The Bhakti movement originated in South India during the seventh to eighth century CE, spread northwards from Tamil Nadu through Karnataka and gained wide acceptance in fifteenth-century Bengal and northern India.

Origin of Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement originated in South India around the 7th to 12th centuries AD before spreading to North India.

South India
- In South India, the movement began with the Alvars and Nayanars, who were groups of Tamil poet-saints devoted to the worship of Vishnu and Shiva respectively.
- The Alvars composed devotional hymns praising Lord Vishnu, while the Nayanars wrote songs in praise of Lord Shiva.

North India
- The Bhakti movement gained momentum in North India during the medieval period, particularly between the 15th and 17th centuries.
- Prominent Bhakti saints like Kabir, Ravidas, Mirabai, and Tulsidas emerged during this period, advocating for devotion to a personal god.

Key Characteristics
- The Bhakti movement emphasized the importance of personal devotion and worship of a single deity.
- It aimed to break down social barriers and promote a direct connection between the individual and the divine.
- The movement rejected the ritualistic practices of mainstream Hinduism and emphasized a more personal, emotional approach to spirituality.

Spread and Influence
- The Bhakti movement spread rapidly across India, influencing various regions and communities.
- It had a profound impact on Indian society, promoting social equality, religious tolerance, and cultural unity.
- The Bhakti movement also played a significant role in the development of regional languages and literature, with many Bhakti saints composing devotional poetry in vernacular languages.

In conclusion, the Bhakti movement began in South India with the Alvars and Nayanars before expanding to North India, where it flourished during the medieval period. This movement focused on the importance of personal devotion, social equality, and cultural unity, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society and spirituality.