Bhakti Movement - Devotional Traditions and Social Reform

# The Bhakti Movement: A Revolution of Devotion and Love

The Bhakti Movement swept across India from the 6th century onwards, emphasizing fervent personal devotion (bhakti) to a chosen deity as the primary path to salvation, overriding ritualism and caste distinctions.

## Origins: Tamil Alvars and Nayanars (6th-9th Century)

The twelve Alvars (Vishnu devotees) composed the Divya Prabandham. Key figures: Nammalvar, Andal (only female Alvar). The 63 Nayanars (Shiva devotees) expressed intense love for Shiva. Both groups composed ecstatic hymns in vernacular Tamil, making spirituality accessible.