Where the list comes from
In the Bhagavata Purana (Book 7, chapter 5), the boy Prahlada is asked by his father Hiranyakashipu what is the best thing he has learned. He answers with nine ways of devotion to Vishnu — shravanam, kirtanam, smaranam, pada-sevanam, archanam, vandanam, dasyam, sakhyam, atma-nivedanam — and says that one who offers these to the Lord has truly learned. This list is known as navadha bhakti, "ninefold devotion".
The nine forms, and their exemplars
Tradition pairs each form with a devotee who perfected it:
- Shravana — hearing the Lord's names, stories and glories. King Parikshit, who heard the whole Bhagavata from Shukadeva in his last seven days.
- Kirtana — singing his names and praise. Shukadeva, who recited it.
- Smarana — remembering him constantly. Prahlada himself, who never forgot Vishnu through every torment.
- Pada-sevana — serving his feet. Lakshmi, ever at Vishnu's feet.
- Archana — ritual worship with flowers, lamp and offerings. King Prithu.
- Vandana — salutation, bowing and prayer. Akrura, who bowed in the dust of Vrindavan.
- Dasya — servitude, serving as a servant. Hanuman.
- Sakhya — friendship with God. Arjuna, Krishna's friend and companion.
- Atma-nivedana — complete self-surrender. King Bali, who gave Vamana everything, including himself.
The list is not a ladder that everyone must climb rung by rung. Each is a complete path; most devotees naturally combine several — hearing katha, singing bhajans, daily puja and japa.
Rama's navadha bhakti to Shabari
In the Aranya Kanda of Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, Rama visits the old tribal devotee Shabari and, moved by her love, teaches her his own nine forms of bhakti. They are more ethical than ritual: the company of saints; love for hearing his stories; humble service of the guru; singing his virtues without deceit; chanting his mantra with firm faith; self-control and good conduct; seeing the whole world as full of him; contentment and not seeing faults in others; and a simple, straightforward heart with trust in him. Rama tells Shabari that whoever has even one of these is dear to him — and that she has all nine.
Frequently asked questions
What are the nine forms of bhakti?
Shravana, kirtana, smarana, pada-sevana, archana, vandana, dasya, sakhya and atma-nivedana.
Where does navadha bhakti come from?
From Prahlada's teaching in the Bhagavata Purana, Book 7, chapter 5; Tulsidas gives a different ninefold list taught by Rama to Shabari in the Ramcharitmanas.
Which form of bhakti is the highest?
Atma-nivedana, complete self-surrender, is often called the culmination, but every form is considered a full path in itself.
Who is the example of dasya bhakti?
Hanuman, the ideal servant of Rama.
Can a householder practise navadha bhakti?
Yes. Hearing katha, singing bhajans, remembering God through japa and daily puja are all forms of navadha bhakti open to everyone.