Bhakti movement

Definition

The bhakti movement was a significant spiritual and cultural phenomenon in India that emerged around the 7th century and gained prominence between the 15th and 17th centuries. It emphasized personal devotion to a god, transcending caste distinctions and religious orthodoxy, and fostering a direct relationship between the devotee and the divine. This movement played a key role in shaping modern Hinduism and contributed to the rise of various regional devotional traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bhakti movement arose as a response to the rigid caste system and ritualistic practices of traditional Hinduism, promoting equality and direct access to God.
2. Key figures of the bhakti movement include poets and saints like Ramanuja, Kabir, Meera Bai, and Tulsidas, who composed devotional hymns in local languages.
3. The movement spread across India, leading to diverse regional expressions of devotion, such as the Tamil Alvars in the south and the Sant tradition in the north.
4. The bhakti movement contributed to the development of a sense of community among devotees, encouraging collective worship and communal activities that transcended social barriers.
5. By emphasizing personal experience and emotional connection with God, the bhakti movement laid the foundation for later reform movements in Hinduism during the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did the bhakti movement challenge the existing social structure in India during its emergence?
  • The bhakti movement challenged the existing social structure by promoting personal devotion to God that transcended traditional caste distinctions. It encouraged followers to seek a direct relationship with the divine rather than adhering strictly to rituals dictated by caste-based hierarchies. This inclusive approach allowed people from various backgrounds to participate in devotional practices, fostering a sense of community among diverse groups.
• Discuss the role of poet-saints in the bhakti movement and how they contributed to its spread across India.
  • Poet-saints played a crucial role in the bhakti movement by expressing devotional sentiments through poetry and songs that resonated with everyday people. Their works were often composed in regional languages, making them accessible to a broader audience. Figures like Kabir and Meera Bai used their art to convey messages of love, devotion, and social equality, which helped disseminate the bhakti ideology across different regions of India.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the bhakti movement on contemporary Hinduism and Indian society.
  • The long-term impact of the bhakti movement on contemporary Hinduism is significant, as it laid the groundwork for more personal expressions of spirituality that prioritize individual experience over ritual. It also contributed to a greater sense of community among devotees, promoting inclusivity that persists today. Furthermore, its emphasis on equality and direct access to God has influenced various reform movements within Hinduism and shaped modern views on social justice in Indian society.

Related terms

Bhakti: A term derived from the Sanskrit word 'bhaj,' meaning to worship or serve, signifying the deep devotion and love for a personal god expressed by practitioners.

Sant: Saints or poet-saints who were pivotal in spreading the bhakti ideology through their devotional poetry and songs, often emphasizing love and devotion over ritualistic practices.

Vaishnavism: A major tradition within Hinduism that worships Lord Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna, which significantly influenced and was influenced by the bhakti movement.