Bhakti Movement: Origins, Figures & Impact

Here are the existing study notes, which have been compared to the new information, however, no new information was provided in the text

Bhakti Movement

• A major religious movement during the medieval period focused on love and devotion
• Encouraged composing hymns, bhajans, and prayers dedicated to God
• Sufi saints expressed their devotion and love for God
• The movement emphasized the equality of all and opposed the caste system

Origin and Spread

• Originated in South India around the 8th century AD
• Aims to make people aware of Buddhism, Jainism, and traditional Hindu practices
• Promoted the idea of a direct relationship between an individual and God
• Early saints, Nayanars and Alvars, traveled to various places, singing praises of God

Prominent Figures

• Shankaracharya:
  • Revived Vedic worship and established five centers of learning called Maths
  • Advocated for acquiring knowledge to understand the difference between "maya" (illusion) and the ultimate reality
• Ramanujacharya:
  • Believed in attaining salvation through devotion to God and good deeds
  • Emphasized that bhakti is more important than knowledge
• Namdev, Tukaram, and Jnaneshwar: Saints of Maharashtra, popularized the Vitthal form of Lord Krishna
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Composed prayers for Lord Krishna and popularized Krishna bhakti in Bengal, attracting both Hindus and Muslims
• Tulsidas: Known for his devotion to Lord Rama and wrote lyrics and poems for Lord Krishna
• Mirabai: Expressed love and devotion to Lord Krishna through her compositions

Core Teachings

• Emphasized purity of heart and mind to realize God
• Advocated for a pure, simple, and truthful life
• Knowledge was available to everyone, not limited to teachers or gurus

Impact of Bhakti Movement

• Centers formed in key locations, such as Kashi (Varanasi)
• Saints like Kabir challenged religious and caste-based discrimination
• Religious beliefs existed among some groups, while others sourced from Muslim sources
• Advocated for harmony between Hindus and Muslims, discouraging disputes

Kabir's Teachings

• God is referred to as Ram, Hari, Govinda, Allah, and/or Saab
• Promoted oneness by abolishing the practice of taking holy dips in rivers
• Fearlessly condemned the importance of being part of various groups
• Emphasized on purity of character, conduct, non-violence, and respect for all living beings
• Importance of Guru-Guru can show people right path
• His followers included individuals, women, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds

Teachings Continued

• Kabir's teachings were passed down through poems, or Doha
• Kabir Vani – collection of compiled works
• Part of Kabir's teaching were included in Guru Granth Sahib, the religious leader
• Consists of poems called 'Dohas'