Indian Bhakti Saints: Guru Nanak to Guru Ramdas, Spiritual Icons

Introduction

In the landscape of Indian spirituality, luminaries like Guru Nanak, Vallabhacharya, Chaitanya, Shankaradeva, Tulsi Das, Tukaram, and Guru Ramdas shine as beacons of devotion and wisdom. Their teachings spanned centuries, fostering paths to divine connection and social harmony, influencing millions with their profound insights and spiritual practices.

Bhakti Saints Shaping India’s Cultural Landscape

Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1538 AD)

• Birthplace: Born in 1469, Nankana Sahib (near the Ravi river).
• Advocated Nirguna Bhakti: believing in a formless, genderless Absolute called “rab.”
• Emphasis on Divine Connection: He dismissed rituals, sacrifices, and the scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims and emphasised connecting to the Divine by repeating the Divine Name through “shabad” hymns.
• Community Formation: He established a community of followers and set guidelines for collective worship, or “sangat,” centred on collective recitation. 
• Founding of Sikhism: He founded the Sikh religion during the period of Sikander Lodi (1489-1517) and when Babur was strengthening the Mughal dynasty. [UPSC 2013]
• Adi Granth: The teachings of Guru Nanak is the Adi Granth.

Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 AD)

• Founder of Pushtimarg: Vallabhacharya, the founder of Pushtimarg (the path of grace), emphasised devotion to the child Krishna through Vatsalya Bhakti.
• Pilgrimage and Establishment: He travelled across India, establishing eighty-four Pushtimarg seats during his pilgrimages.
• Shuddadvaita Philosophy: He propounded the theory of Shuddadvaita (pure non-dualism).
• Householdership in Devotion: Advocated  householdership for Vaishnava devotees.

Chaitanya (1485-1533 AD)

• Mahaprabhu of Bengal: Fondly called ‘Mahaprabhu,’ his songs remain popular in Bengal. 
  • A Bengali saint devoted to Krishna.
• Revivalist Movement: He started a revivalist movement as he wanted to exalt the superiority of Krishna over all other deities. 
• Popularity in Bengal and Orissa: His movement became popular in Bengal and Orissa.
• Incarnation of Vishnu: Considered an incarnation of Vishnu by his followers. He championed love and tolerance and opposed caste inequalities. 
• Popularizing Sankirtan: He popularised ‘Sankirtan’ (public God-praising songs) in Bengal.

Sankaradeva (1499-1569 AD)

• Vaishnavism in Assam: He championed Vaishnavism in Assam (Especially in the Kamarupa region) through his Bhagavati dharma teachings, drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana.
• Emphasis on Surrender: He emphasised surrendering to Vishnu and endorsed ‘naam kirtan’ – reciting the lord’s names in devout congregations (sat sanga). 
• Monastic and Devotional Infrastructure: He advocated for ‘satra’ (monasteries) and ‘naam ghar’ (prayer halls) for spiritual growth.
• Literary Contribution: “Kirtana-ghosha”(written in Brajavali language) is a notable poetical composition of Shankardeva.
• Cultural Innovations: He is credited for devising new forms of music i.e, Borgeet, theatrical performances like Ankia Naat and Bhaona and Sattriya dance.

Tulsi Das (1532-1623 AD)

• Popularizing the Rama Cult: He popularised the Rama cult through his Hindi rendition of Rama’s story. 
• Notable Works: His notable works include Janaki Mangal, Parvathi Mangal, Ramcharitmanas,  Vinay Patrika, Dohavali, Gitavali, etc.
• He was a contemporary of Akbar and Jahangir.

Tukaram (1608-1649 AD)

• Devotional Songs for Vithoba: He penned Abhangas in Marathi, devotional songs praising Lord Vithoba of Pandarpur.
• Historical Context: He was a contemporary of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Jahangir, Shahjahan and saints like Eknatha and Ramdas.
• Belief in Formless God: Believed in a formless god and rejected Vedic sacrifices, pilgrimages, and idol worship.
• Promotion of Equality and Unity: He promoted equality and brotherhood and tried to foster Hindu-Muslim Unity.  
  • This theme is covered in a few of his verses.

Guru Ramdas (1608-1681 AD)

• Renowned Teacher of Kings: He was a renowned teacher and spiritual guide to Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• Equality Before God: He stressed the equality of all men before God.
• Visionary Nation-Builder:  Not just a religious preacher but also a visionary nation-builder.

Conclusion

These spiritual leaders, through their diverse teachings and practices, illuminated the paths of devotion, equality, and unity. Their legacies continue to inspire generations, fostering a tapestry of spiritual understanding and cultural richness in the fabric of India’s heritage.

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