DEVOTIONAL PATHS TO THE
DIVINE
Different groups of people worshipped
their own gods and goddesses.
Growth of towns, trade and empires
New ideas began to develop
The idea that all human beings are not
equal even at birth
TO END INEQUALITY -:
1. Many people turned to the teachings of the Buddha or the Jainas
According to which it was possible to overcome social
differences and break the cycle of rebirth through personal
effort.
2. Some took the path of BHAKTI
Approaching the supreme god with Devotion by which humans
can become free from slavery(bondage)
This is the idea written in BHAGVADGITA
Shiva, Vishnu and Durga came to be known as supreme gods which were
worshipped by elaborated rituals
There were types (avatar) developed of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga
Local myths and legends became a part of the Puranic stories
, Eventually the Puranas also laid down that it was possible for devotees
to receive the grace of God regardless of their caste status
Buddhists and Jainas also adopted these beliefs eventually
Bhakti in South India
Nayanar Alvars
s
Saints devoted to SHIVA Saints devoted to VISHNU
All castes including those considered “untouchable” like the Pulaiyar and
the Panars.
They critizised buddhists and jainas bec. buddhists and jainas thought
that for salvation we need to leave everything like family, property but
Nayanars and Alvars thought that we can easily get salvation if we just
think of god.
They loved the ideals of love and heroism in lord and vishnu as found in
the Sangam literature.
They went from place to place praising about Shiva and Vishnu in form of
poems or music.
Temples were built by Chola and Pandya (btw 10 & 12th century)
Visited by the saint-poets, strengthening the links
between the bhakti tradition and temple worship.
DIVINE
Different groups of people worshipped
their own gods and goddesses.
Growth of towns, trade and empires
New ideas began to develop
The idea that all human beings are not
equal even at birth
TO END INEQUALITY -:
1. Many people turned to the teachings of the Buddha or the Jainas
According to which it was possible to overcome social
differences and break the cycle of rebirth through personal
effort.
2. Some took the path of BHAKTI
Approaching the supreme god with Devotion by which humans
can become free from slavery(bondage)
This is the idea written in BHAGVADGITA
Shiva, Vishnu and Durga came to be known as supreme gods which were
worshipped by elaborated rituals
There were types (avatar) developed of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga
Local myths and legends became a part of the Puranic stories
, Eventually the Puranas also laid down that it was possible for devotees
to receive the grace of God regardless of their caste status
Buddhists and Jainas also adopted these beliefs eventually
Bhakti in South India
Nayanar Alvars
s
Saints devoted to SHIVA Saints devoted to VISHNU
All castes including those considered “untouchable” like the Pulaiyar and
the Panars.
They critizised buddhists and jainas bec. buddhists and jainas thought
that for salvation we need to leave everything like family, property but
Nayanars and Alvars thought that we can easily get salvation if we just
think of god.
They loved the ideals of love and heroism in lord and vishnu as found in
the Sangam literature.
They went from place to place praising about Shiva and Vishnu in form of
poems or music.
Temples were built by Chola and Pandya (btw 10 & 12th century)
Visited by the saint-poets, strengthening the links
between the bhakti tradition and temple worship.
