The Bhakti Movement was religious reform movement in India, promoting devotion to a personal god. It emerged in various regions, influencing spirituality and social reform. Key leaders contributed diverse philosophies, focusing on devotion, equality, and the rejection of ritualism.
Shankaracharya (c. 788 – 820 CE)
Shankaracharya was a very important figure in the Bhakti Movement. Born in Kaladi, Kerala, he established the Advaita (Monism) philosophy. He taught that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the only truth. His famous quotes include:
- Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya
The Absolute Spirit is the reality, the world of appearance is Maya. - Ekameva Adviteeyam Brahma
The absolute is one alone, not two.
Shankaracharya emphasised knowledge (gyan) as the path to salvation. His works include commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. He founded mathas at Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri, and Badrinath.
Ramanuja (c. 1017 – 1137 CE)
Ramanuja, born in Sriperumbudur, introduced Vishista Advaitavada (qualified monism). He argued that God is Saguna Brahman (with attributes). Unlike Shankaracharya, he believed the universe is real and created by God. His famous analogy compares Brahman to the sea and creation to waves. Ramanuja promoted Bhakti and invited all, including the downtrodden, to Vaishnavism. Key writings include Sribhashya and Gita Bhasya.
Madhavacharya (c. 1238 – 1317 CE)
Madhavacharya founded the Dvaita philosophy, advocating dualism between Jivatma (individual soul) and Paramatma (Supreme Soul). He believed the universe and God are separate entities. His teachings emphasised that worshipping Vishnu is essential for salvation. Madhavacharya established the Brahma Sampradaya, reinforcing the importance of devotion.
Nimbarka
Nimbarka was a contemporary of Ramanuja, promoting Dvaita Advaita philosophy. He taught Bheda Abheda (difference/non-difference), asserting that the world and Brahman are both real. He focused on Vaishnavite Bhakti, particularly in Telangana, and founded the Sanak Sampradaya.
Vallabhacharya (c. 1479 – 1531 CE)
Vallabhacharya was born in Benaras and revered Krishna as Shrinath Ji. He established pustimarga (the path of grace), advocating selfless devotion. His philosophy of Shudh Advaita (pure monism) posited that the universe is a manifestation of Brahman. Vallabhacharyly influenced the Krishna cult in North India.
Vidyapati (c. 1352 – 1448 CE)
Vidyapati was a poet known for his devotional poetry dedicated to Shiva. His works contributed to the Bhakti Movement, particularly in the context of expressing deep love and devotion.
The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra
The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra centred on Vithoba, a manifestation of Krishna. This movement, known as the Pandharpur movement, influenced social and cultural developments. It encourageed Marathi literature and aimed to break caste distinctions. The movement has two sects:
- Varakaris
Emotional devotees focused on Vithala. - Dharakaris
Rational followers of Ramadasa.
Prominent saints include Jnaneswar, Tukaram, and Namdeva.
Jnaneswar (c. 1275 – 1296 CE)
Jnaneswar was a 13th-century poet-saint who authored the Jnaneswari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. He rejected caste distinctions and advocated for Bhakti as the means to attain God. His works include “Amritanubhava” and “Haripatha”.
Namadeva (c. 1270 – 1350 CE)
Namadeva was a Maharashtrian saint and tailor. His poetry, rich in devotion, reflects his spiritual journey. He is considered a key figure in the Dadupanth tradition and interacted with Sufi saints, promoting unity among religions.
Sant Eknath (c. 1533 – 1599 CE)
Eknath was a scholar of the Varkari sampradaya. He enriched Marathi literature and translated Sanskrit texts. Eknath promoted a balanced approach to spirituality, emphasising the importance of household duties alongside devotion.
Tukaram (c. 1608 – 1650 CE)
Tukaram was a 17th-century poet-saint known for his Abangas, devotional poetry dedicated to Vithoba. He emphasised community worship and the virtues of piety and forgiveness. His teachings contributed to Maratha nationalism.
Ramdas (c. 1608 – 1681 CE)
Ramdas was a spiritual leader who supported the Maratha empire. His work, Dasabhoda, covers various spiritual topics. He encouraged women’s participation in religious activities and opposed caste distinctions.
Non-Sectarian Bhakti Movement
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Ramananda, Kabir, and Nanak emerged as figures. They rejected rituals and advocated for a direct relationship with God, promoting the unity of all religions.
Ramananda (c. 1400 – 1476 CE)
Ramananda was a 15th-century poet-saint who preached in local languages. He opposed the caste system and included disciples from all backgrounds. His teachings focused on devotion to Ram.
Kabir
Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda, known for his verses in the Sikh scripture. He rejected idol worship and caste distinctions, advocating for love and unity among all people. His works emphasised the importance of a pure heart for salvation.
Guru Nanak (c. 1469 – 1539 CE)
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, preached the unity of God and rejected idol worship. He promoted equality and encouraged honest living. His teachings include the importance of community service and devotion to one true God.
Nathpanthis, Siddhas, and Yogis
These groups condemned ritualism and advocated for renunciation and meditation. They promoted intense training of the mind and body to achieve spiritual goals.
Vaishnavite Movement
The Vaishnavite Movement focused on the worship of Rama and Krishna. Tulsidas composed the Ramacharitamanas, while Vallabhacharya and Surdas popularised the Krishna cult. Chaitanya, a prominent saint, emphasised love and devotion through song and dance.
Narsingh Mehta (c. 1414 – 1481 CE)
Narsingh Mehta was a Gujarati saint known for his devotional songs. He wrote Vaishnava jan ko, which became a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi.
Saint Tyagaraja (c. 1767 – 1847 CE)
Tyagaraja was a prominent composer of Carnatic music. He wrote numerous devotional songs in praise of Lord Ram, contributing to Indian classical music.
Tallapaka Annamacharya (c. 1408 – 1503 CE)
Annamacharya was a pioneer in devotional music and opposed social evils. He was a devoted follower of Lord Venkateshwara.
Women in the Bhakti Movement
Women saints played important role, often challenging societal norms. Key figures include:
- Akkamahadevi
A 12th-century devotee of Shiva. - Janabai
A Shudra poet who composed over 300 poems. - Mira Bai
A Rajput princess devoted to Krishna. - Bahinabai
A poet-saint focusing on women’s work. - Andal
A female Alwar expressing love for Vishnu. - Karaikkal Ammaiyar
A Nayanar who adopted asceticism.
Sikh Movement
The Sikh religion, founded by Guru Nanak, evolved into a major faith. Key Gurus include:
- Guru Angad
Standardised the Gurumukhi script. - Guru Amar Das
Strengthened the langar system. - Guru Ramdas
Established a distinct marriage code. - Guru Arjun Dev
Compiled the Adi Granth. - Guru Gobind Singh
Organised Sikhs as warriors.
The Sikh movement emphasised equality, community service, and devotion to one God.
