The term references a significant religious development in medieval Hinduism that emphasized intense devotion and love for a personal deity. Originating in South India between the 7th and 12th centuries, it gradually spread northward, influencing religious practices and social structures across the Indian subcontinent. This devotional trend was characterized by its accessibility, often expressed through vernacular languages, music, and poetry, making it available to people regardless of caste or gender.
This movement’s importance lies in its challenge to traditional Brahmanical Hinduism, which often involved complex rituals and exclusive access to religious texts. It fostered a more egalitarian approach to spirituality, promoting individual experience and direct connection with the divine. This had profound social implications, contributing to the weakening of the caste system in some regions and empowering women to participate more actively in religious life. Historically, it provided a counterpoint to the established religious order and offered solace and meaning to many who felt marginalized.
