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Ramanujacharya, one of the most prominent philosophers and theologians of India, lived during the 11th and 12th centuries CE. He is the most celebrated proponent of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism), a school of Vedanta philosophy. Ramanuja’s philosophy is centered around the concept of devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Vishnu, the supreme being, and his works laid the foundation for the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. Ramanuja wrote several important philosophical and theological texts, the most significant being his commentaries on the foundational scriptures of Vedanta. Below is a list of his major works and their content: 1. Sri Bhashya Content: The Sri Bhashya is Ramanuja’s detailed commentary on Badarayana’s Brahma Sutras, which is one of the three foundational texts of Vedanta, along with the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Philosophy: Ramanuja uses this commentary to present the principles of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta and to counter the Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism) of Adi Shankaracharya. In this work, Ramanuja argues that the Supreme Reality, Brahman (Vishnu), is qualified by attributes (qualities, forms, and powers). Brahman is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. According to Ramanuja, the individual soul (Jiva) and the world (Prakriti) are real but dependent on Brahman, and they possess a distinct, albeit inseparable, existence from Brahman. Importance: This work is the most authoritative text for the Vishishtadvaita school and refutes various interpretations of earlier Vedantic commentators, especially Advaita. 2. Vedartha Sangraha Content: The Vedartha Sangraha is a compendium in which Ramanuja provides an overview of the teachings of the Upanishads. He reconciles various passages from the Upanishads, which at first glance might appear contradictory, to fit within the framework of Vishishtadvaita. Philosophy: In this work, Ramanuja presents the doctrine of qualified non-dualism by emphasizing that Brahman, or the Supreme Being (Narayana), is both immanent and transcendent. Brahman manifests in the world through his various attributes, and the soul, while distinct, remains inseparably linked to Brahman. Importance: It serves as an introduction to Ramanuja’s philosophical system, providing clarity on how the Upanishadic texts speak of Brahman and the relationship between the soul and Brahman. 3. Gita Bhashya Content: The Gita Bhashya is Ramanuja’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Here, Ramanuja interprets the Gita in the light of Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Philosophy: Ramanuja focuses on the path of Bhakti (devotion) and Saranagati (self-surrender) as central to attaining liberation (moksha). He emphasizes that it is through devotion to Lord Krishna (Vishnu), with love and surrender, that the individual soul can attain liberation. He also reconciles the paths of karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion) by showing that they all ultimately lead to bhakti as the highest goal. Importance: Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita laid the foundation for the emphasis on devotion in the Sri Vaishnavite tradition. 4. Vedanta Dipa Content: The Vedanta Dipa is a more concise commentary on the Brahma Sutras compared to the Sri Bhashya. It serves as a summary of Ramanuja’s interpretation of the Brahma Sutras. Philosophy: It echoes the teachings of the Sri Bhashya but in a simpler and more accessible manner. It is intended for those who want to grasp the essentials of Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita philosophy without going into the details provided in Sri Bhashya. Importance: This work serves as an introductory text for those unfamiliar with Vedanta or those who may find the Sri Bhashya too dense and complex. 5. Vedanta Sara Content: Similar to Vedanta Dipa, Vedanta Sara is another concise summary of the Brahma Sutras. Philosophy: Like the Vedanta Dipa, this work presents the essential teachings of Ramanuja’s commentary on the Brahma Sutras, simplifying the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita for a broader audience. Importance: It is a simplified explanation of Ramanuja’s interpretation of the Brahma Sutras and is used as a primer for students of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. 6. Nitya Grantha Content: The Nitya Grantha is a manual for daily rituals and prayers for Vaishnavas. It provides detailed instructions on how a devotee should conduct their daily worship, including rituals, meditations, and the chanting of mantras. Philosophy: This work reflects Ramanuja’s emphasis on Bhakti (devotion) and Prapatti (self-surrender) to Vishnu. It contains prayers and hymns used by devotees to maintain a constant focus on God and cultivate devotion. Importance: It is an important text for followers of Sri Vaishnavism, particularly in guiding the daily spiritual practice of devotees. 7. Saranagati Gadyam Content: The Saranagati Gadyam is a prose composition in which Ramanuja expresses his complete surrender to Lord Narayana (Vishnu). It is considered a masterpiece of devotional literature. Philosophy: In this work, Ramanuja prays for the grace of Vishnu and declares his utter dependence on the Lord for salvation. The central theme of this work is Saranagati (total surrender) as the ultimate means of liberation. Importance: This text is highly revered in the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is recited during important festivals and occasions. 8. Vaikuntha Gadyam Content: The Vaikuntha Gadyam is another prose work that describes Ramanuja’s vision of Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Philosophy: It provides a detailed description of the spiritual world (Vaikuntha) and the nature of Vishnu in his supreme form, accompanied by his consort Lakshmi and his various divine attributes. Importance: It is a celebrated text within the Sri Vaishnava tradition, offering a beautiful vision of the eternal world that devotees aspire to reach through their devotion and surrender. 9. SriRanga Gadyam Sriranga Gadyam is a devotional prose work composed by Ramanujacharya, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu) residing in the temple of Srirangam. It is one of the three "Gadyas" written by Ramanuja, the others being Saranagati Gadyam and Vaikuntha Gadyam. Together, these works are considered important expressions of Ramanuja’s devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu. Structure and Theme of Sriranga Gadyam: The Sriranga Gadyam is written in the form of prose, which is unusual for a devotional text, as most Indian devotional compositions are in verse form.The Gadyam is essentially a long prayer in which Ramanuja surrenders himself to Lord Ranganatha and prays for His grace and protection.It is characterized by its emotional intensity, with Ramanuja expressing his deep devotion and humility before the Lord. Main Themes of Sriranga Gadyam: Complete Surrender (Prapatti): The core theme of the Sriranga Gadyam is the doctrine of Prapatti or self-surrender to Lord Vishnu. Ramanuja expresses his absolute dependence on the Lord for salvation (moksha) and requests His unconditional grace.Prapatti is a key tenet in Sri Vaishnavism, where a devotee surrenders entirely to Vishnu, accepting Him as the ultimate refuge. Praise of Lord Ranganatha: Ramanuja glorifies Lord Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the famous Srirangam temple, describing His supreme attributes, such as infinite mercy, omnipotence, omniscience, and compassion.He also praises Ranganatha’s consort, Goddess Lakshmi, acknowledging her role as the divine mother who intercedes on behalf of devotees and grants them the Lord’s grace. Confession of Human Weakness: Ramanuja, in this prayer, acknowledges his own limitations, shortcomings, and the burden of karma (past actions). He confesses his unworthiness and the inability to attain salvation on his own and seeks the Lord’s mercy to overcome these obstacles.The confession of sins and weaknesses reflects the humility of the devotee and the recognition that only God can grant liberation. Expression of Devotion and Love:The text is filled with expressions of deep devotion (bhakti) and love (prema) for Lord Ranganatha. Ramanuja describes his desire to remain forever in the Lord’s service, experiencing His divine presence and basking in His grace.Ramanuja’s love for the Lord is portrayed as selfless, with no material or worldly desires, aiming solely at eternal service to the divine. Request for Salvation:Ramanuja prays for moksha (liberation), asking Lord Ranganatha to allow him to eternally serve Him in Vaikuntha, the Lord’s supreme abode. He requests that, after death, he may be freed from the cycle of rebirth and granted eternal residence at the Lord’s feet.The prayer for moksha is an important aspect of Vaishnavism, where the ultimate goal is to attain eternal bliss in the divine presence of Vishnu. Devotion to Ranganatha as the Ultimate Path:Ramanuja stresses that devotion to Lord Ranganatha is the only means to salvation, and any other paths (like mere knowledge or rituals) are insufficient without the grace of the Lord.The Gadyam reflects the Vishishtadvaita philosophy, which asserts that individual souls are dependent on the Supreme Being (Vishnu), and salvation comes through loving devotion and self-surrender. Significance of the Sriranga Gadyam: Srirangam Temple holds a special place in Ramanuja’s life and the Sri Vaishnavite tradition, and this work is an expression of his deep personal connection with the deity. The emotional fervor and devotional intensity of the Sriranga Gadyam serve as an inspiration for Sri Vaishnava devotees, who see it as a model of how to approach God with humility and love. It reinforces the core principles of Sri Vaishnavism, emphasizing the importance of divine grace, the role of devotion, and the concept of prapatti for attaining liberation. Conclusion:The Sriranga Gadyam is one of the finest examples of Ramanuja's devotional outpouring, where his love for Lord Ranganatha and his complete surrender to the Lord's will are expressed in a moving and profound manner. For devotees of Sri Vaishnavism, it remains a central prayer, highlighting the essence of their spiritual journey: total surrender to the divine and unwavering devotion to Vishnu. Summary of Ramanujacharya's Contributions Ramanuja’s works are focused on expounding Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, a philosophical system that emphasizes devotion to a personal God, Vishnu, as the path to liberation. He upholds the reality of both the individual soul and the universe while asserting that both are completely dependent on and exist within Brahman. His works stress the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) to God for attaining moksha. Ramanuja’s teachings formed the theological basis of Sri Vaishnavism, and his commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads played a pivotal role in shaping the tradition. Through his emphasis on devotion, love, and self-surrender, he provided a more accessible path for common people to pursue spiritual liberation.