BHAKTI MOVEMENT

SAGUNA AND NIRGUNA

BHAKTI
N A M E - S U J A S B E H L

R O L L N O - 1 1 1 0 8

C O U R S E - B A ( H ) E N G L I S H

4/21/2025 1
 INTRODUCT ION
The term "Bhakti" finds its roots in the Sanskrit root "Bhaj," signifying service, while "Dharma" refers to the inherent
characteristics of a thing. It is characterized as a profound devotion or ardent love for the Divine. The term
"movement" denotes a practice that influences a substantial segment of society. This movement emphasized
fostering a mystical connection between humanity and the divine.

While some historians trace the roots of the Bhakti Movement back to the Aryan Vedas, it gained momentum from the
seventh century A.D. The Nayanar Shaiva Saints and the Alvar Vaishnav Saints diverged from Buddhist and Jain
ideologies such as 'Aparigraha", advocating instead for individual devotion to God as the sole path to 'Moksha" or
spiritual liberation. They denounced the distinctions of Varna and Jati, promoting a message of love and personal
devotion to the divine.

In the sixth century A.D., the Bhagavata Purana elevated the concept of bhakti to a paramount position.
Subsequently, passionate devotion to a personal deity became a defining feature of Indian religious thought during
the post-Bhagavata period. The stronghold of the bhakti concept was further fortified in South India when
Shankaracharya revitalized the philosophy of Advaita or Vedanta.
The stronghold of the bhakti concept was further fortified in South India when Shankaracharya revitalized the philosophy of
Advaita or Vedanta. Following Shankara, the twelve Tamil Vaishnava saints, collectively known as alvars, played a pivotal role in
popularizing the concept of bhakti. They were succeeded by Vaishnava acharyas who provided a metaphysical underpinning to
the Bhakti movement. According to this
perspective, the 'Supreme Being' is not 'attributeless' but Saguna, possessing infinite qualities of goodness and beauty.

The early champions of the Bhakti movement were primarily from India, with figures like Ramaraja among the earliest proponents.
His disciple Ramananda carried the torch of the Bhakti movement to North India, serving as a bridge between the Bhakti traditions
of South and North India.

The Bhakti movement played a transformative role in Indian history, challenging established hierarchies and introducing the
concept of redemption through devotion. It brought profound philosophical ideas to the masses, especially those in lower
classes communicated in vernacular languages. Women poets also found a voice in this spiritual discourse.

The movement's poetic tradition is marked by an inclination towards introspection, with the Nirguna school, led by saints like Kabir,
emphasizing introspective reflection for self-realization and God-realization. The Bhakti movement, originating in Tamil Nadu in
the 6th-7th century CE and spreading across India until the 16th century, played a crucial role in revitalizing Hindu faith.

It bifurcated into two branches: Nirguna and Saguna. Nirguna poets sought spiritual union with God through practices like
asceticism, meditation, introspection, and universal love. Seer Saints like Kabir, Raidas, Nanak, Dadu Dayal, Maluk Das,
and Sundar Das constitute the Nirguna group.
Saguna bhakti poetry is dedicated to the worship of God in the form of an incamation or a 'personal God,' representing a more
tangible aspect. Saints like Mirabai, Goswami Tulsi Das, and Surdas are prominent figures in the Saguna group.

The movement, especially in its Sufi poetry sub-category, exemplifies a harmonious spirit blending Hindu and Muslim faiths. In
summary, the Bhakti movement remains a formidable force in Indian history, with its introspective orientation challenging
established norms and contributing significantly to social and religious transformation.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE BHAKTI
MOVEMENT
THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT INCLUDE:

• Belief in oneness of god

• Advocacy for serving humanity as a means to worship God,

• Assertion of the equality of all individuals,

• Emphasis on heartfelt devotion to God over ritualistic ceremonies and pilgrimages,

• Advocacy for abandoning caste distinction and superstitious practices. Saints of the
Bhakti Movement in Hinduism and the Sufi movement is Islam exhibited a more
open minded perspective, aiming to eliminate the vices that had infiltrated their
respective religions.
 SAGUNA AND NIRGUNA BHAKTI

SAGUNA BH AKTI NIRGUNA BH AKTI

• Poet saints extol a god with attributes or form. • Poet saints extol god without and beyond all attributes
or form. Also known as Monotheistic Bhakti Saints.
• Main proponents: Tulsidas, Chaitanya, Surdas and
Meera • Main proponents: Nanak and Kabir

• In favor of the dominance of brahmins, supporting the • They rejected the supremacy of Brahmins and all caste
caste system based conventions.

• They preached surrender and simple faith in a • Emphasized personal experience with God, rejected
personal god, supporting idol worship. idolatry, and challenged caste distinctions.

• God is portrayed with attributes and form. • God is formless, eternal, non-incarnate and ineffable.
Synthesis of Vaishnavism, Nampanthi movement and
Sufism.
 KEY CHARACTERITICS OF THE BHAKTI
MOVEMENT
• Monotheism and Critique of Idol Worship: The Bhakti Movement was rooted in monotheism, and its followers
commonly criticized the practice of idol worship, emphasizing a direct connection with the divine.

• • Belief in Liberation and Salvation: Bhakti reformers believed in liberation from the cycle of life and death.
They asserted that salvation could be achieved through unwavering devotion and faith in God.

• • Significance of Self-Surrender and Gurus: The movement highlighted the importance of self-surrender as a
means to attain divine bliss. Gurus were considered crucial guides and mentors in this spiritual journey.

• • Advocacy for Universal Brotherhood: Bhakti teachings emphasized the principle ofuniversal brotherhood,
promoting inclusivity and equality among followers, regardless of social or caste distinctions.

• • Opposition to Rituals and Caste System: Bhakti reformers opposed traditional rituals, pilgrimages, and fasts.
They vehemently rejected the caste system, advocating for a more egalitarian society.

• • Emphasis on Devotional Singing and Vernacular Poetry: The Bhakti Movement encouraged the singing of
hymns with profound devotion. Bhakti poets composed poems in the vernacular languages of the common
people, making spiritual teachings accessible to a broader audience.
CAUSES OF THE RISE AND SPREAD OF
BHAKT I MOVEMENT
1. Reforming Hinduism

2. Hindu-Muslim Harmony

3. Muslim rule

4. Simplifications of Spiritual practices

5. Influence of Sufi Saints

6. Emergence of Devotional Saints

PIONEERS OF THE BHAKT I MOVEMENT
• KABIR (C.1440-1510 CE): Kabir, the most radical follower of Ramananda, skillfully
shaped the social philosophy of his esteemed mentor. Kabir Das coordinate the
religions by giving a universal path which could be followed by all human beings.
He also talked about the hypocrisy in both Hinduism and Islam.

• GURU NANAK (C.1469-1538CE): Guru Nanak laid the foundation of a new religion
that endured a lasting influence in Indian society. Guru Nanak asserted, "god knows
man's virtues and inquires not his caste; in the next world, there is no caste."

• CHAITANYA(C.1486-1533CE): He is the founder of modern Vaishnavism in the

region, significantly elevated its prominence and popularity throughout Bengal and
Orissa.
WOMEN IN THE BHAKTI MOVEMENT
• MIRABAI: She was one of the greatest saints of the sixteenth century in India. She
was the only child of Ratna Singh of kingdom Merta. She belonged to a high-class
ruling Rajput family. She was married to the son of the king of Mewar in 1516 but
she choose to leave her husband and family . She was in complete devotion to Lord
Krishna and wrote poems in the praise for her love towards Krishna.

• ANDAL: The sole female Alwar, a devotee-saint. She is considered herself as the
beloved of Vishnu, therefore expressing her deep devotional love for the deity.

• KARAIKKAL AMMAIYAR: one of the three women Nayanars among the 63 Nayanars.
She adopted the path of Ascethic lifestyle to attain her goal, devoted to Shiva
CONCLUSION
• The bhakti movement carried substantial social implications, particularly in its
efforts to transcend caste and creed distinctions. The outcome of bhakti
movement was its role in initiating a form of "reformation" in india. The
movement cultivated a spirit of respect towards other religions, fostering a
more inclusive and tolerant society. It also streamlined the path of following a
religion and attaining salvation, making it more accessible for marginalized
communities.