Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual path within the diverse landscape of yoga that emphasizes the cultivation of devotion, love, and surrender as a means of attaining union with the divine. Rooted in ancient Indian scriptures and traditions, Bhakti Yoga is considered one of the major paths to self-realization.

The term "Bhakti" is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "devotion" or "love." Bhakti Yogis, practitioners of Bhakti Yoga, engage in practices that aim to foster a deep and heartfelt connection with the divine, whether it is a personal deity, a formless cosmic energy, or a universal consciousness.

Central to Bhakti Yoga is the idea of surrendering the ego and offering one's actions, thoughts, and emotions to a higher power. Devotees express their love and devotion through prayer, chanting, singing devotional songs (bhajans), and participating in rituals that symbolize their dedication to the divine.

The Bhakti Yoga path is diverse, accommodating various forms of worship and expressions of love. Some practitioners focus on a personal deity such as Krishna, Shiva, or the Divine Mother, while others emphasize the formless and all-encompassing nature of God.

Chanting of mantras and repetition of the divine names (nama japa) are common practices in Bhakti Yoga, serving as a means of constant remembrance and connection with the divine. The goal is to cultivate a continuous awareness of the divine presence in every aspect of life.

Bhakti Yoga is not limited to formal rituals; it extends into daily life through selfless service (seva) and acts of kindness and compassion. The path encourages practitioners to see the divine in others and to serve humanity with love and humility.

Prominent Bhakti saints and poets, such as Mirabai, Kabir, and Sant Tukaram, have left behind a rich legacy of devotional literature that continues to inspire Bhakti Yogis worldwide. Their verses often express the deep yearning for union with the divine and the intense emotions associated with the path of love and devotion.

In essence, Bhakti Yoga is a transformative journey of the heart, where the practitioner seeks to dissolve the boundaries between the self and the divine through unwavering love and devotion. It is a path that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, emphasizing the universal nature of love as a potent force for spiritual realization.