The Bhakti Movement in India was a spiritual movement that originated in South India around the 7th century AD and spread throughout the Indian subcontinent over the next few centuries. It emphasized devotion and love for a personal god rather than ritualistic practices or caste distinctions. The movement played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of India and promoting social harmony.

Key Points of the Bhakti Movement:
- Devotion to a Personal God: Bhakti emphasized the worship of a personal deity, such as Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi, through prayers, songs, and rituals. Followers believed that through pure devotion, one could attain salvation.
- Equality and Social Harmony: The Bhakti movement rejected the rigid caste system and promoted the idea of equality among all individuals, regardless of their social status. It brought people from different backgrounds together in the worship of a common deity.
- Regional Variations: The Bhakti movement took on different forms in different regions of India. In the north, poets like Kabir and Tulsidas composed devotional songs in vernacular languages, while in the south, saints like Ramanuja and Basava spread the message of love and devotion.
- Impact on Society: The Bhakti movement had a profound impact on Indian society by challenging traditional hierarchies and promoting a more inclusive and compassionate approach to spirituality. It also inspired various art forms, such as music, dance, and literature.
- Legacy: The Bhakti movement continues to influence religious practices in India today, with millions of people across the country engaging in devotional practices and worshipping personal deities.
Overall, the Bhakti movement was a significant religious and social phenomenon in India that emphasized love, devotion, and equality, leaving a lasting legacy on the country's cultural and spiritual landscape.