Sri Ramanuja – Vishishtadvaita Acharya, Life, Teachings & Contributions

 

Early Life

• Born in Sriperumbudur in 1017 AD to Asuri Keshava Somayaji and Kanthimathi (Bhoomi Prattiyar).
• Named Lakshmanan by his parents and maternal uncle Thirumalai Nambi.
• Had his Upanayanam in 1025 AD and married Thanjamba in 1033 AD.
• Studied under Sri Yadava Prakasa in Thiruputkuzhi, later devoted himself to Lord Varadaraja Swami in Kanchipuram.

Philosophy & Teachings

• Propagated Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism), emphasizing devotion (bhakti) and surrender (prapatti) to Lord Vishnu.
• Revitalized Indian philosophy, influencing nearly every aspect of Hinduism.
• Advocated inclusivity, opening temple doors to all communities, breaking social barriers.

Key Works (Nava Granthas)

• Sri Bhashyam – Commentary on Brahma Sutras.
• Vedanta Sangraham – Simplification of Upanishadic concepts.
• Vedanta Deepam & Vedanta Saaram – Condensed versions of Sri Bhashyam.
• Geetha Bhashyam – Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
• Gadya Trayam – Three devotional works: Saranagathi Gadya, Sri Ranga Gadya, Vaikunta Gadya.
• Nithya Grantham – Daily duties and rituals for Vaishnavites.

Contributions to Society

• Organized temple administration at Srirangam, Tirumala, and Melukote, making them centers of social and spiritual life.
• Ensured Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala visibly bore the Shanku and Chakra, affirming His identity as Vishnu.
• Introduced annual Utsavams at Melukote, opening temple access to all communities.
• Emphasized temples as hubs for social development, not just worship.

Disciples

• Notable disciples include Koorathalwar, Mudaliandan, Embar, Ananthalwar, Kidambi Aachaan, Parasara Bhattar, Govinda Jeer, among others.
• Together, they propagated Vaishnava Siddhanta across Divya Desams.

Titles

• Yathiraja – King of ascetics.
• Emberumanar – Revered by Thirkottiyur Nambi.
• Udayavar – Blessed by Lord Ranganatha.
• Sri Bhashyakar – Title given by Saraswati Devi.
• Thiruppavai Jeer – For his devotion to Andal’s Thiruppavai.

Later Life & Legacy

• Stayed in Melukote (Thirunarayanapuram) for 12 years during Chola persecution.
• Retrieved and reinstalled the idol of Cheluvanarayana (Sampath Kumara) from Delhi.
• Returned to Srirangam, continued teaching and service until attaining Paramapadam in 1137 AD at the age of 120.
• His legacy was carried forward by Sri Vedanta Desikan and later Acharyas in the Guru Parampara.