Lord Ram Shabari Nine Types of Bhakti

Shabari’s Quest: Lord Ram’s Path to Attaining All Forms of Bhakti

“It seems nearly impossible for me to attain all these types of bhakti. Please guide me on a simpler way to achieve them.” — Mata Shabari When Mata Shabari heard about the nine forms of devotion (Navadha Bhakti) from Lord Ram, she humbly expressed her concern about her ability to practice them all.

Lord Ram replied:

“Seek the company of a true saint. In the presence of a genuine spiritual master, you will receive all forms of devotion as blessings.”

This timeless teaching reminds us that surrender to a true Guru is the key to gradually attaining all forms of devotion. A spiritual master observes our growth, nurtures our progress, and blesses us with higher forms of bhakti according to our readiness. While realizing all nine forms may seem challenging, dedication and sincere effort under the guidance of a Guru helps the devotee advance steadily on the path to God.

The Importance of the Guru

“Chanting God’s name alone will not yield true spiritual fruit without the guidance of a spiritual mentor. Even Lord Krishna teaches that to reach Him, one must first seek a Guru.”

Lord Ram emphasizes that the Guru is above all. Through the Guru’s guidance, the devotee bridges the gap between themselves and the Divine. Each form of Bhakti is a vital step on the spiritual journey, cultivating a deeper connection with God.

He then explained the Navadha Bhakti—the nine types of devotion required on the spiritual path:

🕉️ The 9 Types of Guru Bhakti as Taught by Lord Ram to Shabari:

1. Satsang and Sewa (Santan Ki Sewa)
   – Serving saints with a pure and humble heart.
2. Shravan (Hearing)
   – Listening carefully to the teachings of the True Guru.
3. Kirtanam (Singing)
   – Singing the divine praises and name of the Lord with joy.
4. Smaran (Remembering)
   – Constantly remembering God, even while performing worldly duties.
5. Padasevanam (Service to Guru’s Feet)
   – Serving the feet of the Master with reverence.
6. Archan (Offering)
   – Offering food, flowers, and love to God and His true saints.
7. Vandan (Bowing)
   – Bowing before God with full surrender (Shashtang or Panchang Pranam).
8. Dasya Bhakti (Servant’s Love)
   – Considering oneself as God’s eternal servant.
9. Sakhya Bhakti (Friendship)
   – Loving God and developing a bond of divine friendship.
10. Atma Samarpan (Self-Surrender)
    – Completely surrendering one’s soul, ego, and actions at the feet of the Lord.

Lord Ram told Shabari, “By following these nine forms of bhakti with true feeling and under the shelter of a realized Master, one shall surely attain God.”

Shabari, filled with divine joy and love, had already unknowingly practiced these paths through her devotion. Lord Ram confirmed her liberation and blessed her forever.