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Different Types Of Bhakti

There are different types of bhakti or path of devotion. Some of them are –

Saguna Bhakti – Devotion to God in His worldly form. God in human form is an important requirement so that the devotee may see, converse with and know Him. It is of four types – Guru Bhakti, Pitru Bhakti, Matru Bhakti and Raja Bhakti ( seeing God in the form of a preceptor, father, mother or king).

Nirguna Bhakti – Devotion to an abstract conception or a Supreme Power. The devotee concentrates on the formless God and does not need any physical objects for that. This, however, requires some mental development and practice.

Navadha Bhakti – There are nine steps of bhakti – Satsanga (company of truth), bhjana kirtana (praying and singing glory of Bhagavan); chanting Guru mantra with steadfast belief; renunciation; quietude and tranquility; seeing God in the whole world (the bhakta sees God in at least every  human if not in the whole creation or nature). Tulsidas says – Siya Ramamaya sab jag jani, Karaun pranam jori jug paanee (contentment; simplicity, equanimity, and unwavering love for God).