An Introduction to Bhakti Hinduism
In this overview of Bhakti
Hinduism, we'll see that the element of devotion (bhakti) to
a personal god appeared early in Indian religious history. Any introduction
to Bhakti Hinduism must point to Brahman (the "creator"), Vishnu
(the "sustainer") and Shiva (the "destroyer") are
identified as the preeminent of the gods and goddesses (devis) worshipped
in early Bhakti Hinduism.
The Epics and Puranas are the foremost accounts of the great adventures
of divine beings. The Mahabharata epic, written sometime before A.D. 200,
reflects the popular Bhakti movement. One of the most influential works
of popular devotional Hinduism is a section of the Mahabharata known as
the Bhagavad Gita which, through the teachings of the Lord Krishna, explains
that devotion is the fulfillment of social duty, Upanishadic knowledge
and Vedic ritual obligations, and serves as the preferred means of salvation.
Bhakti Hinduism gained wide acceptance, for while not everyone can become
a priest (which was traditionally reserved for the Brahman caste) or a
learned seer, everyone can know the lord through devotion. Puja, the offering
of gifts and services to the deity, is a traditional means of introduction
to Bhakti Hinduism, along with pilgrimages to sacred places, fasting,
and the chanting of devotional songs.
Many of the various deities are regional, with many having changed names
and forms through history. Brahma is still considered the supreme god,
but is not a personal god, and is not often worshiped, as such, in Bhakti
Hinduism. Shiva, however, was the first of the Hindu deities with a clear
set of personal characteristics. The most prevalent images of Shiva are
the lingam (eternally erect phallus, symbolizing his generative potency
and his yogic powers of self-control), and as lord of cosmic dance (Nataraja).
Shiva goes by at least 1,008 names and is given many different attributes.
Generally, Shiva is worshiped as the destroyer of maya, the illusion of
the physical existence.
|
