Bhakti Movement: Vittala

n

The Bhakti cult, centered around the worship of Lord Vittal (also known as Vithoba or Vitthala), is a significant aspect of the Bhakti movement in India, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of South India.

nnnn

n
1. Origins and Spread:
n

nnnn

n
• The worship of Vithoba is believed to have originated in the state of Maharashtra, particularly in the town of Pandharpur, which is the main center of this Bhakti Movement. Vithoba is considered a manifestation of Lord Krishna.
nnnn
• The cult spread to South India, especially to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, through the influence of Marathi-speaking communities and saints.
n

nnnn

n
1. Key Figures:
n

nnnn

n
• The cult was propagated by many saints, including Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, and Sant Eknath, who wrote devotional poetry in Marathi.
nnnn
• These saints emphasized personal devotion and the accessibility of God to all, regardless of caste or social status.
n

nnnn

n
1. Rituals and Practices:
n

nnnn

n
• The pilgrimage to Pandharpur, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals, is a major event where devotees walk long distances to reach the temple.
nnnn
• Devotional singing, dancing, and the recitation of the saints’ poetry are integral parts of the worship.
nnnn
• The tradition of Abhang singing.
n

nnnn

n
1. Definition:
n

nnnn

n
• Abhangs are devotional hymns sung in praise of Vithoba, written primarily in the Marathi language. The word “Abhang” means “unbroken,” signifying the eternal, continuous devotion to God.
n

nnnn

n
1. Characteristics:
n

nnnn

n
• Abhangs are typically sung in a simple, melodious style, making them accessible to the common people. They are easy to understand, easy to learn, and sing as a community.
nnnn
• The lyrics of Abhangs often reflect themes of devotion, love for God, and a yearning for spiritual liberation.
n

nnnn

n
1. Prominent Composers:
n

nnnn

n
• Sant Tukaram is one of the most famous composers of Abhangs. His Abhangs are known for their emotional depth and spiritual fervor.
nnnn
• Other prominent saints like Sant Namdev and Sant Eknath also contributed significantly to this tradition.
n

nnnn

n
1. Performance and Cultural Significance:
n

nnnn

n
• Abhang singing is a communal activity, often performed during religious gatherings, festivals, and pilgrimages.
nnnn
• The tradition has been kept alive through oral transmission, with families and communities passing down the songs through generations.
n

nnnn

n
1. Instruments:
n

nnnn

n
• Traditional instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and manjeera (cymbals) often accompany Abhang singing, providing a rhythmic and melodic foundation.
n

nnnn

Influence in South India

nnnn

While the Vittal Bhakti cult is more prominent in Maharashtra, its influence can be seen in South India through:

nnnn

n
1. Pilgrimages and Temples:
n

nnnn

n
• Temples dedicated to Vithoba can be found in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The pilgrimage tradition also extends to these regions.
n

nnnn

n
1. Devotional Music:
n

nnnn

n
• The tradition of Abhang singing has been adopted and adapted by South Indian musicians, blending it with local musical styles.
n

nnnn

n
1. Cultural Exchange:
n

nnnn

n
• The interaction between Marathi-speaking and South Indian communities has led to a rich exchange of devotional practices, enriching the overall Bhakti movement in the region.
n

nnnn

The Vittal Bhakti cult and the tradition of Abhang singing are a testament to the enduring power of devotional worship

nnnn

and its ability to transcend regional boundaries, fostering a sense of unity and shared spirituality among diverse communities.

nnnn

In Tamil Nadu, the influence of the Vittal Bhakti cult and the tradition of Abhang singing is notable, showcasing the region’s openness to devotional practices from different parts of India.

nnnn

Vittal Bhakti Cult in Tamil Nadu

nnnn

n
1. Temples and Worship:
n

nnnn

n
• Tamil Nadu is home to several temples dedicated to Lord Vittal, the most prominent being the Vittal Rukmini Temple in Thiruvallikeni (Triplicane) in Chennai. This temple is an important center for Vithoba worship in the state.
nnnn
• Other temples include those in places like Govindapuram, where Vittal and Rukmini are venerated.
n

nnnn

n
1. Festivals and Pilgrimages:
n

nnnn

n
• Just like in Maharashtra, the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals are celebrated with fervor in Tamil Nadu, particularly in temples dedicated to Vittal.
nnnn
• Pilgrimages and processions are common during these festivals, with devotees participating in large numbers.
n

nnnn

Tradition of Abhang Singing in Tamil Nadu

nnnn

n
1. Adoption and Adaptation:
n

nnnn

n
• Abhang singing has been warmly embraced by Tamil Nadu’s musical community. Many Carnatic musicians include Abhangs in their repertoire, integrating them seamlessly into classical concerts.
nnnn
• This inclusion has helped popularize Abhangs among Tamil audiences, who appreciate the devotional and melodic richness of the hymns.
n

nnnn

n
1. Notable Performers:
n

nnnn

n
• Prominent Carnatic musicians such as M. S. Subbulakshmi, Aruna Sairam, and Bombay Jayashri have played a significant role in popularizing Abhangs in Tamil Nadu. Their renditions often include a blend of Tamil and Marathi devotional elements.
nnnn
• These musicians have performed Abhangs at major music festivals and concerts, helping bridge the cultural gap between Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
n

nnnn

n
1. Cultural Integration:
n

nnnn

n
• The tradition of Abhang singing in Tamil Nadu has been enriched by local musical styles and traditions. This fusion creates a unique blend that resonates with Tamil audiences while maintaining the essence of the original Marathi hymns.
nnnn
• Devotional gatherings, bhajan sessions, and religious events often feature Abhang singing, highlighting its widespread acceptance and popularity.
n

nnnn

n
1. Musical Ensembles and Instruments:
n

nnnn

n
• In Tamil Nadu, Abhangs are often performed with traditional South Indian instruments like the mridangam and veena, along with the harmonium and tabla, creating a harmonious blend of North and South Indian musical traditions.
n

nnnn

Cultural Exchange and Influence

nnnn

The presence of the Vittal Bhakti cult and the tradition of Abhang singing in Tamil Nadu exemplifies the cultural exchange that has historically occurred in India. The Bhakti movement, with its emphasis on personal devotion and accessibility of the divine, transcends linguistic and regional barriers, fostering a shared spiritual heritage.

nnnn

Modern Context

nnnn

n
1. Contemporary Performances:
n

nnnn

n
• Many modern-day performances, including those at the Margazhi music season in Chennai, feature Abhangs, demonstrating their enduring popularity.
nnnn
• Devotional music albums and recordings by Tamil artists often include Abhangs, further spreading their reach.
n

nnnn

n
1. Community and Cultural Programs:
n

nnnn

n
• Cultural programs and community events in Tamil Nadu frequently incorporate Abhang singing, reflecting the inclusive and diverse nature of Tamil culture.
nnnn
• Educational institutions and music schools in Tamil Nadu also teach Abhangs, ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate and perform these devotional hymns.
n

nnnn

The integration of the Vittal Bhakti cult and Abhang singing into Tamil Nadu’s cultural and spiritual life highlights the region’s rich tapestry of devotional practices and its receptivity to diverse religious traditions.

n