A) Bhakti movement

Origin and background

• Originates in Bhagavad Gita (before 2nd century CE)
• Real development of Bhakti took place in South India through the teachings of poet saints Alvars and Nayanas
• Gained momentum during the 12th century
• The Bhakti movement brought Hindus hope, support and inner strength to save themselves after suffering under Muslim rule
• Most Bhakti movement promoters were social reformers and attempted to reconcile the differences between Hindus and Muslims
• Most characteristic feature of Bhakti movement is the emphasis on single-minded intense devotion to God; complete surrender of oneself to God

Different types of bhakti

Bhakti marga- the way of loving devotion

• Love is central
• The deity loves the devotee, so the devotee should try to love the deity and in return they may remove karma and grant moksha
• Bhagavan is Brahman saguna (with qualities)
• "Leave all things behind and come to me for salvation"- Krishna
• Main features include unity of God, self-surrender, rejection of idol worship, no caste distinction and need of a guru

Vaishnava bhakti- loving devotion to Vishnu

• Worship Vishnu (or one of his avatars) as supreme God
• Principally monotheistic and dates back to vedic…