Contribution of Women in Bhakti Movement

Published on 22 Oct 2025

Female poets and saints also played a significant role in the bhakti movement at large. In many cases, they rejected traditional women’s roles and societal norms by leaving husbands and homes altogether, choosing to become wandering bhaktas.

• Spiritual Expression: Women actively participated in the Bhakti Movement by expressing their devotion through poetry, songs, and spiritual practices. 

• Example: Alwar women poets like Andal gave expression to their love for the divine.

• Challenging Gender Norms: They defied social barriers and actively engaged in spiritual and religious activities that were traditionally reserved for men.

• Example: Meera Bhai composed Bhajans challenging the existing gender norms.

• Inspiration for Social Reform: Women saint’s teachings and spiritual practices questioned the prevalent social inequalities and caste-based discrimination.

• Example: Akka Mahadevi through Vachanas challenged societal expectations of marriage and worldly pursuits.

• Spiritual Leadership: Women took on spiritual leadership roles as gurus and guides, attracting followers seeking guidance and inspiration.

• Example: Lal Ded from Kashmir who became a revered spiritual leader through her verses, known as Vakhs.

• Promoting Social Equality: Women Bhakti saints, through their spiritual teachings, rejected the notion of caste-based superiority and promoted inclusivity and compassion.

• Example: They fought for equality and also against Brahmanical ideas of caste and poor treatment of women.

• Iconic Figures: Their poetry and songs continue to be celebrated and cherished as part of the cultural and spiritual heritage.

• Example: Women like Mirabai, Andal and Janabai became iconic figures, inspiring generations with their strength, and resilience.

• Empowering Marginalized Communities: They challenged the social hierarchy and gave voice to the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities.

• Example: Janabai influenced by Namdev addressed discrimination faced by women and sudras. 

Through this legitimate space women could define their actions and aspirations and participate in public gatherings, visit pilgrimage places, compose their own songs and through bhakti directly reach God. In this way they sowed the seed that women could be agents of their own religious emancipation.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Contribution of Women in Bhakti Movement Female poets and saints Alwar women Andal Meera Bhai Bhajans Akka Mahadevi Akka Mahadevi Akka Mahadevi Vachanas Lal Ded Vakhs Women Bhakti saints Janabai

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Indian Heritage and Culture