In Hindu religion, Bhagavata Dharma is a code of conduct or lifestyle prescribed for the devotees who choose only devotion as the means of moksha (liberation from here and now).
Bhakti (devotion) is exalted to the highest position in
Bhagavata Dharma. One can reach perfection simply by devotional service by
accepting Sri Krishna as the Supreme Reality. Bhagavata Dharma acknowledges
Bhagavan Sri Krishna not merely as an incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu but as the
Supreme Godhead himself, of whom Bhagavan Vishnu is only a partial emanation. Therefore,
severe penance and austerity are irrelevant in this system. It not only
protests against ceremonialism and priesthood but also reconciles the worship of
the deity with transcendence of the Absolute. Supreme Reality imposes human limitations
upon itself and exists with man as his own companion. As man becomes aware of
Brahman dwelling inside him, his devotion and inner joy blossom.
Bhagavan Sri Krishna in his own words asserts that neither
Yoga, nor Samkhya, nor righteousness, nor study of the Vedas captivates him, as
does intense devotion. The right to bhakti is achieved by surrendering to
Bhagavan Sri Krishna. One should do everything that is liked by Bhagavan Sri Krishna,
avoid all those that are disliked by him, have faith in his protecting ability,
believing him as the only shelter, place one’s self at his mercy, and realize
one’s helplessness.
In this spiritual tradition, certain outward expressions of
inner feeling are common, such as speaking in a voice choked with emotion,
weeping at the thought of being separated from Bhagavan Sri Krishna, singing
with fervor and dancing with joy, etc.
Bhagavata Dharma enumerates the duties pertaining to the
four varnas and four ashramas, duties of a recluse, and yogic disciplines in
the form of five yajnas and five niyamas. It also prescribes nine types of
devotion such as sravanam, kirtanam, smaranam, arcanam, vandanam, dasyam,
sakhyam, pada sevanam and atma nivedanam.
Almost all the Vaishnava thinkers like Madhava, Nimbarka,
Vallabha, and Chaitanya were influenced by this philosophy.
In South India, the fervent bhakti of the Alwars is similar
to the saints of other Vaishnava schools.