Bhaktas

Bhaktas are devotees who practice Bhakti Yoga, a spiritual path focused on intense love and devotion towards a chosen deity or a divine form. This practice is central to several Indian religions, most notably Hinduism, but also finds expression in Sikhism and some forms of Buddhism. The core of Bhakti involves cultivating a personal, emotional connection with the divine, often transcending intellectual understanding or ritualistic performance alone.

The concept of a bhakta emphasizes surrender and service to the deity. This devotion can manifest in various ways, including chanting divine names (kirtan), singing devotional songs (bhajans), meditating on the deity's form, offering prayers, performing acts of service (seva), and remembering the divine constantly. The relationship between the bhakta and the divine is often described as akin to that of a lover and beloved, a child and parent, a servant and master, or a friend.

Within Hinduism, various traditions highlight Bhakti. The Bhakti movement, which flourished from the medieval period onwards, saw numerous saints and poets compose passionate verses and songs dedicated to deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. These figures often came from diverse social backgrounds, democratizing spiritual access and emphasizing the accessibility of the divine through heartfelt devotion. The ultimate goal for a bhakta is often liberation (moksha) or union with the divine, achieved through the purification of the mind and heart brought about by unwavering love.