Ramanujacharya was a great philosopher, teacher, and social reformer. He belonged to Tamil Nadu and transformed the spiritual and social life of India. He taught that devotion to God, especially Vishnu, leads to peace and salvation. 

Ramanujacharya believed that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. Therefore, all must be treated with love and respect. His teachings of devotion, compassion, and equality continue to guide millions even today.

Who Was Ramanujacharya?

Ramanujacharya, born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was one of the most influential Vaishnavite saints in Indian history. He is known as the founder of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya. Under this tradition, it emphasizes love and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

He traveled across India spreading the message of universal brotherhood, spiritual equality, and devotion (bhakti). Ramanujacharya’s life work united different communities and brought together people from various social backgrounds under one faith.

Ramanujacharya Philosophy

The philosophy of Ramanujacharya is called Vishishtadvaita, which means “qualified non-dualism.” According to him:

• God (Brahman), soul (Atman), and matter (Prakriti) are real.
• The soul is part of God but not identical to Him.
• Salvation (Moksha) comes through devotion (Bhakti) and surrender (Prapatti) to God.
• The material world is not an illusion but a divine creation.

Ramanujacharya’s philosophy created a balance between spiritual devotion and rational understanding. He taught that God is both personal and compassionate and that the path to liberation is open to everyone.

Ramanujacharya Literary Works

Ramanujacharya was also a profound scholar who wrote many important texts in Sanskrit. His writings explained the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras in a way that common people could understand.

These Ramanujacharya literary works not only clarified difficult spiritual ideas. Rather, it also inspired the Bhakti movement in India. It is through this movement that devotion became a central path to God.

Ramanujacharya Contribution

Ramanujacharya’s contribution to Indian society and religion goes far beyond philosophy. He worked to remove barriers of caste and class, opened temple doors to all people, and spread education among the poor and marginalized. Mentioned below in the table are the key contributions of Ramanujacharaya:

Ramanujacharya Founded Which Society

Ramanujacharya did not found a formal society but established a powerful spiritual tradition known as the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya. This movement combined devotion (bhakti) with service (seva) and emphasized:

• Worship of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi.
• Living a life of humility and compassion.
• Treating all people with respect, regardless of their background.

The Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya continues to influence Hindu traditions, temple worship, and spiritual education even today.

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Ramanujacharya Statue of Equality

The Statue of Equality in Hyderabad was built to honour Ramanujacharya’s message of unity and equal rights. It stands at 216 feet tall, symbolizing his 216th birth anniversary.

Why Is It Called the Statue of Equality?

It is called the Statue of Equality because Ramanujacharya was one of the earliest advocates of social equality in India.

• He welcomed people of all castes into temples and promoted the idea that everyone has the right to worship God.
• He supported education for the poor and believed that knowledge should not be restricted by birth or class.
• His vision of equality is reflected in his teaching of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is one family.”

Legacy of Ramanujacharya

Ramanujacharya’s message continues to inspire millions. His teachings helped shape the Bhakti movement, influencing later saints and poets across India. He is remembered not only as a philosopher but also as a reformer who fought for social justice, religious harmony, and universal love.

Institutions, temples, and spiritual centres around the world follow his principles of service and faith. His Vishishtadvaita philosophy remains one of the key schools of Indian thought studied by scholars globally.

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