The considerable influence of thebhaktisaints continues up to the present time.

Kabir (1440–1518)

He is famous for his songs and poems used by Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims alike. His followers are called the Kabir Panthis.

Surdas (1479–1584)

Born blind, he became renowned for his beautiful songs glorifying Krishna. He was a follower of Vallabha.

Vallabha (1481–1533)

Abrahmanafrom Telegu, he founded the Pushti-Marg (path of nourishment), which affirms the role of grace in reaching salvation. He taught thatsannyasais not possible in the current age. There are a good number of his Gujarati followers in the UK.

Chaitanya and his followers displayed symptoms of ecstasy as they sang and danced in praise of Krishna.

Chaitanya (1486–1534)

Founder of Bengali Vaishnavism, whose followers express devotion through singing and dancing. He was later considered a dualavatarof Radha and Krishna. His influence still extends through various groups including the Hare Krishna movement.

Tulsidas (1511–1637)

He wrote the popular version of theRamayanaknown as theRama Carita Manasperhaps the most popular book of North India.