The Vaishnavite Movement was a significant Bhakti movement in India, centered around devotion to Rama and Krishna. Emerging during the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, it emphasized love, devotion, and spiritual unity, making it highly relevant for students studying medieval Indian history and Bhakti traditions.
Vaishnavite Movement: Bhakti Tradition in India (15th–16th Century)
-
The Bhakti movement focused on devotion to Rama and Krishna as incarnations of Vishnu.
It highlighted the allegorical love between Radha and Krishna, representing the bond between the individual soul and the supreme soul.
- (i) The movement in north India developed around the worship of Rama and Krishna, incarnations of Vishnu.
- (ii) Childhood stories of Krishna and his interactions with milk-maids of Gokul, especially Radha, inspired saint-poets.
- (iii) These allegories depicted spiritual love and divine devotion for the individual soul’s union with God.
-
Saint-Poets and Their Contribution
The saint-poets popularized devotion through music, poetry, and inclusive teachings transcending caste and creed.
-
Prominent Saint-Poets
- (i) Narsinha Mehta in Gujarat, Meera in Rajasthan, Surdas in western Uttar Pradesh, and Chaitanya in Bengal and Orissa spread Krishna devotion.
- (ii) Chaitanya promoted kirtans—musical gatherings fostering spiritual ecstasy and mystical experiences.
- (iii) Worship through love, devotion, song, and dance helped realize God’s presence.
- (iv) Writings of saint-poets welcomed all social groups, cutting across caste and creed.
- (v) Chaitanya’s influence was profound, especially in eastern India, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds including Muslims and lower castes.
-
Inclusiveness and Philosophical Beliefs
- (a) Chaitanya did not reject scriptures or idol-worship, though he was not a strict traditionalist.
- (b) Philosophical ideas were influenced by Vedantic monism, emphasizing unity of God and the world, inspired by Vallabha, a Tailang Brahman.
- (c) The approach was broadly humanistic, emphasizing love and beauty in life.
- (d) Though caste system rigidity remained, the movement softened social barriers and promoted broader unity.
-
Humanistic Approach
- (i) Focused on sentiments of love, devotion, and spiritual beauty.
- (ii) Did not fully dismantle caste divisions, but encouraged inclusivity and broader social unity.
-
Influence of Sufi Mysticism
- (i) The Bhakti movement resonated with Sufi mysticism, particularly the monistic ideas of Ibn-i-Arabi and his Unity of Being (Tauhid-i-Wajud).
- (ii) Sufi poets and saints were influenced by Bhakti songs, fostering inter-religious understanding in India.
- (iii) During the fifteenth century, Ibn-i-Arabi’s monistic ideas gained popularity across India.
- (iv) Tauhid-i-Wajud taught that all beings are one, everything is divine manifestation.
- (v) Indian Sufis began engaging with Sanskrit and Hindi, composing works including in Hindi (e.g., Malik Muhammad Jaisi).
- (vi) Bhakti songs in Hindi and regional languages touched Sufi hearts more than Persian poetry.
- (vii) Abdul Wahid Bilgrami’s Haqaiq-i-Hindi explained Sufi mystic terms using Hindi words like Krishna, Murli, Gopis, Radha, Yamuna.
-
Summary of Vaishnavite Movement and Bhakti Tradition
The Vaishnavite Movement played a pivotal role in promoting devotion to Rama and Krishna through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Its inclusive philosophy, engagement with Sufi mysticism, and focus on love and humanistic values made it influential in Indian society. This movement remains crucial for students and researchers studying medieval Indian Bhakti traditions, saint-poets, and inter-religious interactions.
