440308/max_h-1000%2Bmax_w-1000/bm_Tcover.jpg. Thus Bhakti was superior to Gnana or knowledge and Karma, or Action. During the medieval period (12th to mid-18th century), different local traditions explored the various possible relationships between the worshipper and the deity. [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. Initially, the movement originated around Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The Bhakti movement brought them hope and support and inner strength to save themselves. [14] Many scholars are now characterizing the emergence of Bhakti in medieval India as a revival, reworking, and recontextualization of the central themes of the Vedic traditions.[14]. 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. It describes the love of Lord Radha and Krishna. To be specific, the impact of Bhakti movement was felt in all spheres of Hinduism. From 8th century A.D. to 15th century A.D. this movement gathered its momentum in the south. Seeingand being seen bythe god or goddess (darshan) was an essential part of the ritual. Get all the important information related to the UPSC Civil Services Exam including the process of application, important calendar dates, eligibility criteria, exam centers etc. Later on, the movement took a new direction by evolving the devotion to God, i.e., Lord Krishna. Complete surrender alone leads to salvation. The spiritual yearning made Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Surdas, Tulsi Das, Chaitanya and others, the great exponents of Bhakti movement. The teachings acted as a healing balm to the suppressed classes. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith. [132], Medieval-era bhakti traditions among non-theistic Indian traditions such as Buddhism and Jainism have been reported by scholars, wherein the devotion and prayer ceremonies were dedicated to an enlightened guru, primarily Buddha and Jina Mahavira respectively, as well as others. Sikander Lodi was succeeded on the throne in 1489. [108], The Guru Granth Sahib, the scripture of the Sikhs, contains the hymns of the Sikh gurus, thirteen Hindu bhagats, and two Muslim bhagats. Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation. It was a religious reform movement during medieval times which emphasized single-minded intense devotion to God. Chaitanya Chaitanya took part in the Bhakti revolution in the early 15th century and led the foundation of Achintya Bheda Abheda. In other words, they emphasized upon the unity of Godhead. So it became the religion of the ruling community. Repetition of the True Name. The method of worship and belief in God took a new turn during the movement. Bhakti arose in South India in the 7th to 10th centuries in poems that the Alvars and the Nayanars composed in Tamil to the gods Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. After living together for generations and continuous interaction between the people of two communities there grew a feeling of magnanimity and generosity among the Hindus and Muslims. Their efforts ultimately helped spread bhakti poetry and ideas throughout India by the 12th18th century CE.[44][45]. The Muslims first arrived in India in the 8th century AD. Content Guidelines 2. The main objective was to unite efforts through cross-sectoral coordination among various ministries and programmes, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) serving as the nodal agency. a helpless target for the cool southern breeze. The concept was only to propel the Indian society to devote their life for the sake of love, devotion, and equity. According to them there was no distinction and consideration of high and low on the basis of birth. A devotee of Mother Goddess or Devi can chant various Mantras or chant attached to Devi. Their doors were open to all classes. To them, rituals and sacrifices were meaningless. [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. [48][49], Like the Alvars, the Saiva Nayanar poets were influential. Thus, the general public was greatly influenced by the reforms of these Bhakti cults. With the above mentioned characteristics Bhakti movement began a new chapter in the Indian society. [141] These show Saivite, Vaishnavite and Hindu Brahmin monasteries revered Bhakti themes in China. It is as old as Hinduism itself. The Tirumurai, a compilation of hymns on Shiva by sixty-three Nayanar poet-saints, developed into an influential scripture in Shaivism. It describes the love of Lord Radha and Krishna. Both consciously and unconsciously the ideals of Islam produced a benevolent effect upon the minds of a section of Hindus and fostered the growth of a liberal attitude. The religion itself was monopolized by the Brahmins who themselves led a degenerated and corrupt moral life. Bhakti movement advocated the need of a preceptor or guru who would guide the devotee to this ultimate goal. [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. I shall deliver thee from all sins. (XVIII 66). The Bhakti Yoga of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is more descriptive on this point. It is known as the cult of Satyapir. The influence of Sufism cannot be set aside from the origin of Bhakti movement in India. Answer: The Bhakti movement was primarily dominated by the significant contributions of Guru Nanak, Kabir and Ramana Answer: The Saiva Nayanars and Vaishnava Alvars founded the Bhakti movement. The movement which emphasized primarily these ideas was the Bhakti movementdevotion to God. within the body all the Jangamas[95] 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. The reasons for the birth and growth of this movement are therefore not far to seek. And the answer is the Bhakti movement. [32] Hiriyanna interprets the text to be introducing "personal theism" in the form of Shiva Bhakti, with a shift to monotheism but in the henotheistic context where the individual is encouraged to discover his own definition and sense of God.[33]. Repeating the actual name. What were the main features of Bhakti movement? Bhakti, a state of deep love and devotion, is the only way to attain salvation. Its results have deeply influenced contemporary religious and cultural trends in India. [15][16] The word also means "attachment, devotion to, fondness for, homage, faith or love, worship, piety to something as a spiritual, religious principle or means of salvation". It encouraged the value of social service to the poor and the needy. HistoryDiscussion.net All rights reserved. Repetition of the True Name. 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. It also describes maintaining unity in society, which begins with worshipping God. Answer: The term Bhakti which means devotion, originated as a news of worshipping God. Over 8L learners preparing with Unacademy. In course of time the saints of Northern India got themselves involved in this Bhakti movement. This helped to bring the two communities nearer. He used to believe in the idea of One God and honesty. The use of the true name on a regular basis. [54] According to Pande, the psychological impact of Muslim conquest may have initially contributed to community-style bhakti by Hindus. It came to India towards the beginning of the 13th century A.D. and with the rise of the Muslim power Sufism became more popular. Terms of Service 7. [47] Early Tamil-Siva bhakti poets influenced Hindu texts that came to be revered all over India. The fire of desire has invaded my body 7. For instance the language of Kabir was a mixture of several languages of every day use. 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. [8][9][10] Bhakti movement preached using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. The term Bhakti means devotion, which proposed the followingfeatures of the Bhakti movementin the early medieval period. image source: static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/11/20/1321804097807/Sufi-Muslim-dervishes-dur-004.jpg. [85] Saguna bhakta's poetry were Prema-shrayi, or with roots in love. 3. [35][36] In verses 6.31 through 6.47 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna (Incarnation of Vishnu), the source of everything, describes bhakti yoga and loving devotion, as one of the several paths to the highest spiritual attainments. In the ancient period Hinduism had to face challenges from new religions like Buddhism and Jainism. 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 . The Bhakti movement also led to the prominence of the concept of female devotion, of poet-saints such as Andal coming to occupy the popular imagination of the common people along with her male counterparts. 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. How did India trade with Europe? Several Hindus became followers of the Sufi saints but without relinquishing their own religion. [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. They wanted a simple way of worship, simple religious practices and simple social customs. He used to enchant songs and poems for Lord Krishna, resulting in an uprising in Vaishnavism. Self-Surrender. 6. These were. Another remarkable impact was bringing about a unity among the Hindu and Muslim communities. Now, let us proceed to recall the ten main features of the Bhakti Movement. Sufism, however, gained prominence in the 10th and 11th centuries during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate. The movement attempted to infuse a spirit of piety in the daily life of the people. 3. image source: tamilandvedas.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/maharashtriyan_saint_-_1__24877_zoom.jpg. The Bhakti religion was a vast movement engulfed the whole Indian subcontinent for several centuries. Copyright 10. The exponents of the Bhakti revolution took major reforms to urge people to walk on the path of love, devotion and sacrifices. The movement further divided the Hindu society. The genesis of the Bhakti movement lies in the social evils prevalent in the-then Hindu society. Sufism found adherents among both Muslims and Hindus. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith. Guru Nanak was also the follower and promoter of universal brotherhood. [11] Kabir, a poet-saint for example, wrote in Upanishadic style, the state of knowing truth:[93]. 9. 3. A spirit of harmony among different sections of society and religion received impetus. Now there will be no further going and coming, God could only be found by love, dedicati Answer: The term Bhakti which means devotion, originated as a news of worshipping God. "The main results of Bhakti movement were the development of vernacular literature, modification of caste exclusiveness, sanctification of family life, elevation of status of women, preaching of humaneness and tolerance, partial reconciliation with Islam, subordination of rites and ceremonies, pilgrimages, fasts etc, learning and contemplation to Within the body is the god, the temple, Although, theBhakti saintsplayed a vital role in the revolution of medieval India. [47] They established temple sites such as Srirangam, and spread ideas about Vaishnavism. ADVERTISEMENTS: 4. I swear by Rama. One who practices bhakti is called a bhakta. MAIN FEATURES OF BHAKTI MOVEMENT. The concept of Bhakti was not a new one in the Indian tradition. [86] Saguna Brahman, in contrast, was envisioned and developed as with form, attributes and quality. Rejection of idol worship by many saints. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Richard Kieckhefer and George Bond (1990). During the course of time, several evil practices had crept into the Hindu society. They believe that God lives in ones heart and not in any specific temple or mosque. Under the impact of the Muslim rule, the Hindus had suffered a lot materially, morally and spiritually. [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. ; The origin of Bhakti is traced in Vedas, but its real development took place after the 7 th The Hindu saints of India were influenced by the liberal approach of Sufism. We have here a state of affairs that has no parallel in the West. As a result, sacrifices and everyday rituals had no place in the Bhakti movement, Because the Bhakti saints preached in common peoples languages, they made significant contributions to forming current Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati, The Bhakti movement was only partially successful in achieving its two-fold goal of bringing about changes in Hinduism and creating amicable relations between Hindus and Muslims, The Rama-Sita or Radha-Krishna cult was not embraced by the Turko-Afghan rulers or the Muslim population, It is also possibly exaggerated to claim that the Bhakti movement influenced Akbars broad vision. This verse is notable for the use of the word Bhakti, and has been widely cited as among the earliest mentions of "the love of God". It is derived from the Sanskrit root word Bhaja whose literal meaning is to utter. Put differently, Bhakti movement was a reply to Islams monotheism and egalitarianism by way of a new interpretation of Hinduism. He who has highest Bhakti (love, devotion)[23] of Deva (God), There is only one God with different names. Updates? However, the case of Islam was totally different. The leaders extended their support to help the ordinary people attain salvation between the 14th and 15th centuries. The poem mentions their long association, bonding, anger, and disappointment. 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 Alvars, which literally means "those immersed in God", were Vaishnava poet-saints who sang praises of Vishnu as they traveled from one place to another. 5. And the word Bhakti can be translated as devotion or devotional love. [88], Nirguna and Saguna Brahman concepts of the Bhakti movement has been a baffling one to scholars, particularly the Nirguni tradition because it offers, states David Lorenzen, "heart-felt devotion to a God without attributes, without even any definable personality". Question 3: What were the main features of Bhakti? Prohibited Content 3. , including Ramanuja, Chaitanya, Jaidev, Kabir, Ramanand, believed in the unity of God. [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". In this article, we will learn about the significance of temples and monastic institutions. The concept was only to propel the Indian society to devote their life for the sake of love, devotion, and equity. Following are theprinciples of the Bhakti movementyou need to know. [7] Most scholars state that Bhakti movement provided women and members of the Shudra and untouchable communities an inclusive path to spiritual salvation. ; 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.

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