Song of Navavidha Bhakti
(Thars: Rama Hare Siya Ram)
Rama Hare Siya Rama Ram
Rama Hare Siya Rama Ram
Rama Hare Siya Rama Ram
Rama Hare Siya Rama Ram
Krishna Hare Radhe Shyama Shyam
Krishna Hare Radhe Shyama Shyam
Krishna Hare Radhe Shyama Shyam
Krishna Hare Radhe Shyama Shyam
There are four kinds of Bhaktas,
Arta, Jijnasu, Artharthi,
Jnani the wise of knowledge
Of these the wise is the best.
There are nine modes of Bhakti,
Sravana, Kirtan, Smaran,
Padasevan, Archan, Vandan,
Dasya, Sakhya, Atmanivedan,
(Rama Hare Siya Ram)
Sravan is hearing His Lilas,
Kirtan is singing His Name;
Smaran is His remembrance.
Padasevan is service of (His) feet.
Padasevan is service of country,
Padasevan is service of humanity,
Padasevan is service of sick,
Padasevan is service of poor,
Padasevan is service of parents.
(Rama Hare Siya Ram)
Archan is offering flowers,
Vandan is prostrations,
Dasyam is Servant Bhav,
Sakhya is His friendship,
Atmanivedan is Saranagati,
Atmanivedan is self-surrender,
Atmanivedan is Prapatti,
Atmanivedan is highest Bhakti,
(Rama Hare Siya Ram)
There is love between servant and master,
There is love between friends and friends,
There is love between father and son,
There is love between husband and wife,
(There is love between brother and sister).
Moha is infatuated love,
(Moha is finite)
Physical love is passion,
It is mixed with hatred,
Divine love is infinite,
(Rama Hare Siya Ram)
The nine modes of Bhakti
Are graded series of Divine Love,
Atmanivedan is highest Love,
This is Madhurya Bhav
(This is Para Bhakti)
In this the heart is the real flower,
This is offered to the Lord,
Two have become now one,
Oneness is the Reality.
(Para Bhakti is Jnan);
This is Sayujya Mukti.
(Rama Hare Siya Ram)
The Inspiring Song of Navavidha Bhakti: A Melody of Divine Devotion
The Song of Navavidha Bhakti beautifully expresses the nine sacred paths of devotion that guide a seeker toward spiritual awakening and inner peace. Rooted in the timeless teachings of Sanatana Dharma, these nine forms of devotion encourage a balanced spiritual life through listening, chanting, remembering, serving, worshipping, offering prayers, surrender, friendship with the Divine, and complete self-dedication. Each path nurtures the heart with purity and transforms ordinary life into a journey of divine realization.
The Song of Navavidha Bhakti reminds devotees that spiritual growth is not limited to rituals alone. Every sincere act performed with faith and humility becomes an offering to the Divine. Whether one sings the Lord’s name, studies sacred scriptures, serves humanity, or meditates in silence, each practice strengthens the connection between the individual soul and the Supreme. This universal message has inspired countless seekers to cultivate devotion with sincerity and perseverance.
Swami Sivananda taught that devotion is the easiest and most joyful path to God-realization because it purifies the mind while filling the heart with love, compassion, and selflessness. The Song of Navavidha Bhakti reflects this teaching by encouraging aspirants to develop unwavering faith, constant remembrance of God, and a spirit of surrender. Through regular spiritual discipline and selfless service, the devotee gradually overcomes ego and experiences lasting peace.
The wisdom contained in the Song of Navavidha Bhakti also reminds us that every individual can follow devotion according to their own temperament. Some are naturally drawn to prayer, others to singing divine names, scriptural study, meditation, or service to society. Regardless of the chosen practice, the ultimate purpose remains the same—to awaken divine consciousness and experience the presence of God in every aspect of life.
For sincere seekers, the teachings preserved by Devotional India provide valuable inspiration for understanding the principles of Bhakti Yoga as explained by great saints like Swami Sivananda. By studying these spiritual treasures with an open heart, aspirants can strengthen their daily practice and cultivate unwavering devotion in every action.
The Song of Navavidha Bhakti continues to inspire generations because its message is timeless. It teaches that true devotion is expressed not merely through words but through purity of thought, kindness in action, and complete surrender to the Divine Will. As love for God deepens, fear, attachment, and restlessness gradually disappear, making room for lasting joy and spiritual fulfillment. The eternal wisdom shared through Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace these sacred principles and walk the path of divine love with faith, humility, and unwavering dedication.