Bhakta

(“sharer”) In Hinduism, this word
denotes a devotee of any particular
deity. The word’s literal meaning,
“sharer,” has a twofold sense. On one
hand, the devotee shares in the deity’s
grace by virtue of his or her piety. On the
97
Bhakta
other hand, since most Hindu devotionalism involves a community of
worshipers, the devotee also gets to
share in the company and community of
like-minded people.