One of the beautiful cultural streams that gained momentum and strength during Samudragupta’s reign was the Bhaktimārga (path of devotion) that was pioneered by Sage Nārada. Samudragupta himself was extremely pious, a true Shraddhavan and would immerse himself in devotional music. Although he himself was a worshipper of Vishnu, he built temples dedicated to Shiva with the same love and even participated in Shiva poojan. His chief queen Dattadevi belonged to the Vaishnava dynasty of North India; the second chief queen Divādevi was of the Shaiva dynasty of Kashmir, while the third chief queen Rambhādevi was from the staunch Vaishnava sect of South India. Dharmapala was Samudragupta’s chief advisor on all religious matters in the empire and served as the head of Kundalacharyas. Dharmapala had maintained a highly balanced approach while handling the administrative responsibilities for all religious matters and made temples that were beautiful in every aspect, sacred and socially accepted. The Poojan, Upasana and Sankirtan divisions of these religious places were looked after by Rambhādevi.
Read More – The Grand History – 8
