Why do you think ordinary people were attracted to Bhakti?

Answer 1

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna recommends that people devote themselves to him and serve him with love. In traditional Hindu belief up to that point, there was a Caste System, which placed the Brahmins (upper-class elites) on top, and seemed to require offerings of material wealth and opulence in order to gain the favor of the deities. This made it difficult for lower class and poor people to observe the rituals properly, and made it necessary to be reincarnated to a higher caste before being able to attain the Spiritual World. But Bhakti, the yoga of devotional service, was different. Lord Krishna stated that anyone, from any caste, could come to him if they served him lovingly. He said if all the devotee had was a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, he would accept their offering.

For the poor, this was welcome news: one did not need to be rich and offer jewels or money to please the deity. Krishna wanted the devotee's love and service, not material wealth. Thus, Bhakti (and Krishna worship) became especially popular with ordinary people-- it promised acceptance from the god, and it offered the possibility of reaching the Spiritual World and being with Krishna even if you were not a Brahmin.