Throw light on the chief characteristics of Tamil Bhakti Movement during the early medieval period.

Chief Characteristics of the Tamil Bhakti Movement

The Tamil Bhakti movement wasn’t a monolithic entity; it evolved through distinct phases, each contributing to its unique character.

1. Early Phase (7th-8th Centuries CE): Proto-Bhakti & Emergence of Nayanars & Alvars

• This phase saw the initial stirrings of devotional fervor, often expressed through simple hymns.
• The earliest Nayanars (like Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar) and Alvars (like Poygaiyar, Peyar, and Boothathalvar) began composing devotional verses in Tamil.
• These hymns challenged the dominance of Brahmanical rituals and priestly authority.
• Emphasis was on direct experience of the divine rather than elaborate sacrifices.

2. Mid Phase (9th Century CE): Consolidation & Development of Doctrine

• This period witnessed the systematization of Bhakti theology.
• Nammalvar, a prominent Alvar, articulated a sophisticated Vaishnava philosophy emphasizing Vatsalya Bhava (loving devotion) and Saranagati (surrender to the divine).
• Manikkavacakar, a key Nayanar, composed the Tiruvacakam, a collection of intensely personal and philosophical hymns.
• The concept of grace (arul) became central, emphasizing that salvation was attainable through divine grace, not solely through individual effort.

3. Late Phase (10th-12th Centuries CE): Popularization & Social Impact

• The movement gained widespread popularity, reaching all sections of society, including lower castes.
• The hymns were compiled into canonical texts like the Divya Prabandham (Vaishnava) and the Tevaram (Shaiva).
• These texts were recited in temples and promoted through devotional singing and dance.
• The movement fostered a sense of religious equality and challenged the rigidities of the caste system.

Key Characteristics in Detail

• Vernacular Language: The hymns were composed in Tamil, making religious expression accessible to the common people, unlike Sanskrit which was largely confined to the elite.
• Rejection of Vedic Rituals: The Nayanars and Alvars criticized the elaborate Vedic sacrifices and the dominance of Brahmins, advocating a simpler, more personal form of worship.
• Emphasis on Emotional Devotion: The movement stressed the importance of bhava (emotion) and anubhava (experience) in religious life. Devotion was expressed through love, longing, and surrender to the divine.
• Inclusivity & Social Reform: The Bhakti movement welcomed devotees from all castes, including those traditionally excluded from religious participation. Several Nayanars and Alvars came from lower caste backgrounds.
• Role of Women: Women played a significant role in the movement, composing hymns (like Andal, a prominent Alvar) and participating actively in devotional practices. This was a departure from the patriarchal norms of the time.
• Temple as a Centre of Social Life: Temples became not just places of worship but also centres of social and cultural life, fostering community bonding and artistic expression.
• Influence of Jainism and Buddhism: While distinct, the Bhakti movement was influenced by the egalitarian principles of Jainism and Buddhism, which had already gained a foothold in South India.

Nayanars (Shaiva)	Alvars (Vaishnava)
Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, Manikkavacakar	Poygaiyar, Peyar, Boothathalvar, Nammalvar, Andal
Devotees of Shiva	Devotees of Vishnu
Their hymns compiled in the Tevaram	Their hymns compiled in the Divya Prabandham