Bhakti movement

Definition

The bhakti movement was a devotional trend in Hinduism that emerged around the 7th century and emphasized personal devotion to a personal god, often expressed through poetry, song, and communal worship. This movement sought to transcend caste divisions and promote a direct, emotional connection between the devotee and the divine, influencing various aspects of Hindu practice and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bhakti movement was marked by its focus on devotion to specific deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, which encouraged followers to worship through personal and emotional expressions rather than ritualistic practices.
2. It played a crucial role in promoting social equality by challenging the rigid caste system prevalent in Hindu society during its emergence.
3. Key figures of the bhakti movement included poets and saints like Mirabai, Kabir, Tulsidas, and Ramanuja, who composed devotional literature that is still celebrated today.
4. The movement laid the foundation for many modern Hindu practices, including the use of vernacular languages in religious texts and the rise of sects devoted to specific deities.
5. Bhakti poetry and songs often incorporate themes of love, longing, and surrender to God, fostering a sense of community among practitioners through shared devotional experiences.

Review Questions

• How did the bhakti movement influence social structures within Hindu society?
  • The bhakti movement significantly impacted social structures by challenging the rigid caste system. It encouraged individuals from all backgrounds to participate in devotional practices regardless of their caste status. This inclusivity fostered a sense of equality among followers and diminished the barriers that had traditionally separated people within Hindu society. Through its emphasis on personal devotion over ritual purity, the bhakti movement promoted unity and community among diverse groups.
• What role did key figures like Mirabai and Kabir play in shaping the bhakti movement's philosophy and practices?
  • Mirabai and Kabir were instrumental in shaping the philosophy and practices of the bhakti movement through their teachings and compositions. Mirabai's unwavering devotion to Krishna inspired countless followers with her poetic expressions of love and longing for the divine. Kabir challenged established norms by advocating for a personal relationship with God that transcended religious boundaries. Their works contributed to the rich tapestry of bhakti literature that emphasized emotional connection over ritualistic practices.
• Critically assess the long-term impact of the bhakti movement on modern Hinduism and Indian culture as a whole.
  • The long-term impact of the bhakti movement on modern Hinduism and Indian culture is profound. It democratized religious practice by emphasizing personal devotion, which remains a cornerstone of contemporary Hindu worship. The vernacular languages used in bhakti literature allowed for wider access to spiritual texts, influencing subsequent literary and cultural developments in India. Furthermore, its challenge to caste hierarchies has had lasting implications for social reform movements within India. Overall, the bhakti movement has played a critical role in shaping an inclusive framework for understanding spirituality in modern Indian society.

Related terms

Sankirtan: A communal singing of hymns or devotional songs, often performed as part of the bhakti movement to express love and devotion to God.

Sant tradition: A spiritual movement in India that included saints who emphasized devotion, love, and personal experience of God, forming a significant part of the bhakti movement.

Advaita Vedanta: A philosophical school in Hinduism that teaches non-dualism, suggesting that the individual soul and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one, influencing some aspects of bhakti thought.