Sri Vaishnavism

Srirangamlong view

Sri Vaishnavism is a major denomination within Hinduism that emphasizes the worship of Vishnu and his avatars, especially Narayana, Rama, and Krishna, through a tradition that is based on the teachings of Ramanuja. It is distinguished by its adherence to the Vedas and its philosophical foundations laid out by Ramanuja, who is considered the most important Acharya (spiritual leader) in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. This denomination is particularly prevalent in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India.

Beliefs and Practices

Sri Vaishnavism promotes the concept of Vishistadvaita or qualified non-dualism, a theory that asserts the unity of the Atman (soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality), while also accepting the diversity of the universe as a real manifestation of Brahman. This philosophy is in contrast to the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankara, which teaches absolute non-dualism, and Dvaita Vedanta of Madhvacharya, which emphasizes complete dualism between the soul and the ultimate reality.

Central to Sri Vaishnavism is the practice of Prapatti or Saranagati, which is the complete surrender to Vishnu as a means to achieve Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara or rebirth). Devotees engage in rituals, temple worship (Puja), and recitation of the Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4000 Tamil verses composed by the Alvars, mystic saints of South India who are revered in this tradition.

History

The origins of Sri Vaishnavism are traditionally traced back to the Alvars, whose devotional hymns laid the spiritual foundation of the sect. However, it was Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE) who systematized its theology, emphasizing devotion to Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, and advocating for equality and social justice within the caste-ridden society of his time.

Following Ramanuja, several other scholars and saints contributed to the development and spread of Sri Vaishnavism, including Vedanta Desika and Manavala Mamunigal, further enriching the sect's literature, practices, and temples.

Temples and Cultural Influence

Sri Vaishnavism has significantly influenced the architecture, art, and culture of South India. Some of the most renowned temples associated with this tradition include the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple. These temples are not only places of worship but also centers of cultural, educational, and social activities.

Literature

The theological and philosophical foundations of Sri Vaishnavism are contained in the works of Ramanuja, the Divya Prabandham, and later commentaries and texts by subsequent acharyas. The Sri Bhashya, Ramanuja's commentary on the Vedanta Sutras, is considered a seminal work in the tradition.

Modern Developments

In the contemporary period, Sri Vaishnavism continues to thrive, with communities and temples around the world. It has adapted to modern contexts through the establishment of educational and charitable institutions, while still maintaining its traditional practices and rituals.

See Also

• Hindu Philosophy
• Bhakti Movement
• Vaishnavism