{"id":4352,"date":"2025-07-08T22:54:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=4352"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:42:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:12:19","slug":"bhakti-movement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/","title":{"rendered":"Bhakti Movement: Origin, Principle, Regional Spread of Bhakti Movement, Saints"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Bhakti_Movement_Origin\" >Bhakti Movement Origin\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Founder_of_the_Bhakti_Movement\" >Founder of the Bhakti Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Principles_of_the_Bhakti_Movement\" >Principles of the Bhakti Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Types_of_Bhakti_Movement\" >Types of Bhakti Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#_Ramanuja_1060-1118_AD\" >\u00a0\u00a0Ramanuja (1060-1118 AD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Ramananda_1300-1380_AD\" >Ramananda (1300-1380 AD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Chaitanya_Mahaprabhu\" >Chaitanya Mahaprabhu<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Meera_Bai_1498-1546\" >Meera Bai (1498-1546)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Eknath_1533-1599\" >Eknath (1533-1599)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#_Guru_Nanak_1469-1539\" >\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Guru Nanak (1469-1539)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Kabir_Das_1398_or_1440-1518\" >Kabir Das (1398 or 1440-1518)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Dadu_Dayal_1544-1603\" >Dadu Dayal (1544-1603)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Saguna_VS_Nirguna_Bhakti\" >Saguna VS Nirguna Bhakti<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Bhakti_Movement_in_South_India\" >Bhakti Movement in South India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Prominent_Bhakti_Movement_Saints_of_South_India\" >Prominent Bhakti Movement Saints of South India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Bhakti_Movement_in_Maharashtra_13th-17th_Century\" >Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra (13th-17th Century)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Bhakti_Movement_in_North_India\" >Bhakti Movement in North India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Prominent_Bhakti_Saints_and_Their_Contributions\" >Prominent Bhakti Saints and Their Contributions\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/bhakti-movement\/#Bhakti_Movement_FAQS\" >Bhakti Movement FAQS?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4354\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160320.png?resize=300%2C203&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160320.png?resize=300%2C203&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160320.png?w=546&amp;ssl=1 546w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Bhakti movement emerged around the 7th century in South India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, through the devotional poetry of Saiva Nayanar saints(devotees of Shiva)\u00a0 and Vaisnava Alvar saints (devotees of Vishnu)of South India. It spread across India over centuries, peaking between the 15th and 17th centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It arose as a response to the <\/span><b>rigidity of Vedic rituals, caste hierarchies, and the dominance of Brahminical orthodoxy.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The movement emphasised personal devotion and a direct emotional bond with the divine, making spirituality accessible to all, regardless of caste or gender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also Read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/art-and-culture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Art and Culture Prelims and Mains Revision<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_Movement_Origin\"><\/span><b>Bhakti Movement Origin\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Origin of the bhakti movement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was the result of the accumulation of different factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movement\u2019s roots trace back to the <\/span><b>Tamil devotional traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with the Alvars\u2019 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divya Prabandham<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Vishnu hymns) and Nayanars\u2019 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tirumurai<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Shiva hymns) forming its textual foundation (Hardy, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viraha-Bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These works emphasised emotional devotion over ritualistic practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhagavad Gita<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (circa 2nd century BCE) provided an early philosophical basis, advocating <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a path to salvation accessible to all, influencing later bhakti traditions (Hawley).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The decline of <\/span><b>Buddhism and Jainism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in South India by the 7th century, coupled with the rise of feudal structures, created a socio-political context conducive to new religious expressions (Basham).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The movement <\/span><b>spread to North, West, and East India, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adapting to regional contexts and incorporating influences from Sufism and local traditions. Its early development was shaped by socio-political changes, including the decline of Buddhism and Jainism, and was systematised by figures like Ramanuja, later spreading through saints like Ramananda.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/news-crux-10\/lord-buddha-syllabus-gs-paper-1-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buddhism<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Founder_of_the_Bhakti_Movement\"><\/span><b>Founder of the Bhakti Movement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti movement, a medieval Indian devotional tradition, had no single founder but evolved through contributions from various saints across centuries. South Indian Alvars and Nayanars (7th\u20138th centuries) laid its foundation, while Ramananda, Kabir, Tulsidas, and others spread it in North India.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Principles_of_the_Bhakti_Movement\"><\/span><b>Principles of the Bhakti Movement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti movement&#8217;s core principles are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personal and Emotional Devotion to God<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti movement emphasised <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (devotion) as the primary path to salvation, prioritising a direct, heartfelt connection with a personal deity (e.g., Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Rama) over ritualistic practices (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">karma<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or intellectual knowledge (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">jnana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spiritual Equality Across Caste and Gender<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The movement challenged caste hierarchies and gender barriers, enabling people from all social strata, including lower castes (e.g., Ravidas, a leatherworker) and women (e.g., Mirabai), to participate in devotional practices, undermining Brahminical dominance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use of Vernacular Languages for Accessibility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti saints composed poetry and songs in regional languages (e.g., Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali) instead of Sanskrit, making religious ideas accessible to the common people.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Saguna and Nirguna Bhakti Traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The movement included two streams: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saguna bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (devotion to a deity with form, e.g., Krishna or Rama, as in Tulsidas\u2019 and Surdas\u2019 works) and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nirguna bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (devotion to a formless divine, as in Kabir\u2019s and Guru Nanak\u2019s teachings).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rejection of Ritualism and Priestly Authority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti saints criticised elaborate Vedic rituals and the authority of Brahmin priests, advocating simple, heartfelt devotion accessible to all, regardless of social status.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Syncretism and Universalism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak blended Hindu and Islamic elements, promoting a universal spiritual path that transcended religious boundaries, contributing to a shared cultural ethos.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Also, read about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/news-crux-10\/jainism-syllabus-gs-paper-1-historyart-culture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jainism<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Bhakti_Movement\"><\/span><b>Types of Bhakti Movement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna and Nirguna are the two different ideological streams of the Bhakti movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Saguna Bhakti<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the practice of devotion to God in form. God in form exists in all physical presence from the planet, the moon, and the sun to all objects and beings in nature. The devotion to God in form recognizes that the appearance of God seems limited by form; however, the presence of God is unlimited.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4><b>Saguna Bhakti Saints<\/b><\/h4>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Ramanuja_1060-1118_AD\"><\/span><b>\u00a0\u00a0Ramanuja (1060-1118 AD)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramanuja was a <\/span><b>Tamil Brahmin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a Vaishnavism saint, who travelled to several parts of India to promote his message of love and devotion before settling at <\/span><b>Srirangam.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was the originator of the philosophy of <\/span><b>&#8216;Vishist Advaita,&#8217;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or qualified monism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salvation, he believes, can be gained through Karma, Gyan, or Bhakti.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sri Bhasya<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Gita Bhasya <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are two of his works. Ramananda, his pupil, carried his guru&#8217;s teachings throughout northern India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brahman, according to Ramanuja, is a completely personal god who is thought to be Vishnu or one of his avatars. <\/span><b>Vishnu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, he believed, created the universe out of his love for people, and he also ruled over it at every turn.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He also believed that Vishnu possesses all of the characteristics of a personal god, such as omniscience and omnipotence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The difference between<\/span><b> Dualism and Vishishta Advaita<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that &#8220;mankind has a greater rank and is closer to God than in pure dualistic worship.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the<\/span><b> world and Brahman<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are equally existent in <\/span><b>Vishishta Advaita<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; they have not been considered two independent realities as they are in <\/span><b>Dualism.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramanuja was a proponent of prabhattimarga or self-surrender to God.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4355\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160952.png?resize=235%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"235\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160952.png?resize=235%2C300&amp;ssl=1 235w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-160952.png?w=276&amp;ssl=1 276w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ramananda_1300-1380_AD\"><\/span><b>Ramananda (1300-1380 AD)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saint Ramananda was an ardent <\/span><b>Rama worshiper <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and a forerunner of the Bhakti movement in northern India. He was a social reformer who made Bhaktism accessible to everyone, regardless of birth, caste, creed, or sex.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Hindi, he wrote and articulated his beliefs, making religion more accessible to the general public.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His lyrics are also included in the <\/span><b>Adi Granth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Many poet-saints revered him as their Guru.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramananda was a poet-saint from the 15th century who was born in Prayag (Allahabad) and taught his teachings in Benaras and Agra. His devotees are known as <\/span><b>Ramanandis.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was originally a <\/span><b>Ramanuja devotee. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He, like other monotheist bhakti saints, was anti-caste and chose his students from all walks of life, regardless of caste.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4356\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161448.png?resize=221%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161448.png?resize=221%2C300&amp;ssl=1 221w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161448.png?w=275&amp;ssl=1 275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chaitanya_Mahaprabhu\"><\/span><b>Chaitanya Mahaprabhu<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was an ardent <\/span><b>Krishna follower<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who popularised the &#8220;Hare Rama, Hare Krishna&#8221; chant. Also popularised the practice of worshipping Radha and Krishna.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He taught the philosophy of<\/span><b> Achintaya Bheda-Abheda.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> He was a Sufi who popularised <\/span><b>&#8220;Kirtans&#8221; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(religious songs) as a means of worship.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is the founder of the world-famous ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), which was established in the twentieth century.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was well-known in Eastern India, and he spent the majority of his life in Puri, Odisha.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Sanskrit, he authored<\/span><b> &#8220;Siksastakam,&#8221; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a treatise in which he elucidated his ideas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Krishnadas Kaviraj<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> penned <\/span><b>Chaitanya&#8217;s autobiography.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4357\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161629.png?resize=253%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161629.png?resize=253%2C300&amp;ssl=1 253w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161629.png?w=278&amp;ssl=1 278w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meera_Bai_1498-1546\"><\/span><b>Meera Bai (1498-1546)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Saguna saint and ardent devotee of Krishna, known for her ecstatic devotional songs in Rajasthani and Brajbhasha.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defied societal norms, including caste and gender barriers, to express her deep love for Krishna.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her poetry reflects themes of surrender, longing, and mystical union with the divine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She wrote <\/span><b>&#8216;bhajans,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216; which are short religious songs that are still sung today. Meerabai was written in Braj Bhasha and Rajasthani.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her poem depicts a unique relationship with Lord Krishna since she is shown not only as <\/span><b>Krishna&#8217;s devoted bride<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but also as Krishna in pursuit of Meer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4358\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161730.png?resize=230%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161730.png?resize=230%2C300&amp;ssl=1 230w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161730.png?w=294&amp;ssl=1 294w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eknath_1533-1599\"><\/span><b>Eknath (1533-1599)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was a Maharashtra-based saint of the Varkari Panth. Sufi mysticism and Vedanta philosophy affected him.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>&#8216;Eknathi Bhagavatam,&#8217; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, is his most well-known work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is credited with enriching Marathi literature by translating Sanskrit works into Marathi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He also attempted to move the focus of Marathi writing from spiritual to narrative composition, and he invented the <\/span><b>Bharood,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a new type of Marathi devotional song.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was against caste distinctions and preached that there was no difference between Brahmin and outcaste, Hindu and Muslim, in God&#8217;s view.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was a follower of the Saguna religion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4359\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161816.png?resize=230%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161816.png?resize=230%2C300&amp;ssl=1 230w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161816.png?w=308&amp;ssl=1 308w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Nirguna Bhakti<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Nirguna bhakti<\/i><\/b><b> is devotion to and worship of the Divine as formless.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The term comes from the Sanskrit, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nir<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a prefix meaning \u201cwithout\u201d; <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guna<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning \u201cqualities\u201d or \u201cproperties,\u201d and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which means \u201cdevotion\u201d or \u201cfaithfulness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Nirguna Bhakti <\/b><b>Saint<\/b><\/h4>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Guru_Nanak_1469-1539\"><\/span><b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><b>\u00a0Guru Nanak (1469-1539)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guru Nanak was born in Talwandi\u00a0 (Pakistan). He had a spiritual bent when he was a child. He was a proponent of <\/span><b>Nirguna School <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and was inspired by<\/span><b> Kabir Das.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guru Nanak Ji emphasised <\/span><b>&#8220;Nam Japna<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,&#8221; or repeating God&#8217;s name to sense his presence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to stress, however, that Sikhism is not a continuation of the <\/span><b>Bhakti movement.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> He also chastised discriminatory caste systems and called for all people to be treated equally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of his famous quotes was, &#8220;<\/span><b>Abide pure amidst the impurities of the world.&#8221;<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He intended to blur the lines between Hindus and Muslims to foster a climate of peace, friendliness, and reciprocal giving and taking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161907.png?resize=268%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"268\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161907.png?resize=268%2C300&amp;ssl=1 268w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-161907.png?w=292&amp;ssl=1 292w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kabir_Das_1398_or_1440-1518\"><\/span><b>Kabir Das (1398 or 1440-1518)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kabir <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">was raised by a Muslim family after being born into a Hindu family. Discipline of <\/span><b>Ramananda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, revered Bhakti saints, whose teachings have influenced people from all walks of life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kabir was a <\/span><b>Nirguna sain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t who criticized major religions such as Hinduism and Islam for their traditional teachings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He advocated the idea of the unity of Gods, whom he refers to by numerous names, including Allah, Rama, Rahim, Hari, and others. He criticises discriminatory caste systems, particularly untouchability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banis is the title of one of his poems (utterances). His writings are collected in the well-known book <\/span><b>Bijak.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kabir wrote in Hindi and used <\/span><b>Avadhi, Braj, and Bhojpuri words.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> His works are also featured in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred Sikh scripture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4361\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162013.png?resize=300%2C260&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162013.png?resize=300%2C260&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162013.png?w=309&amp;ssl=1 309w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dadu_Dayal_1544-1603\"><\/span><b>Dadu Dayal (1544-1603)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was a<\/span><b> Kabir devotee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who thought that God was independent of all religions and sects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was a contemporary of Akbar, the <\/span><b>Mughal emperor,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and it is stated that Akbar held him in high regard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was born in Gujarat and went to Jaipur later. Later, his supporters formed the Dadu Panth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4362\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162107.png?resize=206%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"206\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162107.png?resize=206%2C300&amp;ssl=1 206w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162107.png?w=239&amp;ssl=1 239w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saguna_VS_Nirguna_Bhakti\"><\/span><b>Saguna VS Nirguna Bhakti<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some differences between Saguna and Nirguna Bhakti;<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<h3><b>Saguna VS Nirguna Bhakti<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Saguna Bhakti<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Nirguna Bhakti<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna is the manifestation of God in form, one who has divine qualities or attributes. Which are not material qualities made out of the five elements.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nirguna is the eternal, all-pervading and omnipresent divine consciousness. One who does not have material qualities or attributes is made out of the five elements.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has a shape like our physical body, which we will one day leave<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is shapeless; it has no form<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna Bhakti\u00a0 Focuses on the worship of specific deities such as Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars(incarnations)and forms of the goddess or devi, all often conceptualised in human forms.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nirguna bhakti on the other hand was worship of an abstract form of god.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When God incarnates in a human body, for the benefit of the devotees by his own will, then He is in His Sagun Swaroop (appearance).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the Lord resides in his eternal abode Saket, Golok or Vaikunth, then he is in His Nirgun form.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bhagavad Gita illustrates Saguna Bhakti through deities like Krishna, supporting the practice of Bhakti Yoga, the path of love and devotion.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Upanishads talk about the concept of Nirguna Brahman, emphasising introspection and meditation as pathways to understanding.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_Movement_in_South_India\"><\/span><b>Bhakti Movement in South India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti movement in South India, spanning roughly the 7th to 12th centuries (with later developments), was a transformative devotional movement that emphasised personal devotion to gods like Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi, challenging caste hierarchies and ritualistic Brahmanism. Rooted in Tamil Nadu, it laid the foundation for the broader Bhakti movement across India.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Key Features Bhakti movement in South India<\/b><b>:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personal Devotion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasised direct, emotional connection with the divine, bypassing rituals and priests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vernacular Language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Used Tamil for hymns, making spirituality accessible to all.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inclusivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Challenged caste and gender barriers, welcoming devotees from diverse backgrounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Philosophical Depth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Influenced Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja) and Shaiva Siddhanta philosophies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Two Streams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Alvars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Vaishnava saints who composed hymns in praise of Vishnu, compiled in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divya Prabandham<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They emphasised surrender (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prapatti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) to Vishnu.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Nayanars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Shaiva saints who glorified Shiva, with their hymns collected in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tevaram<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They focused on love and service to Shiva.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Alvars: Devotees of Lord Vishnu<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4363\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162145.png?resize=300%2C146&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162145.png?resize=300%2C146&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162145.png?resize=768%2C373&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162145.png?w=790&amp;ssl=1 790w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alvars were a group of twelve Tamil poet-saints who contributed to the Bhakti movement by expressing profound devotion to Lord Vishnu through heartfelt and personal worship.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nature of Worship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Alvars practised <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a form of worship characterised by deep emotional attachment and complete dedication to Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Literary Contribution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Their devotional songs, written in Tamil, are compiled in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nalayira Divya Prabandham<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a collection of 4,000 verses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prominent Figures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Among the Alvars was Andal, a significant female saint known for her poetic contributions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rivalry with Nayanars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Alvars frequently challenged the Nayanars, emphasising Vishnu\u2019s superiority over other deities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Philosophical Concept<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Nammalvar, a prominent Alvar from the 7th century CE, developed the idea of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prapatti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which refers to total surrender and trust in God. This concept became a foundational element of Srivaisnava theology from the 12th century onward.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use of Imagery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some Alvars employed relatable everyday imagery to connect with Vaishnava stories. For instance, Periyalvar (9th century CE) used the imagery of a mother-child bond to depict the relationship between Yashoda and Lord Krishna.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Nayanars: Devotees of Lord Shiva<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4364\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162226.png?resize=300%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162226.png?resize=300%2C147&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162226.png?resize=768%2C375&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162226.png?w=792&amp;ssl=1 792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nayanars were a group of sixty-three Tamil poet-saints who expressed their devotion to Lord Shiva through intense <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, contributing significantly to the Bhakti movement in South India.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nayanars followed a personal form of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, focusing on deep devotion to Shiva as the supreme deity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their Tamil hymns are collectively known as the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tevaram<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a significant collection of devotional poetry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also called <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Samayacharyas<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Nayanars included Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a notable female saint.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Nayanars often competed with the Alvars, asserting Shiva\u2019s supremacy over other gods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They portrayed Shiva as a mighty warrior deity who combated evil forces and safeguarded devotees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Nayanars highlighted Shiva\u2019s divine acts by associating them with specific locations, particularly the Kaveri valley, a key centre of Chola authority.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prominent_Bhakti_Movement_Saints_of_South_India\"><\/span><b>Prominent Bhakti Movement Saints of South India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakti movement in South India, flourishing between the 7th and 12th centuries, was led by the <\/span><b>Alvars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Vaishnava saints devoted to Vishnu) and <\/span><b>Nayanars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Shaiva saints devoted to Shiva). Their devotional hymns in Tamil transformed spirituality, making it accessible and inclusive. Prominent saints are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Saints<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Tradition<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Period (Approx.)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key Works<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Contribution<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Andal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaishnava<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8th century<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiruppavai, Nachiyar Tirumozhi<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only female Alvar Tiruppavai (30 verses) expresses mystical love for Krishna, sung during Mthe argazhi festival. Nachiyar Tirumozhi conveys intense devotion to Vishnu.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nammalvar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaishnava<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8th- 9th century<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiruvaymoli<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His 1,102 verses, considered the Tamil Veda, blend devotion and philosophy, influencing Ramanuja\u2019s Vishishtadvaita. Central to Sri Vaishnava tradition.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaiva<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7th century<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tevaram (part)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Former Jain turned Shaiva; his hymns express repentance and love for Shiva. Revived Shaiva worship through temple visits and poetry<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thirugnana Sambandar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaiva<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7th century<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tevaram (part)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child prodigy; composed thousands of verses praising Shiva, countering Jainism\/Buddhism. Strengthened Shaivism with poetic brilliance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manikkavacakar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaiva<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9th century<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is ecstatic hymns capture surrender to Shiva, widely sung in temples. Tiruvacakam is a poetic and philosophical masterpiece of Shaiva devotion.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_Movement_in_Maharashtra_13th-17th_Century\"><\/span><b>Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra (13th-17th Century)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Bhakti movement in Maharashtra <\/b><b>began in <\/b><b>(13th\u201317th centuries.<\/b><b> Its proponents were known as the Varkaris. Among its most popular figures were Jnanadev (1275- 96), Namdev (1270-50) and Tukaram (1608-50), who left behind many verses that embody the essence of Bhakti.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">was a transformative spiritual and cultural phenomenon centred on Pandharpur, emphasising personal devotion to Vithoba (Vishnu), Krishna, Rama, and Shiva. Led by the Varkari sect, it used <\/span><b>Marathi poetry (abhangs) by saints like Jnaneshwar (<\/b><b><i>Jnaneshwari<\/i><\/b><b>), Namdev, Eknath (<\/b><b><i>Eknathi Bhagavat<\/i><\/b><b>), Tukaram (<\/b><b><i>Tukaram Gatha<\/i><\/b><b>), and Samarth Ramdas (<\/b><b><i>Dasbodh<\/i><\/b><b>)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to promote inclusivity across caste and gender, challenging social hierarchies. The <\/span><b>Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra is Primarily Divided into Two Sects:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Varkaris<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Devotees of Lord Vitthala of Pandharpur, characterised by their gentle, emotional, and philosophical approach, emphasising abstract and heartfelt devotion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dharakaris<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Followers of the Ramadasa cult, devoted to Lord Rama, known for their rational, practical, and pragmatic mindset, with a focus on concrete expressions of faith.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; 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width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>Key Features of the Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vernacular Language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Used Marathi to compose devotional poetry (abhangs, ovis), making spirituality accessible to the masses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inclusivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Challenged caste and gender barriers, allowing people from all backgrounds, including lower castes and women, to participate in spiritual practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Varkari Tradition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Centred around annual pilgrimages (wari) to Pandharpur\u2019s Vithoba temple, fostering a sense of community and devotion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Philosophical Influence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Blended Advaita (non-dualism) and Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) with devotional practices, emphasising equality in the eyes of God<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Saint<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Significance in Spreading Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Jnaneshwar (1275\u20131296)<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He was a trailblazing devotional saint from Maharashtra.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He authored a comprehensive interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, known as the Jnaneshvari, one of the earliest masterpieces of Marathi literature, laying the groundwork for the region&#8217;s devotional philosophy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0He composed numerous devotional songs called Abhangas and preached that true communion with God could only be achieved through devotion, rejecting caste distinctions in the pursuit of spiritual unity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Eknath (1544-1599)<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eknath, a revered poet-saint and mystic of Vaishnavism, is celebrated for translating numerous Sanskrit texts into Marathi.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0He meticulously revised the altered version of the Jnaneshvari, making it accessible again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0His scholarly efforts focused on rendering the path to salvation through devotion understandable and attainable for common people, including outcastes and women, while dismissing caste distinction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uniquely among Maharashtra\u2019s saints, Eknath balanced family life as a householder and father with his spiritual commitments. He harmonised domestic responsibilities with religious devotion through his steadfast faith in Krishna, a cherished incarnation of Vishnu.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Namdeva (1270-1350)<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Namdev, a 14th-century poet-saint from Maharashtra and a member of the Varkari sect served as a vital connection between the Maharashtrian bhakti movement and the monotheistic traditions of North India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He is revered as one of the five key gurus in Hinduism\u2019s Dadupanth lineage, alongside Dadu, Kabir, Ravidas, and Hardas. Residing in Pandharpur, he journeyed across North India, including Punjab.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His devotional songs are incorporated into the Adi Granth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Maharashtra, Namdev is celebrated within the Varkari\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tradition (a Vaishnava devotional path), while in North Indian monotheistic traditions, he is recognised as a Nirguna saint.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_Movement_in_North_India\"><\/span><b>Bhakti Movement in North India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Bhakti Movement in North India (14th\u201317th centuries)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was a spiritual revolution emphasising personal devotion to God, rejecting caste and rituals. It emerged due to a confluence of historical, religious, and socio-cultural factors as given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Opposition to Religious Orthodoxy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reacted against complex Brahmanical rituals, Sanskrit texts, and caste hierarchies, promoting a simpler, inclusive path of devotion accessible to all.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Impact of Islamic Rule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Interaction with Sufi mysticism under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule fostered syncretism, encouraging universal spiritual messages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social Inequalities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Challenged rigid caste and gender barriers, offering spiritual liberation to marginalised groups like lower castes and women.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regional Language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The use of regional languages (Hindi, Brajbhasha, Punjabi) made spiritual teachings understandable to the masses, unlike elite Sanskrit texts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Political Instability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provided spiritual solace and community cohesion amid the uncertainties of medieval Islamic rule.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Syncretic Influences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Drew from Hindu philosophy, Sufi mysticism, and regional traditions, creating a universal appeal that bridged religious divides.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Features of the Bhakti Movement in North India<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Devotional at its core<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The movement centred on <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bhakti<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (devotion) as the primary path to salvation, emphasising love, surrender, and a personal connection with God over elaborate rituals or caste distinctions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Saguna and Nirguna Traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Saguna Bhakti<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focused on devotion to a personal deity with form, such as Vishnu (often as Rama or Krishna), Shiva, or Devi, involving worship of divine attributes and incarnations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Nirguna Bhakti<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasised devotion to a formless, abstract divine, rejecting idol worship and promoting a monotheistic, transcendental understanding of God.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use of Vernacular Languages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Saints expressed their teachings through poetry and songs in regional languages like Hindi, Punjabi, and Brajbhasha, making spiritual ideas accessible to the common people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social Reforms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The movement challenged caste hierarchies, gender inequalities, and religious orthodoxy, promoting inclusivity and equality in spiritual practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Syncretism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It integrated elements of Hinduism, Sufism, and other traditions, fostering religious tolerance and cultural unity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prominent_Bhakti_Saints_and_Their_Contributions\"><\/span><b>Prominent Bhakti Saints and Their Contributions\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ravidas (c. 15th\u201316th century)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nirguna<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saint from the Chamar (leatherworker) caste, he promoted equality and rejected caste discrimination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Composed devotional hymns focusing on a formless God, many of which are part of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adi Granth<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revered in the Ravidassia tradition and the Dadupanth lineage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4365\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162319.png?resize=300%2C172&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162319.png?resize=300%2C172&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-08-162319.png?w=385&amp;ssl=1 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Namdev (c. 1270\u20131350)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varkari<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saint from Maharashtra, he connected the Maharashtrian bhakti tradition with North Indian monotheism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remembered in North India as a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nirguna<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saint, his devotional songs (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abhangas<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) are included in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adi Granth<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travelled widely, including to Punjab, spreading devotion to Vitthala (Vishnu) and advocating social equality.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tulsidas (c. 1532\u20131623)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saint devoted to Lord Rama, renowned for his epic <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramcharitmanas<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, written in Awadhi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popularised Rama devotion in North India, making the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramayana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> accessible through vernacular poetry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emphasised moral values, devotion, and the concept of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rama Rajya<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (righteous governance).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Surdas (c. 1478\u20131583)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saguna<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> saint devoted to Krishna, celebrated for his lyrical poetry in Brajbhasha, compiled in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sur Sagar<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focused on Krishna\u2019s divine love and playful deeds, appealing to the emotional and aesthetic aspects of bhakti.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associated with the Vallabha sect (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pushtimarg<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), emphasising loving devotion to Krishna.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2026?<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enrol now!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhakti_Movement_FAQS\"><\/span><b>Bhakti Movement FAQS?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-4353 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-4353{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-4353 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-4353{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-4353.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-4353.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-4353.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-4353.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-4353.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1751970626\"><div id=\"sp-ea-4353\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-4353\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43530\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43530\" aria-controls=\"collapse43530\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What was the Bhakti Movement? <\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse43530\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4353\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43530\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Bhakti Movement was a socio-religious reform movement in medieval India that emphasised personal devotion (bhakti) to God as the path to salvation. It rejected complex rituals, caste distinctions, and dogmatic practices, promoting a direct, emotional connection with the divine through love and devotion.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43531\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43531\" aria-controls=\"collapse43531\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> When and where did the Bhakti Movement originate? <\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43531\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4353\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43531\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The movement originated in South India during the 7th\u20138th centuries CE with the Tamil <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alvars<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Vaishnava saints) and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nayanars<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Shaiva saints). It later spread to North, East, and West India between the 12th and 18th centuries, gaining widespread popularity.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43532\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43532\" aria-controls=\"collapse43532\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Who were the prominent saints of the Bhakti Movement?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43532\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4353\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43532\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Key figures included Ramanuja, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas, Meerabai, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravidas, Surdas, and Andal. These saints spread devotional teachings across India through poetry, songs, and spiritual discourses.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43533\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43533\" aria-controls=\"collapse43533\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What was the impact of the Bhakti Movement on women?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43533\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4353\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43533\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The movement empowered women by allowing them to engage in spiritual practices. Female saints like Meerabai and Andal became symbols of devotion, inspiring women to express their spirituality and challenge patriarchal norms.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43534\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43534\" aria-controls=\"collapse43534\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the lasting legacy of the Bhakti Movement?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43534\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4353\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43534\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Bhakti Movement\u2019s teachings on equality, devotion, and universal love laid the foundation for later social and religious reforms. Its cultural and spiritual contributions continue to influence modern India, shaping its values and identity.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bhakti Movement in India, from its South Indian roots with Alvars and Nayanars to its spread across Maharashtra and North India through saints like Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas. Know about the types of Bhakti Movement and how this powerful devotional movement championed personal faith, social equality, and regional poetry, transforming India\u2019s spiritual and cultural landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[677,678],"class_list":["post-4352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-bhakti-movement","tag-bhakti-movement-upsc"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4352"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5952,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4352\/revisions\/5952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}