Page 1 - LN-sub topic 2-The Saints of Maharashtra
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SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL


                                                  SUB – HISTORY

                                                        STD VII


                                     Module: 26 (NOTES) (page 108 - 113)

                                   CH- 8: Devotional Paths To The Divine

                       The Saints of Maharashtra
                     13th-17th century – saint poets – in simple Marathi …
                     Janeshwar, Namdev, Eknath and Tukaram (wrote abhang – Marathi
                       devotional hymns) …
                     Sakkubai & Chokhamela (women) - “untouchable” Mahar caste …
                     Focused on Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) temple in Pandharpur …
                     Rejected ritualism & outward display of piety and social differences based on
                       birth …
                     Rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families …


                       Nanthpanthis, Siddhas and Yogis
                     Criticized conventional religion and social order …
                     Advocated renunciation of the world …
                     For salvation lay in meditation on the formless Ultimate Reality and realisation
                       of oneness with it. …
                     Training mind and body by Yogasanas, breathing exercise and meditation …



                       Islam and Sufism
                     Sants had common with Sufis (Muslim mystics) …
                     Emphasized love, devotion and compassion …
                     Great Sufis of Central Asia were Ghazzali, Rumi and Sadi …
                     Silsilas: Genealogy of Sufi teachers, each following a slightly different method
                       (tariqa) of instruction and ritual practices
                     Tomb or dargah of a Sufi saint - place of pilgrimage …
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