Evaluate the contributions of Kabir, Guru Nanak to the growth of Bhakti movement in
south India?
Answers
Answer:
The Bhakti movement refers to the theistic devotional trend that emerged in medieval Hinduism[1] and later acted as the de facto catalyst to the formation of Sikhism.[2] It originated in eighth-century south India (now Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and spread northwards.[1] It swept over east and north India from the 15th century onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th century CE.[3]
The Child Saint Sambandar, Chola dynasty, Tamil Nadu. From Freer Gallery of Art, Washington DC. He is one of the most prominent of the sixty-three Nayanars of the Saiva bhakti movement.
The Bhakti movement regionally developed around different gods and goddesses, and some sub-sects were Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti goddesses), and Smartism.[4][5][6][7] Bhakti movement preached using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism of Dvaita to absolute monism of Advaita Vedanta.[8][9]
The movement has traditionally been considered as an influential social reformation in Hinduism, and provided an individual-focused alternative path to spirituality regardless of one's birth or gender.[3] The Bhakti movement began with the aim of reforming Hinduism. Contemporary scholars question this traditional view and whether the Bhakti movement ever was a reform or rebellion of any kind.[10] They suggest Bhakti movement was a revival, reworking and recontextualisation of ancient Vedic traditions.[11] Bhakti refers to passionate devotion (to a deity).