Navada Bhakti (Nine Types of Devotion)
The nine types of Devotion mentioned in Srimad Bhagavata stood illustrated in the life of Prahlada. When his father, Hiranyakasipu, asked him to repeat what he considered to be the best of all the lessons he had received from his preceptor till then, Prahlada gave the following reply:-
” (1) Hearing the names, description, virtues and glory etc., of Bhagavan Vishnu (Lord Krishna),
(2) singing them and
(3) mentally dwelling on the same,
(4) adoration of his feet,
(5) offering worship to Him,
(6) making to Him obeisance,
(7) regarding oneself as His servant,
(8) treating Him as a friend and
(9) offering one’s whole being to Him
- these are the nine types of Devotion. If a man cultivates this ninefold devotion towards Bhagwan Vishnu (Lord Krishna), I consider it to be the best study” (Srimad Bhagavata VII. v. 23-24).
“All the nine types of Devotion referred to above are found exemplified in Bharata, the supreme lover and exclusive devotee of Sri Rama.”
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