Bhakti Movement, Its Saints and their Philosophy

Bhakti Movement

Bhakti Movement started in 6th Century. It started from Tamil Nadu and mainly spread in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Its main base was relationship between God and Human beings through Love and Worship without practicing any rituals or ceremonies.

Some Important Saint of Bhakti Movements

Ramanuja (12th Century):

• He was a Vaishnava Saint.
• He was from South India.
• He followed Lord Ram.
• He gave the knowledge of Vishistadvaita.

Ramananda (15th Century):

• He was the first Bhakti Saint from North India.
• He was also a follower of Lord Ram.
• Ravidas, Kabir, Dhanna, Sena were his followers.

Kabir (1440-1510)

• Kabir was an important saint of Bhakti Movement.
• He was not only concerned about the religious reforms but also aimed for a changed society. He mainly wished the unity of God.
• He did not believe in caste system, image worship, unnecessary rituals and the religious difference between Hindus and Muslims.
• He expressed his ideas in Dohas.

Guru Nanak

• He was born in Talbandi in 1496AD.
• He was also an Important Saint of Bhakti Movement.
• He was the Nirguna Bhakti Saint.
• Social reform was one of his prime goals.
• He was inspired by the Sufi Saint Baba Farid.
• He is the founder of ‘Sikh’ religion.

Chaitanya (1486-1533)

• He was a follower of Lord Krishna.
• He spread the Bhakti Movement in Bengal.
• He was the founder of Gaudiya and Bengal Vaishnavism.
• He introduced Keertan as the means for developing love and devotion.

Meerabai (1498-1546)

• She was the Princess of Merata and the daughter-in-law of Rana Sanga of Mewar.
• She was a follower of Lord Krishna and believed in Vaishnavism.

Vallabhacharya (1479-1531)

• He was also a follower of Lord Krishna and believed in Vaishnavism.
• He gave the knowledge of Pushti Marg ("the Path of Grace").

Tulsi Das (1532-1623)

• He was a follower of Lord Ram and believed in Vaishnavism.
• He wrote ‘Ramcharitamanas’.

Dadu Dayal (1544-1603)

• He was a Nirguna Bhakti Saint.
• He was born in Gujarat but spent his whole life in Rajasthan.
• He founded Dadu Panth.

Some Bhakti Saint and their Philosophy

Plan	Philosophy
Ramanuj Acharya	Vishistadvaita
Nimbark Acharya	Dvaitadvaita/Bhedabheda
Madhava Acharya	Dvait
Vishnu Swami	Shuddhadvaita