Bhakti, or devotion, is a central concept in many spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism. The nine stages of Bhakti are often described in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and various other scriptures and commentaries. These stages outline the progression of devotion from its inception to its culmination.

 

There are nine stages of Bhakti or devotion to the supreme in Hinduism. By going through each and every step, one can fully devote themselves to God by pure display of faith. Bhakti is the Sanskrit word for devotion and even attachment and worship.

In Bhagavad Gita, the great Indian epic, according to verse 7.25.23-24 :

श्रीप्रह्राद उवाच
श्रवणं कीर्तनं विष्णो: स्मरणं पादसेवनम् ।
अर्चनं वन्दनं दास्यं सख्यमात्मनिवेदनम् ॥ २३ ॥

śrī-prahrāda uvāca
śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ
smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ ।
sakhyam ātma-nivedanam ॥ 23 ॥

In Hindu Mythology, King Prahalad, the son of a demon Hiranyakashipu, said these lines elaborating his devotion, Bhakti towards lord Krushna, an incarnation of Vishnu, Hindu deity of preservation.

By going through these stages of devotion for lord Krushna, devotees would be bestowed upon with blessings, wisdom, knowledge and welfare. Although the motive for devotion is not to gain but to give and find peace through those offerings.

The nine stages of Bhakti or devotion are :

Sravana (Hearing)

This stage revolves around hearing about the lord. This can include hearing mantra chanting, hymns or stories of the God’s victory, strength, glory and courage. Listening to wise saints, teachers or aged people with tons of experience narrating such tales can help attain this Bhakti. These accounts of the supreme shall be heard with an open and pure heart, without any intention of challenging the nuances of it.

Shravan bhakti, also known as “hearing devotion,” is a form of devotion or worship in Hinduism that involves listening to and learning about the teachings and stories of the gods and goddesses, as well as the teachings of spiritual teachers and gurus. It is believed that through the practice of shravan bhakti, a person can cultivate a deeper understanding of their own spiritual nature and the nature of reality.

Smarana (Remembering)

This is the act of remembering God periodically and recalling the learnings of ancient scriptures dedicated to God as well. This stage requires both conscious and subconscious chanting or praying to enhance the followers’ memory of God. It is believed that the divine energies are always with the one who keeps thinking about God’s grace even while engaging in other chores. Just as a mother wouldn’t forget about her child while performing other activities, a true devotee would always be encapsulated by the remembrance of God.

Pada Sevana (Service)

This form of devotion involves serving at God’s feet. As one cannot meet with the physical presence of God, it is believed only goddesses such as Laxmi and Parvati have been able to directly come in his contact and worship at the lotus around Vishnu’s feet. Hence, serving at the feet of an actual idol can be achieved with better ease. The definition of Pada Sevana, serving the feet, extends to the worship of the entire world as well, as it is eventually a part of God. Serving the ones in need, elderly or sick people too is a pure form of admiration of God’s creation and a kind route of devotion.

Archana  (Worship)

Archana means to simply worship God. One can worship the idol of the God by adorning it with jewels and garments regularly. An Arti can be performed while offering sweets, lighting incense sticks and diya, a Hindu lamp. A meditative form of internal worship too forms a part of Archana. The feelings of worship shall be sincere and unconditional.

Vandana (Prayer)

Vandana also known as Namaskar  is where the devotee offers prayers to the lord. With complete acceptance of God’s powers, followers express utter gratitude through the act of praying. Vandana also means to bow in front of God indicating humility and shredding one’s pride.

Dasya (Servitude)

Dasya is when one serves the lord by assuming the role of a servant. It means to obey God, perform duties assigned by him and provide complete service. It also implies to stay loyal and devoted to God, immediately accept and fulfil all his tasks.

Sakhyatva (Friendship)

Sakhyatva translates to becoming friends with God while devoting to him. From the many roles played by Lord Krishna, a prominent one was that of a friend. By harbouring feelings of amity, one can reach out to God for guidance, confide in him, share happiness and sadness alike. By viewing and commiting to God as a friend, devotees can establish a caring, loving and harmonious bond with him.

Atma Nivedana (Self-Surrender)

This last stage is that of total submission, surrender and sacrifice for God. The followers offer their entire being to the lord, their emotional, physical and spiritual presence. Through this devotion, the devotees do not let the materialistic world bother their form of prayers, their only goal remains to worship the holy powers. One surpasses the states of ego, pride, arrogance, jealousness, greed to attain higher levels of consciousness to only serve the almighty.