Bhakti yoga is one of the main paths of yoga in Hinduism, and it involves cultivating devotion and love for a personal God or divine being. There are nine main modes or practices of Bhakti yoga, which are described in the Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana and other sacred texts. These are: Shravana: This involves listening to the stories and teachings of the divine being, as well as to the chanting of sacred mantras and hymns. Kirtana: This involves singing and chanting the names and glories of the divine being, often in a group setting. Smarana: This involves remembering the divine being and meditating on their qualities and virtues. Padasevana: This involves serving the divine being, often through acts of charity, devotion, and selfless service. Archana: This involves performing worship and offering rituals to the divine being, often through the use of sacred images or icons. Vandana: This involves offering prayers and prostrations to the divine being, as a sign of humility and surrender. Dasya: This involves cultivating a sense of servitude and devotion to the divine being, and seeing oneself as a humble servant of their will. Sakhya: This involves cultivating a sense of friendship and intimacy with the divine being, and relating to them as a close companion and confidante. Atmanivedana: This involves offering oneself completely to the divine being, surrendering one’s ego and will to their higher purpose. These different modes of Bhakti yoga are not mutually exclusive, and practitioners may engage in one or more of them depending on their personal inclination and spiritual path. The ultimate aim of Bhakti yoga is to develop a deep and abiding love for the divine being, which leads to spiritual liberation and union with the divine.
