Important Questions: Devotional Paths to The Divine - UPSC MCQ

The correct answer is option (C). Kabir’s teachings were based on a complete, indeed vehement, rejection of the major religious traditions. His teachings openly ridiculed all forms of external worship of both Brahmanical Hinduism and Islam, the pre-eminence of the priestly classes and the caste system. The language of his poetry was a form of spoken Hindi widely understood by ordinary people. He also sometimes used cryptic language, which is difficult to follow.

• Temple Name: Vithoba Temple

• Location: Pandharpur, Maharashtra, India


• Significance: The Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur is one of the most important temples in Maharashtra and is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna.


• Pilgrimage Site: It is a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Vithoba and attracts thousands of worshippers every year, especially during the Ashadi Ekadashi festival.


• Architecture: The temple's architecture is a mix of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.


• History: The Vithoba Temple has a long history dating back to the 13th century and has been a center of devotion and worship for centuries.

• Authorship of the quote: The line "They are Vaishnavas who understand the pain of others" was said by Narsi Mehta, a poet-saint from Gujarat, India.


• Meaning of the quote: This quote highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in the Vaishnava tradition. It emphasizes the idea that true Vaishnavas are those who not only focus on their own spiritual growth but also understand and empathize with the suffering of others.


• Significance: This quote reflects the core values of Vaishnavism, which places a strong emphasis on love, compassion, and service to others.


• Context: Narsi Mehta was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement in India, and his poems and teachings have had a lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural landscape of the country.

• Language: Sankaradeva composed poems and plays in Assamese.

• Cultural Impact: His works played a significant role in shaping Assamese culture and literature.


• Religious Influence: Sankaradeva's compositions often revolved around themes of Bhakti (devotion) and were influential in the spread of Vaishnavism in Assam.

• Literary Contributions: His literary contributions continue to be celebrated in Assamese literature.


• Cultural Heritage: Sankaradeva's legacy extends beyond literature to encompass music, dance, and other art forms in Assam.

• Sufis: Sufis are mystical practitioners within Islam who seek to find a direct personal experience of God.


• Muslim mystics: Sufis are considered to be Muslim mystics because they follow a spiritual path within the framework of Islam.


• Beliefs: Sufis focus on developing a personal connection with God through practices such as meditation, chanting, and dancing.


• Teachings: Sufis emphasize love, compassion, and the importance of inner spiritual transformation.


• Contribution: Sufis have made significant contributions to Islamic philosophy, literature, and art throughout history.

The Sikh Gurus are the spiritual masters of sikhism, who established this religion over the course of about two and a half centuries, beginning in 1469.
The ten gurus are:
1. Guru Nanak Dev JI
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji
3. Guru Amar Das JI
4. Guru Ram Das Ji
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji
6. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
7. Guru Har Rai Ji
8. Guru Harkrishnan Sahib Ji
9. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Hence the correct answer is option (C).

Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, who was known for his lyrics written in praise of Krishna. They are usually written in Braj Bhasha, one of the two literary dialects of Hindi. 

He was an ardent devotee of Krishna.

• Tulsidas: Tulsidas, a Hindu poet-saint, wrote Ramcharitmanas in the 16th century. It is a retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana in Awadhi language.

• Significance: Ramcharitmanas is considered one of the most important works in Hindi literature and is highly revered by devotees of Lord Rama.


• Content: The text consists of seven books, each focusing on different aspects of Lord Rama's life and teachings.


• Devotional Value: Ramcharitmanas is often recited during religious ceremonies and festivals in Hindu households.

• Legacy: Tulsidas's work has had a profound impact on Indian culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, plays, and songs based on the Ramayana.


• Philosophy: Ramcharitmanas conveys moral and ethical teachings through the life of Lord Rama, emphasizing virtues such as righteousness, devotion, and duty.

Zikr (a) - (1) Chanting of a name or sacred formula:

Zikr refers to the Islamic practice of remembering God by reciting His name or sacred formulas (like "Allah" or specific prayers). It is a form of devotional chanting.

Sama (b) - (3) Singing:

Sama is a term used in Sufism to describe a form of listening to or engaging with spiritual music or songs, often associated with devotional poetry. It typically involves the singing of sacred hymns or music.

Raqs (c) - (2) Dancing:

Raqs refers to the traditional form of dancing, often in Sufi practices, which is performed as a way of spiritual expression. The dancing can be a way to experience divine connection and is commonly associated with Sufi whirling.

• Saints of Maharashtra:




• Namdev: A prominent saint in Maharashtra known for his devotional songs and teachings.


• Janeshwar: Another revered saint in Maharashtra known for his spiritual writings and teachings.


• Eknath: A well-known saint in Maharashtra who contributed significantly to the Bhakti movement through his writings and teachings.


• Tukaram: A highly revered saint in Maharashtra known for his Abhanga devotional poetry.




• Correct Answer: Option D - Janeshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram.

• Kabir: Kabir's bhajans are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, Panch Vani, and Bijak. He was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint whose writings have had a profound influence on Indian culture and spirituality.

• Philosophy: Kabir's philosophy emphasized the oneness of God, love, equality, and harmony among all beings. He believed in the unity of all religions and preached a message of universal brotherhood.


• Contribution: Kabir's verses are known for their simplicity, spiritual depth, and social relevance. His teachings continue to inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs.


• Legacy: Kabir's legacy lives on through his poetry, which has been sung and recited by generations of devotees. His bhajans are still popular in India and are considered a valuable spiritual resource.