About SIBS

South Indian Bhakti Society (SIBS)

South Indian Bhakti Society (SIBS) is a non-profit organization rooted in the ancient South Indian Bhakti tradition, which emphasizes the intense emotional devotion between a devotee and a personal god. The Bhakti movement, which began with the Alvars (devotees of Lord Vishnu) and Nayanmars (devotees of Lord Shiva) in South India, spread across the country, transcending caste, language, and social divisions. These devotees traveled far and wide, singing hymns and sharing their devotion with the masses, ultimately inspiring the construction of numerous temples and pilgrimage sites that remain sacred to this day.

The Bhakti movement is characterized by its deep inclusivity, promoting the idea that everyone, regardless of social status, gender, or background, can experience the divine through love and devotion. Regional expressions of Bhakti evolved around different deities, leading to the development of sub-sects such as Vaishnavism (devotion to Vishnu), Shaivism (devotion to Shiva), Shaktism (devotion to Shakti goddesses), and Smartism (a more inclusive form of worship that venerates multiple deities). At SIBS, we celebrate all these paths, focusing on their shared values of love, devotion, and compassion.

We aim to:

Reconnect Communities with Devotion: By organizing regular spiritual gatherings, devotional singing sessions (bhajans), festivals, and pilgrimages, we help communities rediscover the joy of collective worship. Through these events, we not only preserve the vibrant devotional traditions but also create spaces for individuals to connect on a deeper spiritual level.
Educate and Empower: We offer educational programs that delve into the teachings of the Alvars, Nayanmars, and other Bhakti saints, helping people understand the profound philosophy and messages embedded in their hymns and songs. Through workshops, lectures, and seminars, we empower individuals to practice Bhakti in ways that are meaningful to their lives.
Advance Hindu Religion Based on South Indian Traditions: In line with our commitment to preserving and advancing the Hindu religion, we promote the practice and understanding of Hinduism as it is expressed through South Indian traditions, particularly those associated with the Bhakti movement. We provide guidance on devotional rituals, temple worship, and the teachings of key saints and scriptures, ensuring that these practices continue to thrive in modern times.
Build a Sense of Belonging: Our organization serves as a community bound by shared values and devotion. We foster a sense of belonging among members by encouraging participation in devotional and cultural activities that unite individuals across different backgrounds, ultimately strengthening our collective spiritual identity.

Through our efforts, we hope to create a thriving, compassionate, and spiritually enriched community where the values of love, devotion, and service are deeply embedded in every aspect of life. At South Indian Bhakti Society, we are not just preserving the Bhakti tradition; we are living it.