Bhakti Movement

Bhakti Movement, spanning from 1200 to 1500, played a pivotal role in uplifting the marginalized in Indian society and fostering the growth of local literature. This movement, centered around various deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti goddesses, gave rise to sub-sects such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. One of its distinctive features was the use of regional languages to disseminate its messages, ensuring accessibility to the masses.

Background of the Bhakti Movement

Meaning of Bhakti: Bhakti translates to :”devotion“.
The Bhakti movement was spearheaded by renowned saints known as the Nayanmars and Alvars.
These saints, in contrast to austerity, emphasized a living bond of love between worshippers and deities.
Siva and Vishnu were the primary deities venerated by the Bhakti saints.
Originating in South India (7th-12th centuries CE), the Bhakti movement later gained momentum in the northern regions (12th-17th centuries CE).
The Bhakti movement evolved regionally around deities, leading to sub-sects like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism.
The expansion of Islam in India influenced the northern Bhakti movement during medieval times.
Bhakti saints held diverse philosophical positions, from theistic dualism to absolute monism.
Bhakti Saints opposed Buddhist and Jain austerities, advocating ultimate devotion to God for salvation.
Bhakti saints promoted a pure and simple way of life, bringing about social reforms.
Emphasizing ultimate devotion, the Bhakti movement asserted that pilgrimages to holy places were unnecessary for salvation.
Notable saints include Ramanuja, Nimbarka, Madhva, Vallabhacharya, Ramananda, Chaitanya, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, Mira Bai, Tulsidas, and Sur Das.
Ramanuja, born in Southern India in 1017 AD, was the first exponent of the Bhakti movement.
Two prevalent schools during the Bhakti movement were Nirgunabhakthi (formless worship) and Sagunabhakthi (worship of form).
Nirgunabhakthi saints, including Adi Shankara, Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Dadu Dayal, practiced formless worship.
Sagunabhakthi saints, such as Ramanuja, Nimbaraka, Madhva, Vallabha, Meera Bhai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas, and Surdas, were devoted to worshiping a divine form.

Characteristics of the Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement originated with a focus on monotheistic beliefs, rejecting idol worship in favor of a singular devotion to God.
Bhakti revolutionaries asserted that salvation could only be achieved through unwavering dedication and faith in God, advocating a departure from the cycle of decay.
Stressing the importance of self-surrender, they highlighted the role of Gurus as mentors in attaining God’s happiness and compassion.
Bhakti proponents championed the idea of universal brotherhood, fostering a sense of unity among followers.
Rejecting rituals, holy places, and rest periods, they challenged traditional practices in favor of a more direct and personal connection with the divine.
Bhakti leaders vehemently opposed the segregation of individuals based on their ancestry, advocating equality among all.
Instead of upholding any particular language as sacred, Bhakti followers emphasized the importance of expressing devotion in the vernacular, creating lyrics accessible to ordinary people.

Causes for Rise of Bhakti Movement

People grew weary of Shankracharya’s complex philosophical presentations of Hinduism and sought a system that everyone could easily understand.

Medieval Indian society was deeply entrenched in caste divisions, with higher castes committing numerous atrocities against lower castes.
The Bhakti movement emerged as a natural progression, rejecting caste and other distinctions, providing an inclusive alternative.
Faced with the rigid caste system, many low-caste Hindus converted to Islam to avoid its wrath.
Saints and reformers within the Bhakti movement worked to reduce the harshness of the caste system, facilitating the retention of lower castes within Hinduism.
Muslim rulers destroyed Hindu temples and idols, compelling people to turn to the Bhakti movement for solace and spiritual refuge.
The Bhakti movement provided hope, encouragement, and inner strength to Hindus who suffered under fanatical Muslim rulers, offering a means to heal their broken hearts.
Hindu saints and philosophers undertook the task of reforming Hinduism in response to changing circumstances, striving to cleanse it of harmful practices, especially those related to caste and image worship.
In the wake of Muslim rule and Islam instilling fear among Hindus, the Bhakti movement became a beacon of hope, providing the strength needed to safeguard and adapt Hinduism.
Hindu saints and reformers actively sought to eliminate evils within Hinduism, focusing particularly on caste-related issues and image worship, thus propelling the Bhakti Movement forward.

Impact of Bhakti Movement

Bhakti followers rejected caste distinctions, fostering social integration and equality.
Shared meals from a common kitchen symbolized unity among diverse segments of society.
The Bhakti movement challenged the practice of Sati, advocating for women’s rights.
Women’s issues gained prominence as the movement prioritized their well-being.
Promotion of Regional Languages:Bhakti saints communicated in local languages, such as Kabir’s diverse linguistic blend and Surdas’s use of the ‘Brij’ dialect.
This contributed to the rise of regional languages over traditional ones like Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian.
Influenced by Bhakti ideals, rulers embraced more inclusive religious policies.
This shift reflected a broader acceptance of religious diversity and tolerance.
Bhakti teachings aimed to infuse a religious spirit into everyday life practices.
The movement encouraged a holistic approach to spirituality beyond ritualistic observances.
Bhakti emphasized acquiring wealth through honest and hard work.
This ethical stance contributed to a positive socio-economic ethos.
Bhakti promoted the importance of providing social services to the less fortunate.
This altruistic emphasis aimed to address societal inequalities and uplift the underprivileged.
Bhakti teachings underscored virtues like contentment and self-control.
These principles aimed to guide followers towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
The Bhakti movement led to a realization about the futility of rituals and superstitions.
It fostered religious tolerance, bridging gaps between Hindus and Muslims.
The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, compiled messages from diverse sects.
This inclusivity stemmed from the spirit of tolerance advocated by Bhakti saints.

Conclusion

Bhakti movement, originating in South India between the seventh and tenth centuries CE, found expression through the heartfelt poems of Alvars and Nayanars. This transformative social and spiritual reformation sought to democratize access to spirituality by communicating its message in local languages, aiming to resonate with the broader population. Despite its noble intention of offering an alternative path to spirituality, irrespective of social status or gender, the Bhakti movement faced formidable challenges that hindered its ultimate success. The absence of widespread organizational structure, staunch opposition from traditionalist segments of society, resistance from ruling classes, and various other factors collectively impeded the movement from fully realizing its profound objectives.