Thread by @anbezhil12

#Nava_vidha_bhakti #9formsof_bhakti

Shravanam Kirtanam Vishnoh Smaranam Paadasevanam
Archanam Vandanam Daasyam Sakhyam Aatmanivedanam

The above sloka is told by Prahalada, one of the greatest devotee for whose protection Lord Vishnu came in Narasimha Avatar. As per the above

sloka from Bhagavatam there 9 types of Bhakti marga.
Understanding the concept of navavidha bhakti, we can choose one or more from them and by practicing them we can move closer to God.
1. #Shravanam – Hearing the names and glories of the Lord.
Shravanam generally means hearing

about Leelas or the greatness of God with great interest. The easy way for Shravanam is Satsang. A perfect example of shravana Bhakthi is #Parikshit (Abimanyu’s son & Grandson of Pandavas). He by listening to Shrimad Bhagavatam narrated by Shukamaharshi attained sadgati.

2. #Keertanam - Chanting the glories of God. Keertanam is considered the best way of coming close to God in Kaliyuga. Keerthanam in an easy way means saying the bhagawan’s name again and again. Like saying Rama Rama Rama or Krishna Krishna Krishna or Shambho Shankara Shambho

Shankara Shambo Shankara etc. It is considered an easy way because you can do this any time. A perfect example for Keertana Bhakti is #Narada_Muni, who always keeps saying Narayana Narayana!

3. #Smaranam – Remebering the Lord. Smaranam is the constant remembrance of the Lord. We

can consider Smaranam as the advanced stage of Shravanam and Keertanam. Remembering the things which we have heard about Lord Sriraman or Lord Srikrishna then it is called Smaranam. Doing Japa, a meditation on God come under Smaranam. A perfect example of Smarana bhakti is

#Bhakta_Prahalad.

4. #Padasevanam – Serving the Lord’s Feet. Padasevanam is the worship of the lord by concentrating upon his feet. By doing pada pooja we are saying to God that we are keeping our life at his feet. MahaLakshmi worshipping the feet of Lord Vishnu is the best

example for Padasevana Bhakti.

5. #Archanam – Worshiping the Lord. Archanam or deity worship combines an external ritual with internal meditation. Archana can be done by offering flowers, fruits, leaves, food, or even water to the lord. Best example is Pridhu Maharah Dhruva’s

lineage.

6. Vandanam – Offering obeisance unto the Lord. Vandanam is a form of Bhakti where we recognize that all the things we have, are given by God and express our gratitude to God. For example, we got good food to eat, so before eating we say thanks to God. In this way we

observe everything we have, is given by God. So Vandana Bhakti means saying thanks to God for all the things he has given and should be grateful to him at every point of Time. The best example for Vandana Bhakti is Akrura, devote of Lord Krishna.
7. #Daasyam – Serving the Lord as

his Servant. In Daasya bhakti we consider Lord as our Swami, father, mother, and everything.We are a servant and don’t take credit for the good things we have done and will not do bad as our swami will not like it. The perfect example of Daasya Bhakti is Lord hanuman.

8. #Sakhyam – Developing friendship with God. In sakhya bhakti, we consider God as our friend. So in this form of bhakti, will share all our happiness, sorrows, and every moment with God. The best example of sakhya bhakti is Arjun

9. #Aatma_Nivedanam – Total surrender of oneself

to the Lord. In Aatma Nivedanam we offer everything to God including body, mind, and soul. In Bhagavat Gita Lord Krishna says
”Sarva Darmaan Pari Tyajya Maamekam Sharanam Vraja”
which means leave all your karmas & dharmas and surrender to me totally and I will liberate you from

all your sins. A perfect example for this kind of bhakti is Mahabali Chakravarthy offering his soul and body to Lord Vamana!
So let us choose one or more from the above-mentioned ways of bhakti and become closer to God.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam 🙏🏻