The Bhakti Movement was a major religious and social reform movement in India. It emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a personal god. It played a crucial role in promoting social harmony, rejecting caste discrimination, and simplifying religious practices.
1. Origin & Meaning of Bhakti Movement
- The term “Bhakti” means devotion, love, and surrender to God.
- The movement originated in South India (7th-9th century CE) with the Alvars (Vaishnavites) and Nayanars (Shaivites).
- It later spread to North India (13th-17th century CE), influencing society and religion deeply.
2. Key Features of Bhakti Movement
✔ Monotheism: Belief in one supreme God.
✔ Personal devotion: Direct connection with God without priests.
✔ Opposition to caste system: Equality of all people.
✔ Use of local languages: Spread teachings in Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and other regional languages.
✔ Simplification of worship: No need for elaborate rituals.
✔ Promoted social harmony: Bridged gaps between Hindus and Muslims.
3. Major Bhakti Saints & Their Teachings
(A) South Indian Bhakti Saints
- Alvars: Devotees of Lord Vishnu (e.g., Andal, Nammalvar).
- Nayanars: Devotees of Lord Shiva (e.g., Appar, Sambandar).
- Basava (Karnataka): Started Virashaiva or Lingayat movement, opposed caste system.
(B) North Indian Bhakti Saints
- Ramananda (14th century)
- Worshipped Rama.
- Opposed caste discrimination.
- Followers: Kabir, Tulsidas.
- Kabir (15th century)
- Rejected both Hinduism & Islam; focused on nirguna bhakti (formless God).
- Dohe (couplets) criticized rituals and casteism.
- Famous saying: “Pothi padhi padhi jag mua, pandit bhaya na koi, dhai akshar prem ka, padhe so pandit hoy.”
- Guru Nanak (1469-1539)
- Founded Sikhism.
- Taught oneness of God, equality, and social service.
- Guru Granth Sahib contains his teachings.
- Surdas (16th century)
- Devotee of Lord Krishna.
- Wrote Sursagar (Krishna bhakti poems).
- Tulsidas (16th century)
- Wrote Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi (Hindi).
- Popularized Rama bhakti.
- Mirabai (16th century)
- Devotee of Krishna.
- Composed devotional songs (bhajans).
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (16th century)
- Popularized Krishna Bhakti & Hare Krishna movement in Bengal & Odisha.
- Sankirtan (group chanting) was his major practice.
- Dnyaneshwar (13th century, Maharashtra)
- Wrote Dnyaneshwari (Marathi commentary on Bhagavad Gita).
- Part of Varkari movement (devotion to Vitthal).
- Namdev (13th-14th century, Maharashtra)
- Promoted bhakti & social equality.
- Some of his hymns are in Guru Granth Sahib.
- Eknath (16th century, Maharashtra)
- Opposed caste system.
- Composed devotional songs (abhangs).
- Tukaram (17th century, Maharashtra)
- Devotee of Vitthal (Vishnu).
- Wrote Abhangas (devotional songs).
4. Impact of Bhakti Movement
✔ Weakened caste barriers by promoting social equality.
✔ Encouraged use of vernacular languages for religious teachings.
✔ Popularized simple forms of worship over rituals.
✔ Influenced Sikhism (Guru Nanak’s teachings).
✔ Contributed to Hindu-Muslim unity (e.g., Kabir’s teachings).
✔ Influenced Indian literature & music (Bhajans, Kirtans, Abhangas).
5. MCQs on Bhakti Movement
- Who among the following is considered the first Bhakti saint of North India?
- (a) Ramananda
- (b) Kabir
- (c) Mirabai
- (d) Tulsidas
- Answer: (a) Ramananda
- Which Bhakti saint’s hymns are included in Guru Granth Sahib?
- (a) Surdas
- (b) Namdev
- (c) Tulsidas
- (d) Eknath
- Answer: (b) Namdev
- Who wrote Ramcharitmanas?
- (a) Kabir
- (b) Tulsidas
- (c) Surdas
- (d) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- Answer: (b) Tulsidas
- Which Bhakti saint emphasized Nirguna Bhakti (formless God)?
- (a) Mirabai
- (b) Surdas
- (c) Kabir
- (d) Ramananda
- Answer: (c) Kabir
- Which Bhakti saint popularized Krishna devotion in Bengal?
- (a) Surdas
- (b) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- (c) Eknath
- (d) Dnyaneshwar
- Answer: (b) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
This Bhakti Movement summary is useful for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams. Let me know if you need mind maps, timelines, or additional details! 🚀
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