Swamy Ramanujacharya’s ‘Statue of Peace’ inaugurated in Srinagar

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10Pointer
Categories
Polity & Governance
Published
11th Jul, 2022

Context

Recently, the Union home minister, virtually unveiled a 4-feet-tall ‘Statue of Peace’ of Swamy Ramanujacharya in Srinagar, located in a temple in the Sonwar region

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the saint’s 216-feet statue (Statue of Equality) in Hyderabad in February this year.

About the Ramanuja

Saint Ramanujacharya, also known as Ramanuja, is considered to be a great thinker, philosopher and social reformer.
Swami Ramanujacharya was born in Tamil Nadu in Vikram Samvat 1017 AD.
- He was the child of Keshavacharya and Mata Kantimani.
He preached Vishista Advaitavada (qualified monism).
His philosophical foundations for devotionalism were influential to the Bhakti movement.
Ramanuja is known to have revolted against the discrimination of untouchability and played a role in bringing a big change in society.
- Sri Ramanuja named subjugated classes as “Thirukkulathar– Born Divine”.
He is believed to be the first Hindu acharya to initiate women into ‘sanyasa’ (renunciation of the world).
- After Ramanuja’s demise, the female community of ‘sanyasinis’ faded away.
He is a follower of Vaishnavism and taught people the principles of salvation.
He wrote many books, including Sri Bhashya, Vedartha Sangraha and Bhagavad Gita Bhasya,based on his belief that is different from the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.
- He was an inspiration for mystic poets like Kabir, Meerabai, Annamacharya, Bhaktha Ramdas, Thyagaraja and many others.

The Navrathnas

Sri Ramanujacharya wrote 9 scriptures, the Navrathnas.

Vedartha-Sangraha – A treatise presenting the tenets of Visishtadvaita, a reconciliation of different conflicting srutis.
Sri Bhashya – A detailed commentary on the Vedanta Sutras. Sri Bhashyam is Sri Ramanuja’s magnum opus, which is the greatest commentary on Bramha Sutras. This monumental contribution was part of the 3 wishes Sri Ramanujacharya fulfilled for His revered master and Guru Sri Yamunacharya, who breathed His last even before meeting Sri Ramanuja in person.
Gita-Bhasya – A detailed commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.
Vedanta-Dipa – A brief commentary on the Vedanta Sutras.
Vedanta-Sara – Another brief commentary on the Vedanta Sutras meant for beginners.
Saranagati-Gadya – A prayer of complete surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Srimannarayana.
Sriranga-Gadya – Manuals of self surrender to Lord Vishnu.
Shri Vaikuntha-Gadya – Describes Shri Vaikuntha-loka and the position of the liberated souls.
Nitya-Grantha – A short manual intended to guide the devotees about day to day worship and activities.