Sri Vaishnavism is a prominent school of Hindu philosophy and theology that centers around the worship of Lord Vishnu, particularly in his forms as Narayan and Krushna. It is one of the major traditions within Hinduism and is characterized by its emphasis on devotion (bhakti), scriptural authority, and philosophical inquiry.
Sri Vaishnavism traces its philosophical lineage to the teachings of the Alvars, a group of Tamil poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. The foremost among the Alvars is considered to be Nathamuni, who systematized their teachings. Ramanuj, a prominent philosopher and theologian of the 11th and 12th centuries, further developed the philosophical framework of Sri Vaishnavism.
Sri Vaishnavism is a major tradition within Hinduism that revolves around the worship of Lord Vishnu, particularly in his forms as Narayan and Krushna. It is one of the principal schools of Vedanta philosophy and is characterized by its emphasis on devotion (bhakti), scriptural authority, and philosophical inquiry.
Sri Vaishnavism places significant emphasis on the authority of the Vedas, especially the Upanishads, as well as the Prabandhams, the hymns composed by the Alvars. The principal text of Sri Vaishnavism is the Sri Bhashya, a commentary on the Brahma Sutras written by the medieval philosopher Ramanuja.
Sri Vaishnavism is based on the philosophy of Visishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), as expounded by Ramanuja. According to Visishtadvaita, while the ultimate reality (Brahman) is non-dual, it includes within it the plurality of souls (jivas) and the material world (prakriti), which are eternally dependent on and inseparable from Brahman.
Devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu is the central practice of Sri Vaishnavism. Followers engage in various forms of devotional worship, including prayer, singing hymns, participating in temple rituals, and offering service to the deity.
Sri Vaishnavism incorporates the teachings of the Pancharatra Agamas, a group of scriptures that prescribe temple rituals, deity worship, and iconography. These texts provide detailed instructions for the construction and consecration of temples and the installation of idols.
Sri Vaishnavism has distinctive symbols and iconography associated with its practices. The most notable symbols include the shankha (conch shell), chakra (discus), gada (mace), and padma (lotus), which are associated with Lord Vishnu’s divine attributes.
The ultimate goal of Sri Vaishnavism is to attain liberation (moksh) from the cycle of birth and death and to achieve eternal union with Lord Vishnu in his divine abode, Vaikuntha.
Sri Vaishnavism emphasizes community participation and service to society. Temples serve as centers of social, cultural, and religious activities, and followers often engage in charitable initiatives and community welfare programs.
Sri Vaishnavism has a rich philosophical and theological tradition, characterized by its deep devotion to Lord Vishnu, philosophical inquiry, and commitment to scriptural authority. It continues to be practiced by millions of devotees, particularly in South India, where it has a significant cultural and religious influence.
