Lord Ram Shabari Nine Types of Bhakti

🪔 The 9 Divine Devotions Taught by Lord Ram to Shabari: The True Path to Attaining God

Many believe that chanting the name of Lord Krishna alone is enough to reach Him. But without a True Guru—a divine spiritual master—the soul cannot bridge the gap between itself and God. A Guru connects the devotee to divine knowledge, just as a boat carries one across a vast ocean.

One of the most touching moments in the Ramayana is the meeting between Lord Ram and Bhakt Shabari, a humble devotee who waited her entire life in pure faith for the Lord to come. When Lord Ram finally arrived at her hut, Shabari fell at His feet, overwhelmed with tears of joy.

Seeing her deep devotion, Lord Ram embraced her and said:

"O Shabari, your love and surrender have pleased Me. Let Me now tell you the nine divine paths of Bhakti (devotion), which every seeker must follow to attain God. These are not mere rituals, but sacred acts of surrender performed under the guidance of a True Guru.”

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.