Explanations:The saints of Maharashtra, particularly those associated with the Varkari tradition, were a significant force in the social and religious reform movements of medieval India. These saints, including figures like Jñāneśvar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Eknath, were known for their emphasis on devotion (bhakti) and their rejection of ritualism, the idea of renunciation, and social hierarchies based on birth.
The Varkari tradition, which is a devotional movement centered around the worship of Vitthal (a form of Vishnu) and his consort Rukmini, emerged in the 13th century in Maharashtra. The saints of this tradition were critical of the rigid caste system and the ritualistic practices that were prevalent in Hinduism at the time. They believed that true devotion to God transcended caste, creed, and ritualistic practices.
One of the key aspects of the Varkari tradition is the concept of "Varkari," which refers to the pilgrims who undertake the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur, the abode of Vitthal. This pilgrimage is a symbol of the saints' rejection of social hierarchies and their emphasis on the equality of all devotees. The saints of Maharashtra also composed devotional poetry and songs in the local language, Marathi, which made their teachings accessible to the common people and helped to spread their message of social equality and religious devotion.
In contrast, other religious figures such as Ramanuja and Shankara did not reject ritualism or social differences based on birth. Ramanuja, a philosopher and theologian, founded the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, which emphasizes devotion to Vishnu and the importance of the caste system. Shankara, another philosopher, founded the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, which emphasizes the unity of the individual soul with the universal soul but does not reject ritualism or the caste system.
Therefore, the saints of Maharashtra, with their emphasis on devotion and their rejection of ritualism, renunciation, and social hierarchies based on birth, are the correct answer to this question. Their teachings and practices have had a lasting impact on the social and religious landscape of Maharashtra and beyond.