Question

What was Bhakti movement? Why did it become more popular?

Answer 1

Bhakti movement was a new way of worship. Bhakti means devotion to a particular deity. During the post Vedic era some deities like Shiva, Vishnu and Durga became popular among the devotees. This inclination towards deities came to be known as Bhakti movement. It became popular because in this, there was no discrimination among the worshippers or devotees. There was no difference whether one was rich or poor, high or low, man or woman. Everyone was allowed to worship the deities of his/her own choice. Bhakti movement discarded the performance of elaborated sacrifices.