Bhakthi is loving devotion to God. Love and reverence go together and devotees experience pleasure in God. This is called Preethi bhakthi. Just like ordinary people crave for their favorite things, devotees in this state craves for Bhagavan's presence and they go to temples, go to satsangs, extol Bhagavan with keerthanaas and try to remember him in one way or the other.
As the aspirant evolves, he starts feeling Viraha or separation which is defined as intense misery due to the absence of the Ishta devatha. Actually this devotee becomes uncomfortable in the presence of anything other than their favorite God or thoughts about God. We see this type of feeling in our mundane life also, like a newly wed bride's intense misery when husband is away.
When a devotee feels this misery of separation day and night or every moment, then it is said that the aspirant has entered in to the state of Parabhakthi -they will think of Him, think of Him alone and give up all other things.
Next and final step of Bhakthi is the state of Tadiyatha or His-ness. Tadiytha happens when a devotee becomes completely pure and perfect- that is the state of bliss after attaining Him. His purpose in life has fulfilled. They remain in the gross body until the prarabdha karmaas are over.
(Based on Vivekananda Swamiji's explanation of evolution of Bhakthi)
May Bhagavan lead us to the state of Tadiyatha!
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