Explain the role of Bhakti Movement in Highlighting the problem of inequality.
Answers
Bhakti movement constitutes a very important chapter in the socio-cultural history of India.
The movement started in the 9th century A.D. by Shankaracharya which continued up to 16th century A.D. by a number of Hindu devotees, preachers and religious reformers.
The word Bhakti is a very familiar word in the Hindu religious systemIt is derived from the Sanskrit root word Bhaja whose literal meaning is ‘to utter’. But the inner significance of the word Bhaja is ‘to adore’ or ‘to love with honour’. In the devotional literature the word is used to mean ‘unquestionable faith and utter devotion to God’. Thus in a general sense Bhakti means devotion to God.
The concept of Bhakti is an age-old one. Right from the time of the compilation of the Vedas, the word Bhakti has come into vogue. In Rig Veda Samhita, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chhandyoga Upanishad, Katha and Kausitaki Upanishad, the word Bhakti has been referred to several times. The Bhakti Yoga of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is more descriptive on this point. It prescribes Gnana (knowledge), Karma (action) and Bhakti (devotion) as the three essential features to shatter the bondage of material world and to serve the Almighty God. Thus Bhakti is one of the three recognized means of achieving salvation.
Causes for the Origin of Bhakti Movement:
The concept of Bhakti was not a new one in the Indian tradition. It is as old as Hinduism itself. But when we talk of Bhakti movement in the context of socio-religious background it has a different connotation. Bhakti movement deals with the Indian response to face a new challenge that appeared in the form of Islamic religion. As a matter of fact Bhakti movement was the direct outcome of the emergence of Islam in India. The reasons for the birth and growth of this movement are therefore not far to seek