Many devotees in Hindu religion believe that devotion to God can be done only through severe penance, whereas in Sanatan Dharma, different things have been said about devotion. There is mention of 9 types of devotional traditions in some texts of Hindu religion. It is told in Shiva Purana that the devotee who worships Shiva with a true heart definitely gets the blessings of Lord Shiva. For this reason, 9 types of devotional traditions have been described. This type of devotion is called Navadha Bhakti tradition. Apart from Shiva Purana, description of Navadha Bhakti tradition is also found in Vishnu Purana.
In Sanatan Dharma, worship and devotion of Gods and Goddesses has special importance. According to religious beliefs, there is so much power in the devotion of devotees that God himself protects his devotees. Now the question arises that what is the Navadha Bhakti tradition mentioned in Shiva Purana and Vishnu Purana?
In Satyayuga, Navadha Bhakti is first mentioned in Vishnu Purana. According to an incident in Vishnu Purana, when Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad were having a conversation, Prahlad told important things about devotion. he said
Hearing, chanting, remembering and serving the feet of Vishnu.
Worship, salutation, servitude, friendship and self-surrender.
This means that listening, kirtan, remembrance, padasevana, archana, vandan, dasya, sakhya and atmanivedan are the nine types of devotion. Similarly, it is also said in Shiva Purana that devotees do not need to do harsh penance to worship Shiva. Instead of this, the blessings of Lord Shiva can also be obtained by adopting Navadha Bhakti tradition.
1. Shravan Bhakti – It means that devotees should listen and study religious texts. This increases connection with religion and God and gives peace to the mind.
2. Smaran Bhakti – The devotee who remembers God all the time in both happy and sad circumstances is called Smaran Bhakti.
3. Kirtan Bhakti – This type of devotion includes chanting mantras, bhajan-kirtan and performing aarti of God.
4. Vandan Bhakti – It means to worship God with a true heart. Devotees should worship the Lord every morning and evening.
5. Archan Bhakti – Devotees should worship the Lord with devotion by offering flowers, fruits and prasad every day.
6. Sakhya Bhakti – Considering God as your dearest friend and telling him everything in your mind is called Sakhya Bhakti.
7. Dasya Bhakti – In this the devotee considers himself as God’s servant and God as his master and serves and worships him.
8. Padasevan Bhakti -It means to surrender oneself at the feet of God. This dedication should be completely selfless.
9. Atmanivedan Bhakti – Surrendering everything to God or offering oneself completely to Him is Atmanivedan Bhakti. In religious texts, Kirtan and Shravan Bhakti are considered among the best devotional traditions.
