Question

What were the main features of the Bhakti Movement?

Answer 1

Hint: This movement originated in the South and moved Northwards and is also known to be the de facto catalyst to the formation of Sikhism.

Complete step by step solution: The Bhakti movement or the Hindu revivalist movement is a medieval india movement started by Shankaracharya.
The real development happened in South India between 7-12 A.D. through the teachings of saints mentioned as Alvars and Nayanar. And as we are aware, Sufi saints of the Muslims also emphasized devotion to Allah.
Now, let us proceed to recall the ten main features of the Bhakti Movement.
1. That God is one single entity, with different names.
2. Bhakti, intense love and devotion, the sole thanks to salvation.
3. Repetition of the True Name.
4. Self-Surrender.
5. Condemnation of rituals, ceremonies and blind faith.
6. Rejection of idol worship by many saints
7. Open- mindedness about deciding religious matters.
8.No distinction of different castes, higher or low
9. Advocation of a Guru for guidance was done by some people.
10. Preaching through local or regional languages and travelling from place to place for spreading the religious message.
Hence, these are the main and defining features of the Bhakti Movement.

Note: We already know that the spiritual yearning made Kabir, Nanak , Mirabai, Surdas, Tulsidas, Chaitanya et al. , the good exponents of Bhakti movement. Remember that there is no particular order for you to learn these features, but none should be skipped, as all are equally important. Moreover, the Bhakti movement continues to have its presence even in the contemporary world, which makes it an interesting area and subject of study.