Bhakti saints meaning

The Bhakti Saints

The Bhakti Saints

Bhakti initially flourished in South India through the great Vaishnava saints known as the twelve Alvars (6th–9th centuries). Shaivism also has its bhakti traditions and during roughly the same period 63 Nayanars (bhakti poets) wrote songs that now form the twelve books of the Tirumurai. Shortly after, and especially from 1500 CE onwards, a great devotional renaissance swept through the entire sub-continent. The bhakti saints largely rejected the hereditary caste system and its emphasis on prescribed ritual, stressing instead the need for morality, purity of heart and an attitude of selfless service. They expressed their sentiments through song, poetry and music, often attracting thousands of followers. Their preference for the spirit of the law rather than its letter enabled many followers of apparently lower birth to participate. These include a number of famous women saints. The considerable influence of the bhakti saints continues up to the present time.

Kabir (1440–1518)

He is famous for his songs and poems used by Hindus,

A Brief Guide On Main Principles Of Bhakti Movement

Bhakti movement swept over India in the east and north since the 15th century. Initially, the movement originated around Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Later on, the movement took a new direction by evolving the devotion to God, i.e., Lord Krishna. The Bhakti saints, including Ramanuja, Chaitanya, Jaidev, Kabir, Ramanand, believed in the unity of God. 

The concept was only to propel the Indian society to devote their life for the sake of love, devotion, and equity. This aspect of tenacity and sheer devotion turned many minds to breaking people’s superstitious beliefs about the lower-caste category. Therefore, to provide a deep study of the revolution, the write-up will discuss the role, salient features and principles of the Bhakti movement. 

Role of Saints in the Bhakti movement 

The exponents of the Bhakti revolution took major reforms to urge people to walk on the path of love, devotion and sacrifices. All the prominent leaders played a significant role in the time of medieval India. Pl

Bhakti movement

Medieval Hindu religious movement

The Bhakti movement was a significant religious movement in medieval Hinduism that sought to bring religious reforms to all strata of society by adopting the method of devotion to achieve salvation.[2] Originating in Tamilakam during 6th century CE,[3][5][6] it gained prominence through the poems and teachings of the Vaishnava Alvars and Shaiva Nayanars in early medieval South India, before spreading northwards. It swept over east and north India from the 15th century onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th century CE.

The Bhakti movement regionally developed around different Hindu gods and goddesses, and some sub-sects were Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti goddesses), and Smartism.[8][9][10] The Bhakti movement preached using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism

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