Single-minded devotion, often referred to as "Ekagrata" or "Ekabhakti" in Hindu scriptures, is a concept that emphasizes unwavering focus and dedication to a particular deity or the Divine. It is a key aspect of various forms of Bhakti (devotion) and is found in several Hindu texts. Here are some references and examples of single-minded devotion in Hindu scriptures:
Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Krishna
advises Arjuna about the importance of unwavering devotion. In Chapter 12,
Verse 8-12, he mentions single-minded devotion as one of the paths to spiritual
realization. He emphasizes that those who are steadfast in their devotion and
have their minds fixed on the Divine attain Him.
Bhagavata Purana: The Bhagavata Purana, an important text in
the Bhakti tradition, tells stories of devotees who exhibited single-minded
devotion. For example, Prahlada's devotion to Bhagavan Vishnu and Meera's
devotion to Bhagavan Krishna are well-known examples of this unwavering
commitment. Also known as Srimad Bhagavatam, this scripture is a treasure trove
of stories showcasing the devotion of various bhaktas (devotees) and their
unwavering commitment to their chosen deities, such as Bhagavan Krishna.
Ramayana: In the Ramayana, Bhagavan Hanuman's devotion to Bhagavan
Rama is a prime example of single-minded devotion. Hanuman's focus and
unwavering dedication to Bhagavan Rama allowed him to perform extraordinary
feats.
The Puranas: Various Puranas contain stories of devotees who
achieved spiritual realization through their single-minded devotion. For
instance, the story of Dhruva in the Vishnu Purana illustrates how unwavering
devotion can lead to divine blessings and transformation.
The Devotional Texts: Various devotional texts, like the
works of the Alvars and Nayanars in South India, are replete with examples of
single-minded devotion to specific deities like Bhagavan Vishnu and Bhagavan
Shiva, respectively.
The concept of single-minded devotion is not limited to a
specific deity, and it can be applied to any form of the Divine that one
worships. It emphasizes the idea of wholehearted surrender, unwavering faith,
and complete absorption in the object of devotion as a means to attain
spiritual enlightenment and union with the Divine. This concept is a
fundamental aspect of the Bhakti movement within Hinduism, which advocates the
path of devotion as a means of achieving spiritual realization and closeness to
the Divine.