Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"Jnaneswar (1275-1296) was the pioneer bhakti saint of Maharashtra. He wrote an extensive commentary on the Bhagavad Gita popularly called Jnanesvari. This was one of the earliest works of Marathi literature and served as the foundation of bhakti, ideology in Maharashtra. He was the author of many hymns called abhangs."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/20200/1/Unit-29.pdf)

(a) Which social issues did Jnaneswar address in his teachings?

(b) What themes are commonly found in Jnaneswar's Abhangas, and how did they resonate with the masses?

(c) In what ways did Jnaneswar's emphasis on purity of heart align with the principles of the Bhakti Movement?

(a) The social issues that Jnaneswar addressed in his teachings are — the caste system, idol worship, and religious rituals. He emphasised true love and devotion to God through purity of heart and righteous conduct in his teachings.

(b) In his Abhangas, Jnaneswar focused on devotion to God and spiritual insights. His hymns emphasized virtuous living, helping others, and constant remembrance of God. His focus on pure devotion and righteous conduct connected well with the everyday lives of his followers.

(c) Jnaneswar's focus on purity of heart fits perfectly with the Bhakti Movement, which emphasized sincere devotion to God over rituals or ceremonies. Like other Bhakti saints, Jnaneswar taught that true devotion comes from having a pure heart and living righteously. This focus on inner purity, rather than outward religious practices, aligns with the Bhakti belief of personal love and connection with God.