Navadha Bhakti, or the Nine Forms of Devotion, are described as essential paths for a devotee to realize the Divine. These nine forms are beautifully enumerated in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana (7.5.23) as follows:
"Shravanam Kirtanam Vishno: Smaranam Padasevanam
Archanam Vandanam Dasyam Sakhyam Atmanivedanam."
This verse highlights the practices of listening (Shravanam), chanting (Kirtanam), remembering (Smaranam), serving God's feet (Pada-sevanam), worshipping (Archanam), salutation, servitude (Dasyam), friendship (Sakhyam), and Complete self-surrender (Atma-nivedanam).
Each form represents a unique avenue through which devotees can cultivate their relationship with the Divine, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
1. Shravanam (Listening)
Shravanam involves the continuous listening to God's play, stories, and divine qualities with utmost devotion. Shravana Bhakti is exemplified by Maharaja Parikshit, who listened to Srimad Bhagavatam from the great sage Sukadeva before leaving his body. A devotee’s undivided attention to divine narratives leads to a mind solely focused on the divine. Shravanam purifies the mind by diminishing worldly distractions and opens the heart to divine wisdom through listening. As Sri Sankaracharya emphasizes, the company of the wise and the practice of Shravanam serve as the foundation for a deep spiritual journey.
2. Kirtanam (Chanting)
Kirtanam is the joyful singing of God's glories, names, and virtues. Narada epitomizes this form through his fervent devotion expressed in song and dance, inspiring others to join in praise. In this Kali Yuga, Kirtanam is deemed the most accessible and effective form of devotion. Kirtana ignites joy through the praise of God's glory.
harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā
‘In this age of Kali, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.’
3. Smaranam (Remembrance)
Smaranam entails the constant remembrance of the Lord, keeping the divine presence at the forefront of one's consciousness. Prahlada demonstrated Smarana Bhakti by anchoring his mind in constant remembrance of the Lord with unwavering focus. This form of devotion transforms the mind, turning it inward and away from worldly objects, aligning it solely with the divine essence.
4. Padasevanam (Service at the Feet)
Padasevanam involves serving the feet of God with deep respect and humility. Goddess Lakshmi, who is always seen seated at the feet of Lord Vishnu, exemplifies this devotion through her service, viewing the feet of the divine as a refuge. Pada-sevana extends beyond physical acts to encompass the care and service of all humanity, recognizing the divine in every being.
5. Archanam (Worship)
Archanam is the act of worshiping the divine through rituals, offerings, and heartfelt reverence. Maharaja Prithu models this form by engaging in both external and internal worship, seeking to purify the heart and surrender the ego. Worship can be both a physical practice with sacred materials and a mental exercise of pure devotion. Archana sanctifies the soul through the act of worship.
6. Vandanam (Salutation)
Vandanam involves prostration and salutation to the divine, whether in the form of idols, gurus, or all living beings recognized as manifestations of God. Akrura exemplifies this devotion by offering humble prostrations, thereby effacing the ego and inviting divine grace into the devotee's life. Vandana humbles the ego through acts of reverence.
7. Daasyam (Service)
Daasyam is the sentiment of servitude towards God, recognizing him as the Supreme Master and oneself as His servant. Hanuman embodies this form through his unwavering service and dedication, performing the will of God with complete devotion and humility. Dasya cultivates unwavering loyalty through service.
8. Sakhyamatmanivedanam (Friendship)
Sakhyam cultivates a friendship-based relationship with God, treating Him as a close friend. Arjuna serves as an exemplar, demonstrating a deep, personal connection with the divine that transcends ritualistic practices. Sakhya strengthens the bond with God as a friend.
9. Atmanivedanam (Complete Self-Surrender)
Atmanivedanam represents the pinnacle of devotion — Complete self-surrender to God, relinquishing all personal desires and autonomy. King Mahabali epitomizes this ultimate form of devotion, offering himself entirely to the divine will.
Bhakti, derived from the root 'bhaj' meaning to serve unconditionally, is a path of love and devotion towards the supreme. It is nurtured by conviction and elevated through righteous actions, ultimately revealing the fundamental oneness of reality. Whether through listening, chanting, remembrance, service, worship, salutation, servitude, friendship, or complete surrender, each form of Bhakti offers a unique pathway to experiencing and embodying divine love. A devotee may adopt any form of Bhakti that resonates most deeply with their nature, leading them towards divine illumination and liberation. In this Kali Yuga, Kirtana, the singing of God’s names, is considered the most accessible and potent form of devotion. It purifies the heart and elevates the soul to experience the joy of divine presence.
The seed of devotion planted through any of these forms matures into the flowering of spiritual fulfilment. The path of Bhakti is an ever-expanding journey. By engaging in these nine forms of devotion, individuals can cultivate a multifaceted relationship with the Divine, leading to purification of the heart, dissolution of the ego, and ultimately, leading the soul to its ultimate destination—union with the Divine.
Comments