Which of the following is correct about the expressions of devotion by the followers of the Bhakti tradition, particularly the Vaishnava and Shaiva sects?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option 4 - All of the above
Option 1- Routine worship of deities within temples
Option 2- Ecstatic adoration where devotees attained a trance-like state
Option 3- Singing and chanting of devotional compositions
Option 4- All of the above
Not surprisingly, there were sometimes conflicts as well – those who valued the Vedic tradition often condemned practices that went beyond the closely regulated contact with the divine through the performance of sacrifices or precisely chanted mantras. On the other hand those engaged in Tantric practices frequently ignored the authority of the Vedas. Also, devotees often tended to project their chosen deity, either Vishnu or Shiva, as supreme. Relations with other traditions, such as Buddhism or Jainism, were also often fraught with tension if not open conflict. The traditions of devotion or bhakti need to be located within this context. Devotional worship had a long history of almost a thousand years before the period we are considering. During this time, expressions of devotion ranged from the routine worship of deities within temples to ecstatic adoration where devotees attained a trance-like state. The singing and chanting of devotional compositions was often a part of such modes of worship. This was particularly true of the Vaishnava and Shaiva sects.