Hello mates....
What is the importance of Bhakti movement during the Delhi Sultanate period ?
Answers
The worship of Lord Vishnu was much popularized in the form Rama and Krishna, his incarnations, in the later phase of Bhakti Movement. It became a sectarian movement and the champion of this movement was Sri Chaitanya. But the Bhakti movement led by Kabir and Nanak were non- sectarian.
I hope it helps you
1. Bhakti movement centred round monotheism or the worship of one God. To them Ram and Rahim, Ishwar and Allah were but different names of one God that is the Supreme Being. In other words, they emphasized upon the unity of Godhead.
2. The other prominent feature of Bhakti movement was its emphasis on Bhakti or devotion to God as the only means to achieve salvation. With supreme devotion to the Almighty one could realize Him. Thus Bhakti was superior to Gnana or knowledge and Karma, or Action. No other formalities like ceremonies or rituals were required to worship God.
3. Bhakti movement advocated the need of a preceptor or guru who would guide the devotee to this ultimate goal. A true guru was the main source to attain God. He alone could show the path of light to reach the proper destination. A guru could lead the devotee from the material world to the spiritual world.
4. Equality of men or universal brotherhood was another cardinal philosophy of the Bhakti cult. As a matter of fact Bhakti movement had raised its voice against racial discrimination, caste hierarchy and such social differentiations. It was believed that all creations of God were equal and hence, all men should be treated equally.
5. The Bhakti saints strongly denounce image-worship of the Hindus. They condemned ritualism, false practices, blind faiths and dogmas. To them, rituals and sacrifices were meaningless. They believed in a formless and shapeless God which was the Supreme power. Anybody, irrespective of caste, colour and creed, could reach Him and realize Him through the simple method of selfless devotion.
Impact :
1. The Bhakti exponents raised their powerful voice against different types of immoral acts like infanticide and sati and encouraged prohibition of wine, tobacco and toddy. Adultery and sodomy were also discouraged. They aimed to set up a good social order upholding high moral values.
2. Another remarkable impact was bringing about a unity among the Hindu and Muslim communities. The movement tried to reduce the growing bitterness between the two and bridge the gap. The saints of Bhakti movement and the Sufi saints spread message of friendship, amity, tolerance, peace and equality among all.
L