By what name are the teachings of Shankardeva who was the main propagator of Vaishnavism, addressed in the late fifteenth century?

Correct option is D

Shankardeva was a significant religious and cultural figure in Assam during the late 15th century. He played a pivotal role in propagating Vaishnavism and inspiring the Bhakti movement in the region. His teachings are collectively referred to as Bhagavati Dharma, derived from their strong foundation in the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana.
Bhagavati Dharma:
· Absolute Surrender to Vishnu: Shankardeva emphasized complete devotion and surrender to Vishnu, considering him the supreme deity.
· Bhakti Movement in Assam: His teachings focused on devotion (bhakti) as the simplest path to salvation, encouraging love for the divine over ritualistic practices.
· Cultural Impact: He unified the Assamese community by integrating cultural elements like music ( Borgeet), drama ( Ankiya Nat), and literature into his religious teachings.
· Simplified Religious Practice: Bhagavati Dharma discarded complex rituals and idol worship, advocating the recitation of God’s name ( Naam Dharma) and collective prayer ( Namghar).
· Scriptural Basis: Shankardeva’s teachings drew heavily from sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana, making them accessible to the common people.
Information Booster:
· Shankardeva’s Bhagavati Dharma laid the foundation for the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam.
· The Namghar (prayer house) system introduced by Shankardeva became central to Assamese socio-religious life.
· His integration of art, music, and literature into religion made his teachings enduring and culturally significant.
· Bhagavati Dharma fostered unity and simplicity, transcending caste and social barriers.
Additional Knowledge:
· Vallabh Dharma: Refers to the teachings of Vallabhacharya, another Vaishnavite saint, but is unrelated to Shankardeva.
· Krishna Dharma: While focused on Krishna, this is not the specific name for Shankardeva’s teachings.
· Guru Sandesh: This term does not pertain to Shankardeva’s teachings.