They believed in freedom from the cycle of life and death. ...

They emphasized the self-surrender for obtaining the bliss and grace of God.

Gurus could act as guides and preceptors.

The Bhakti movement was a social and religious reform movement in medieval India that emphasized devotion and love towards a personal deity. It emerged around the 6th century CE and gained prominence during the medieval period. The movement aimed to break down religious and social barriers and promote unity and equality among people.

Main Features of the Bhakti Movement:

1. Devotion to a Personal Deity:
- The Bhakti movement focused on personal devotion and love towards a chosen deity, which could be any form of God like Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, or Devi.
- Followers believed that through intense devotion, they could attain salvation and unite with their chosen deity.

2. Equality and Universality:
- The movement emphasized the equality of all individuals, regardless of their caste, gender, or social status.
- Bhakti saints rejected the rigid caste system and preached that devotion to God was open to all, irrespective of their social background.

3. Vernacular Language:
- The Bhakti movement popularized the use of regional languages like Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Hindi, etc., instead of Sanskrit, which was the language of the elite.
- The saints and poets composed devotional songs, known as bhajans or kirtans, in the vernacular languages to make their teachings accessible to the masses.

4. Rejection of Rituals and Priestly Authority:
- Bhakti saints criticized the elaborate rituals performed by the Brahmins and questioned the authority of the priestly class.
- They advocated for a direct and personal connection with God, emphasizing that rituals and intermediaries were unnecessary for spiritual realization.

5. Emphasis on Love and Devotion:
- Love and devotion (bhakti) were considered the primary means to attain salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Bhakti saints encouraged intense emotional attachment and surrender to God as the path to spiritual liberation.

6. Social Reform:
- The Bhakti movement played a significant role in challenging social evils and promoting social reform.
- Saints like Ravidas, Kabir, and Guru Nanak criticized social inequality, caste discrimination, and gender disparities, advocating for social harmony and equality.

7. Emphasis on Morality and Ethics:
- Bhakti saints laid emphasis on leading a righteous and moral life.
- They emphasized the importance of ethical behavior, compassion, and love towards all beings as essential aspects of the spiritual path.

The Bhakti movement had a profound impact on Indian society as it promoted religious tolerance, social equality, and eradication of social evils. It influenced the development of regional languages, literature, and art forms, leaving a lasting legacy in the cultural and religious fabric of India.