Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya and Bhakthi Movement:

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. SriVaishnavism 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 saints 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 ofGod”.

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 also a social movement.

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 theprinciple 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 evachaNirimamo 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 results 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.

-Extract from the book –THE PATH OF RAMANUJA – By Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran