upscools
CAPF 2021

Bhakti Movement Streams

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna School of Bhakti?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Bhakti movement is split into two streams: Nirguna (devotion to a formless god) and Saguna (devotion to a god with attributes or incarnations).

Explanation Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th-16th century) popularized the ecstatic worship of Lord Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu), which is a quintessential Saguna practice involving idols, songs (Kirtan), and dance.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. Chaitanya focused on the personal relationship between the devotee and Krishna.
Logic 2: Kabir (A), Nanak (B), and Dadu Dayal (C) all rejected idol worship and attributes, preaching a monotheistic devotion to a formless, nameless divine presence.

Active Recall

Question

What is the hallmark of Chaitanya's Bhakti?

Answer

Sankirtana—the communal singing and dancing in praise of Lord Krishna as a way to attain divine love (Prema).

Core Insight

While Nirguna saints often challenged the social structure more radically, Saguna saints like Chaitanya used emotional immersion to transcend caste barriers within the devotional community.

Practice Navigation