Poems of Prayer Early Traditions of Bhakti

Various Religious Beliefs and Practices

There were many different Gods and Goddesses in literature and sculptures. The Puranic literature was written in a straightforward Sanskrit language that was understandable to women and Shudras, who were typically excluded from Vedic education. The constant blending of local and Puranic traditions created a great deal of beliefs and customs. The Odisha Jagannatha cult worshipped a wood-eyed god considered to be a variant of Vishnu by the tribal experts in the area. By giving them a role as the chief deity’s wife, the local deities were frequently integrated into the Puranic framework. For example, they were compared to Parvati, the wife of Shiva, or Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. Tantric customs were common throughout the subcontinent. It affected Buddhism as well as Shaivism. By giving them a role as the chief deity’s wife, the local deities were frequently integrated into the Puranic framework. For example, they were compared to Parvati, the wife of Shiva, or Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. Tantric customs were common throughout the subcontinent. It affected Buddhism as well as Shaivism....

Poems of Prayer Early Traditions of Bhakti

Bhakti traditions were divided into two main types by historians: Nirguna (without attributes) and Saguna (with attributes). Bhakti movements were spearheaded in the sixth century by Alvars, who were followers of Vishnu, and Nayanars, who were followers of Shiva. They sang Tamil religious songs as they went from place to place. Large temples were eventually erected in the locations where the Alvars and Nayanars had discovered particular shrines on their travels. Historians have proposed that a protest movement against the caste system was started by the Alvars and Nayanars. The Alvars’ Nalayira Divyaprabandham was referred to as the Tamil Veda. Women devotees who challenged patriarchal conventions through their devotional music compositions included Andal and Karaikkal Ammariyar. Huge and majestic temples were built in Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Gangai Kondacholapuram under the patronage of the Chola monarchs. Under royal sponsorship, Tamil Shaiva songs were sung in the temples....

The Virashaiva Tradition in Karnataka

In the twelfth century, a new movement led by a Brahmana named Basavanna arose in Karnataka. His adherents were referred to as Lingayats (Wearers of Lingas) or Virashaivas (heroes of Shiva). The Lingayat community is still significant in the area today. The Lingayats promoted post-puberty marriage and widows’ remarriage while opposing concepts such as caste, pollution, and the doctrine of rebirth. The knowledge of the Virashaiva tradition comes from the Kannada-language Vachanas, or, sayings, that both men and women who joined the movement wrote....

Emergence of Islamic Traditions

Faith of Rulers and Subjects...

The Growth of Sufism

Sufis, a group of religious adherents, turned to mysticism and austerity as a form of protest against the Caliphate’s increasing materialism. They demonstrated their ardent love and devotion to God by carrying out His will....

The Chistis in the Subcontinent

The Chistis, who came to India in the twelfth century, were the most significant group because they adapted to the local customs and surroundings....

New Devotional Paths in Northern India

Kabir was a poet-saint of the 14th-15th centuries. Kabir’s verses were compiled in three distinct traditions The Kabir Bijak is preserved by the Kabirpanth in Uttar Pradesh. The Kabir Granthavali is associated with the Dadupanth in Rajasthan. Many of his verses were included in the Adi Granth Sahib. Kabir described the ultimate reality as Allah, Khuda, Hazarat and Pir. He also used terms from Vedantic traditions, like alakh, nirakar, brahmin, atman, etc. Kabir accepted all types of philosophy i.e. Vedantic traditions, Yogic traditions and Islamic ideas. Kabir’s ideas probably crystallised through dialogue and debate. The message of Guru Nanak is spelt out in his hymns and teachings, where he advocated a form of Nirguna bhakti. Guru Nanak taught that the ultimate, or “rab,” was formless and genderless. His beliefs were conveyed via Punjabi hymns known as “Shabad.” The Adi Granth Sahib contains the hymns of Baba Farid, Ravidas, and Kabir in addition to those composed by Guru Arjan. The works of Guru Tegh Bahadur were later added by Guru Gobind Singh, and this text became known as the “Guru Granth Sahib.” Mirabai was a well-known Bhakti poet who was a woman. She wrote several songs that were notable for their powerful emotional expressiveness. Gujarati and Rajasthani low-caste people were influenced by Mirabai’s song. In Assam, Shankaradeva was a prominent Vaishnavite leader in the latter half of the fifteenth century. He highlighted the importance of “Naam Kirtan” and promoted the construction of “naam ghar,” or prayer halls, and “satra,” or monasteries. Among his most important works is “Kirtana-ghosha.”...

Chapter 6 Poems of Prayer Early Traditions of Bhakti- FAQs

What was the early tradition of Bhakti Class 12?...