Bhakti Yoga Explained - 9 Forms of Devotion You Can Practice Today

Bhakti Yoga Explained - 9 Forms of Devotion You Can Practice Today

Bhakti means devotion. But in the Bhagavad Gita, it’s not about blind worship. It’s about cultivating a loving connection with the Divine... however you define it. 

The Nine Forms of Bhakti (Navadha Bhakti) 

  1. Shravanam – Listening to sacred teachings 

  1. Kirtanam – Singing praises 

  1. Smaranam – Remembering the Divine 

  1. Padasevanam – Serving with humility 

  1. Archanam – Offering rituals or flowers 

  1. Vandanam – Bowing in respect 

  1. Dasyam – Seeing yourself as a servant of the Divine 

  1. Sakhyam – Relating to the Divine as a friend 

  1. Atmanivedanam – Complete surrender 

How to Practice Bhakti Today 

You don’t need an ashram. You can- 

  • Play devotional music during your commute (Shravanam). 

  • Light a diya before meals (Archanam). 

  • Dedicate a small act of kindness to something greater (Padasevanam). 

The Science Behind Devotion 

Modern psychology calls it “flow state.” Ancient texts call it Bhakti. Both describe the same thing: losing yourself in love and finding peace in return. 

As the Bhagavata Purana says: 


“स वै पुम्सां परो धर्मो यतो भक्तिरधोक्षजे।” 


The highest path is that which awakens loving devotion. 

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