Bhakta

Bhakta (Sanskrit: भक्त) refers to a devotee or worshiper in Hinduism, characterized by a deep, emotional, and personal connection to the divine. Bhaktas often express their faith through various means, including poetry, music, and active participation in worship.

"Bhakt" redirects here. For the modern Indian political usage, see Bhakt (slang).

Etymology

The Sanskrit word bhakta comes from the root "bhaj", which means "to serve".^[1] In the Rigveda, "bhakta" originally meant a share or portion received by a worshiper from a deity. Later Vedic texts used it to mean someone who shares. The more common devotional meaning of related term bhakti as devotion, love, service, or attachment to a deity emerged with texts such as Bhagavata Purana.^[2]

In the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita verses 7.16-19 identifies four types of devotees (bhaktas) who engage in devotion:^[3][4]

• Arta (the distressed): Those who seek divine help in times of suffering.
• Jijnasu (the seeker of knowledge): Those who worship to gain spiritual understanding.
• Artharthi (the seeker of worldly success): Those who seek prosperity or material benefits through devotion.
• Jnani (the one who possesses knowledge): Those who have realized higher spiritual knowledge and are singularly devoted.

In Bhakti traditions

In the Bhakti traditions, saints like the Nayanmars and North Indian saints such as Kabir and Mirabai wrote poetry in local languages, expressing deep emotional devotion to God, creating a distinct Bhakta community within Hinduism. They use intimate language, often defying social norms, and see the divine presence in everyday lives and local surroundings.^[5]