Bhakti Movement
The Bhakti Movement was a religious and social reform movement in India that emphasized love and devotion to God over ritualistic practices and caste hierarchies.
Origin and Background
- Originated in South India during the 7th-8th century CE.
- Led by the Alvars (Vishnu devotees) and Nayanars (Shiva devotees).
- Gradually spread to North India between 13th and 17th centuries.
- Challenged Brahmanical dominance, caste system, and emphasized personal devotion (bhakti).
Main Features of the Bhakti Movement
- Monotheism: Devotion to one personal God.
- Simplicity in Worship: No need for elaborate rituals or priestly intervention.
- Equality: Rejection of caste system and social discrimination.
- Use of Regional Languages: Spread through poetry and songs in vernacular languages.
- Spiritual Democracy: Emphasis on internal devotion, open to all.
Famous Saints of Bhakti Movement
Saint |
Region |
Main Teachings |
Ramanuja |
Tamil Nadu |
Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism); devotion to Vishnu |
Kabir |
Varanasi |
Nirguna Bhakti, against caste, both Hindu & Muslim orthodoxy |
Ravidas |
Uttar Pradesh |
Equality and spiritual liberation; from Dalit community |
Meera Bai |
Rajasthan |
Devotion to Krishna through poetry |
Guru Nanak |
Punjab |
Nam Japna, Kirat Karni, Vand Chakna; Founder of Sikhism |
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu |
Bengal |
Radha-Krishna devotion; singing and dancing |
Tukaram |
Maharashtra |
Devotion to Vithoba; promoted equality and morals |
Dnyaneshwar |
Maharashtra |
Marathi commentary on Bhagavad Gita (Bhavarth Deepika) |
Impact of Bhakti Movement
- Reduced caste discrimination and promoted equality.
- Boosted regional literature and devotional poetry.
- Fostered Hindu-Muslim unity through shared values.
- Influenced movements like Sikhism and later social reforms.
Previous Year Questions with Answers
- SSC CGL 2021: Who was the founder of Sikhism?
- → Guru Nanak
- RRB NTPC 2020: Kabir belonged to which Bhakti tradition?
- → Nirguna Bhakti
- SSC CHSL 2019: Which Bhakti saint was a woman devotee of Lord Krishna?
- → Meera Bai
- HSSC 2022: The Bhakti movement started initially in which region?
- → South India
- SSC GD 2021: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is associated with which God?
- → Lord Krishna
- RRB JE 2019: Who wrote commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi?
- → Dnyaneshwar
- SSC MTS 2022: Which Bhakti saint was born in a Dalit family?
- → Ravidas
- HSSC JE 2021: What did Bhakti movement oppose?
- → Idol worship, caste, rituals
- UPSC Prelims 2020: Who was the main proponent of Vishishtadvaita?
- → Ramanuja
- SSC CPO 2021: What was the main focus of Bhakti movement?
- → Love and devotion to a personal God
- SSC CGL 2018: Who was the main saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra?
- → Tukaram
- SSC CPO 2022: Alvars and Nayanars belonged to which region?
- → Tamil Nadu (South India)
- RRB ALP 2018: Bhakti saints wrote in which language?
- → Regional/Vernacular languages
- SSC JE 2017: What was common in Bhakti and Sufi movements?
- → Stress on inner devotion and equality
Conclusion
The Bhakti Movement was a transformative chapter in Indian history, offering spiritual democracy and challenging entrenched inequalities. Its message of love, devotion, and equality remains relevant in modern India.