CBSE Class 6 Answered

The word 'Bhakti' comes from the Sanskrit term ‘bhaj’ meaning ‘to divide or share’. This suggests an intimate, two-way relationship between the deity and the devotee. Bhakti is directed towards Bhagavat, which is often translated as god, but also means one who possesses and shares bhaga, literally good fortune or bliss. The devotee, known as the bhakta or the bhagavata, shares his or her chosen deity’s bhaga. Thus, anybody, whether rich or poor, belonging to the so-called high or low castes, man or woman, could follow the path of Bhakti. Also, Bhakti emphasised devotion and individual worship of a god or goddess, rather than the performance of elaborate sacrifices.