Tulsidas was a 16th-century Hindu poet-saint, famous for composing Ramcharitmanas, a vernacular version of the Ramayana in Awadhi. He played a major role in spreading Rama Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama) during the Bhakti Movement. Basic Information on Tulsidas Early Life of Tulsidas Philosophy and Teachings of Tulsidas 1. Rama Bhakti (Devotion to Lord Rama) […]
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Surdas, a 15th-century blind poet and saint, was a key figure in the Bhakti Movement, celebrated for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. Born in Haryana, he focused on Krishna’s childhood and emphasized love and pure devotion over rituals, leaving significant works such as Sur Sagar and influencing Krishna Bhakti practices.
Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of the Sikhs. He preached oneness of God, equality, and social justice, rejecting caste discrimination and religious rituals. His teachings formed the basis of Sikh philosophy and the Guru Granth Sahib. Basic Information on Guru Nanak Early Life of Guru Nanak Key Teachings of […]
Kabir was a 15th-century Bhakti saint, poet, and social reformer who played a crucial role in Hindu-Muslim unity. He criticized ritualism, caste discrimination, and religious hypocrisy, emphasizing devotion (Bhakti) to a formless God (Nirguna Bhakti). Basic Information on Kabir Feature Details Full Name Kabir Das Born 1440 CE (Approximate) Birthplace Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh, India […]
Ramananda was a pivotal 15th-century Bhakti saint and social reformer, renowned for advancing the Bhakti movement in North India. He emphasized devotion to Lord Rama and advocated for social equality, allowing disciples from all castes, including lower castes and women. His teaching rejected rituals and promoted personal devotion in vernacular languages. Key disciples like Kabir and Ravidas highlighted his inclusive approach, bridging religious divides and influencing subsequent Bhakti poets and movements in the region.
The Nayanars were 63 Tamil poet-saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE, devoted to Lord Shiva and key figures in the Bhakti Movement. They emphasized personal devotion and social equality, challenging caste discrimination. Their hymns, such as Tevaram, became integral to South Indian temple worship and enriched Tamil spiritual literature.
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Lord Shiva and Shaivism
Lord Shiva is a principal deity in Hinduism, known as the Destroyer and Transformer, and worshiped as the Supreme God in Shaivism. Key features include his roles in the Trimurti, various forms like Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara, and significant scriptures. The Nayanars contributed to Shaivism through poetry and social inclusiveness.
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Lord Vishnu and Vaishnavism
Lord Vishnu is one of the three principal deities (Trimurti) of Hinduism, responsible for the preservation and protection of the universe. Vaishnavism is a major sect in Hinduism that primarily worships Vishnu and his avatars like Rama and Krishna. Lord Vishnu – The Preserver of the Universe Basic Information Feature Details Role in Trimurti Preserver […]
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Alvars
The Alvars were 12 Tamil poet-saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE, central to Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement. Their hymns, compiled as the Divya Prabandham, emphasized devotion to Lord Vishnu and promoted social equality. Notable figures include Nammalvar and Andal, whose works remain vital in Tamil devotional practices.
Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the tallest brick minaret globally, standing at 72.5 meters. Constructed in 1199 CE by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish in 1220 CE, it showcases Indo-Islamic architecture. The structure served as a victory tower and a minaret for prayers, highlighting Islamic influence in India.