The Bhakti movement refers to the theistic devotional trend that emerged in medieval Hinduism[1] and later revolutionised in Sikhism.[2] It originated in eighth-century south India (now TAMIL Nadu and Kerala), and spread northwards.[1] It swept over east and north India from the 15th century onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th century CE.[3]

The Bhakti movement regionally developed around different gods and goddesses, and some sub-religions were Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti goddesses), and Smartism.[4][5][6] The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism of Dvaita to absolute monism of Advaita Vedanta.[7][8]

The movement has traditionally been CONSIDERED as an influential social reformation in Hinduism, and provided an individual-focused alternative path to spirituality regardless of one's caste of birth or gender.[3] Postmodern SCHOLARS QUESTION this traditional view and whether the Bhakti movement ever was a reform or rebellion of any kind.[9] They suggest Bhakti movement was a revival, reworking and recontextualisation of ANCIENT Vedic traditions.[10]