The Bhakti Movement was a theistic trend that emerged in medieval Hinduism and later revolutionized society by preaching devotion (Bhakti) to a personal god, disregarding caste and ritualism.

Origins (South India)

Started in Tamil Nadu (6th-9th century) by Alvars (Vaishnavites) and Nayanars (Shaivites).

Spread to North India

From the 13th to 17th centuries, saints like Ramananda, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Tulsidas, and Mirabai spread the message in vernacular languages.

Timeline

• c. 600-900 CE: Alvars and Nayanars in South India.
• c. 1100 CE: Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita).
• c. 1238-1325: Nizamuddin Auliya (Sufi Chishti Order).
• 1440-1518: Kabir Das.
• 1469-1539: Guru Nanak Dev (Sikhism).
• 1498-1547: Mirabai.