Literature as Means of Transmission of Bhakti Tenets: Aniruddhadeva and his Literary Works.

Authors

  • Mousumi Phukan

Abstract

The Bhakti movement is considered as one of the most important phase in the process of socio-religious and cultural development in India as well as Assam. Besides its all Indian national character, Bhakti Movement received diverse regional forms and manifestations under various Bhakti saints. In the context of Assam, the Bhakti Movement emerged as Neo-Vaishnavite movement under the great saint Sankardeva who could able to brought a drastic change not only in the field of religion, but also in the social and cultural spheres. However, after the demise of the great saint Sankaradeva, there occurred a division within the Vaishnavism regarding succession. Consequently four separate fold or sub-sects were born from the mainstream of Vaishnavism. Among the four fold, the Mayamara sect became prominent among the low caste or so called untouchables. To make the sense of Bhakti stronger and to popularize it among the masses, the Bhakti saints undertook various measures, most importantly through their literary works. Here, an attempt is being made to understand the significance of literature in spreading Bhakti faith among the masses, especially the works of Aniruddhadeva, the founder of Mayamara sect.

Published

2020-11-01

Issue

Section

Articles