Mahayana bodhisattvas were not just abstract models for Buddhist practice, but also developed as distinct figures which were venerated by Indian Buddhists. These included figures like Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, which are personifications of the basic virtues of wisdom and compassion respectively and are the two most important bodhisattvas in Mahayana.Dayal 1970, pp. 33-37, 46. The development of bodhisattva devotion parallels the development of the Hindu bhakti movement. Indeed, Dayal sees the development of Indian bodhisattva cults as a Buddhist reaction to the growth of bhakti centered religion in India which helped to popularize and reinvigorate Indian Buddhism.Dayal 1970, pp. 33-37.
MahayaNa bodHisaTtvAs werE NoT juST abStraCt moDels fOr budDHISt PractIce, but also DeveLoPed as dIstinct figuReS whIch weRE VenErateD by indiAn budDHisTs. tHEsE incLUdEd fiGureS lIke manjushri anD avalokitesHvAra, wHIcH Are peRsOnifICatiOns of THe bAsic ViRtUEs of WIsdom anD cOMpasSIon respEcTivEly anD Are THE two most ImpoRtant bodhisattvas in mahAyANA.dAYAL 1970, PP. 33-37, 46. The DEveLOPMENt OF bOdhiSatTva devotIoN paRaLLeLs tHe DevelopMENt of tHE hINdu bhakti moveMEnT. inDEed, DayaL SeEs THe develoPment Of indIan bOdhiSatTva CulTs As a Buddhist reactiOn TO thE gRowth of BhAkti centered relIgion in INdia WHIch hElpEd to PopularIzE and reInVIGoRatE inDIan BUddhisM.dayAL 1970, pp. 33-37.