Final answer:
The Bhakti movement shaped Hinduism by promoting individual, direct devotion to gods, bypassing priestly intermediaries, and fostering a diverse pantheon of deities that incorporated local beliefs, making the religion more inclusive and accessible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Bhakti Movement on Hinduism
The Bhakti movement significantly shaped Hinduism in two main ways. Firstly, it encouraged the idea of personal devotion and the concept that an individual could have a direct relationship with a deity without the need for priestly intervention. This idea democratized religious practices, allowing individuals to express their devotion through singing and rituals within their homes, moving away from the solely ritualistic and sacrificial practices that were traditionally performed by the Brahmins.
Secondly, the movement led to the development and increased worship of personal gods such as Vishnu and Shiva, along with their various incarnations and consort wives. Through the Bhakti movement, local beliefs influenced the creation of a diversified pantheon, which in turn made Hinduism adaptable to different cultural contexts, leading to a wider, more inclusive form of worship across the subcontinent.