Hindu Devotees
This course surveys the greatest devotees (bhaktas) celebrated across Hindu scriptures—Veda–Upanishads, Itihasa (Ramayan...
Sections
1. Bhakti Archetypes and Scriptural Sources1 views
Orient to the ideals of devotion in scripture—forms of bhakti, qualities of a devotee, and cross-text exemplars that anchor the course.
2. Devotees of Rama (Ramayana)6 views
Meet the Ramayana’s iconic bhaktas, whose fidelity, service, and sacrifice define Rama-bhakti.
3. Krishna’s Devotees: Vrindavan Love and Play1 views
Explore the tender, intimate devotion of Krishna’s Vraja circle—parents, friends, and gopis epitomizing vatsalya, sakhya, and madhurya.
4. Krishna’s Devotees: Mathura and Dwaraka20 views
Shift to Krishna’s royal and urban settings to see devotion expressed through wisdom, friendship, loyalty, and renunciation.
5. Devotees in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita3 views
Encounter the epic’s devotees whose trust in Krishna and Dharma stands firm amid moral complexity and war.
6. Bhagavata Purana’s Exemplary Devotees1 views
Study luminous Vaishnava bhaktas of the Bhagavata—models of steadfastness, surrender, remembrance, and grace.
7. Shaiva Devotees in Puranas and Epics1 views
Trace devotion to Shiva through saints, sages, and kings whose tapas and loyalty illumine Shaiva bhakti.
8. Devotees in Shakta, Ganapatya, and Saura Scriptures4 views
Meet devotees of the Goddess, Ganesha, and Surya across Devi Mahatmya, Devi Bhagavata, and allied traditions.
9. Tamil Alvars and Sri Vaishnava Acharyas3 views
Survey the Vaishnava poet-saints and teachers whose Tamil hymns and teachings canonized devotional love for Vishnu.
10. Tamil Nayanmars and Shaiva Bhakti1 views
Encounter Shaiva poet-saints whose lives and hymns (Tevaram, Tiruvacakam) exemplify absolute devotion to Shiva.