Monotheistic Movements In India

The monotheistic movement is the concept of monotheism, which means belief in one God. The one who is the creator. The features of the monotheistic movement are the synthesis of many traditions, Nirgun outlook, Independent path and Against orthodoxy. Monotheistic leaders give importance to spiritual gurus, the community singing devotional songs and repeating the divine name. Monotheism is a system in which people worship one God. Judaism and Islam are well-known examples of monotheism, whereas Hindusim practised polytheistic religion. Polytheistic means belief in an all-encompassing god-force. This system allows the existence of many gods but the worship of only one god.

Monotheistic Movement in India

The monotheistic movement in India began in the 15 century. Many saints are associated with the monotheistic movement. They were aware of each other’s teachings and influences. The Vaishnava concept of bhakti influenced the monotheists, and Sufism is the Islamic belief and practice according to which Muslims seek to find the one God. Monotheists believe that there was the only way to build communication with the creator or the one God is bhakti. 

Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement started in India’s south part by devotees of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The devotees travelled to various places in Tamil Nadu to praise their lord. Bhakti movement means love and devotion toward the almighty. Repetition of the true name. In contrast, Sufism works on the principles of repentance, sincerity and love. Sufism believes that blind observance of rituals should not be followed; love and devotion is the only key to reaching one God.

Kabir

Kabir was the one who figures in the monotheistic movement in the 15th century. He belonged to a Julaha (weavers) family. The greater part of his life he spent in Banaras (Kashi). His verses are there in the Sikh scripture. He believed that God is all-powerful and only that one creator be worshipped with devotion and love. Text about his life places him with Vaishnav tradition and Sufi tradition. His Poems written in Hindi includes Braj, Bhojpuri and Awadhi. His composed poems are known as dohe, salokas or sakhis. Kabir thinks that devotion to God and good actions are the only to reach God.

Nanak

Nanak, another monotheist, believe in the same concept that there is only one creator, One God. Nanak called as Guru Nanak DevJi was the founder of Sikhism. He was born in Punjab (Nanakana Sahib). He was born in a Khatri family. He travelled around the world during his life span to preach his idea about one God during his life span. He attracted a large number of people.  He prefixed “IK ONKAR”, which means God is one; he is the one who is the creator, preserver and Destroyer. His teachings are there in the holy book of Sikhism, the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib Ji).

Other than these two monotheists, more saints like Raidas, Namdev, and Dhanna were associated with the monotheistic movement. The teachings of all saints have certain common features that are as follows:-

1. All were aware of each other’s teachings and influences. They mention each other ideology among them. As Kabir, Raidas(ravidas) and other saints’ hymns were added to the Adi Granth (Guru GranthSahibJi).
2. Vaishnava concepts of bhakti and Sufism influenced monotheists. 
3. Monotheists found a way to communicate with the creator or one God was the personal experience of bhakti. 
4. The monotheists travelled to the world or the country cities to preach their ideas of one God.

The monotheistic movement was influenced by Vaishnav bhakti and Sufism. It gives a nirgun outlook approach means God has no form. He is the one who is the creator of this world. The One God has everything in his hand. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are the religion with the monotheistic approach. Sikhism is also a monotheistic religion. 

Conclusion

The medieval period is the middle age period of India discussed in this article. The monotheistic movement means the belief in one God. The monotheists travelled to the world or the country cities to preach their ideas of one God. He is the only one who is the creator, preserver and destroyer. Monotheistic belief in one God; without his permission, nothing is possible. The only way to communicate with the almighty is bhakti. Bhakti did by devotees of Lord Vishnu and Shiva, and Sufism believes that blind observance of rituals should not be followed; love and devotion is the only key to reaching one God.