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Bhakthi Movement and Sri Ramanuja

From the Bhakti List Archives

T. Sampath Kumaran • April 20, 2003 


Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya and Bhakthi Movement:
-extract from the book –THE PATH OF RAMANUJA –
by Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran

Religion in India is more a direct experience than a
code of conduct and from an early age different
systems of margas (paths) have been prescribed for
attaining the goal, variously called liberation, bliss
and heaven. However the different margas are not
contradictory and in some respects they supplemented
each other; for example proficiency in Gnana-yoga,
Raja-yoga and Bhakthi-yoga are demanded from the
highest Sadhakas (devotees).

The word Bhakthi derived from the root bhaj by the
application of the ktin suffix, which expresses an
action, and means among other things service,
devotion, attachment, loyalty and homage.

The Bhakthi movement of the Alwars derived an impetus
and momentum in the hands of Sri Ramanuja. Sri
Vaishnavism is one of the pre-eminent traditions of
Hinduism. An unbroken lineage of teachers (the
Acharyas) and a wealth of literature in Tamil and
Sanskrit and the Vishistadvaitha philosophy form the
backbone of the Sri Vaishnava sect of Hindu religion.
Twelve Alwars lived their lives dedicated to
expressing their devotion to Maha Vishnu – considered
to be the supreme manifestation of Divinity in the
Vaishnava system of beliefs. These sains composed
verses in chaste Tamil, and revitalized the spirit of
the region, sparkling a renewal of devotional worship
in what is generally referred as Bhakthi Movement.

Sri Ramanuja was essentially a propagator of
Bhakthimarga –quoting him,  “love and total surrender
alone would be the only way to receive the grace of
God”. 

Vaishnavism as a school of thought and religion is
ancient. The original bhakthi movement spread with
vigour after the 10th century. It took religion to the
common man, to the lowest strata of society, those
classes to whom the highly formalized and Vedic
religion was beyond reach. Hence Bhakthi movement was
a social movement also.

Bhakthi according to the Alwars is not confined to the
worship of the image in the temple or singing
(devotional songs) but practicing in daily life the
principle of LOVE ALL and SERVE ALL. They practiced to
the letter the message as in Bhagavad Gita in the XII
Chapter:
“Adveshta Sarva bhoothaanam Maithram Karuna evacha
Nirimamo nirahamkaarah Sama dukka Sukha Kshami

(it means) One who does not hate any species of
creation, One who is kind and compassionate, One who
is humble, and treats joy and sorrow alike – he alone
is my dear devotee says Lord Krishna.

Basically Yakshagana – the folk drama of Karnataka –
is the product of Vaishnavite Bhakthimovement, and its
origin is connected with a wider historical situation.
In order to propagate and spread the message of
devotion it adopted the existing folk as well
classical literary forms and performances. It created
its own form. Most of the traditional theatre forms
are the result of this phenomenon. Hence there are
clear resemblances among the members of the
“Traditional Theatre Family” like Ankhia Nata (Assam),
Jathra (Bengal), Chau (Bihar, Bengal ), Prahlada Nata
(Orissa), Veedhi Natakam and Chindu (Andhra),
Terukoothu and Bhagavata Mela (Tamilnadu), Kathakali
(Kerala). Harinama Sankeerthanam (Chanting of the name
of God) also form part of the Bhakthi Movement.  
-----------
Om Namo Narayanaya


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