Ramanujacharya was born in Sriperumbudur in 1074 CE (traditional date: 1017 CE). His father was Keshavacharya and mother Kantimati. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intellect and had mastered scriptures by the age of 15. He married Rakshamba at 16 and renounced worldly life at 23, taking sanyasa under a saint in Srirangam.
Philosophy and Contributions
He was a leading Vaishnavite thinker and the principal proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. His teachings emphasized that the individual soul and the Supreme are distinct yet inseparably connected. His philosophy centered on devotion (bhakti), love, and surrender to Bhagwan Vishnu.
He made Vedantic philosophy accessible to the masses through works such as Sri Bhashya, Gita Bhashya, Vedartha Sangraha, and Gadya Trayam. His writings emphasized devotion, service, and social responsibility.
Champion of Social Harmony
Ramanujacharya strongly opposed caste-based discrimination and worked toward social inclusion. He opened temple worship to all sections of society—from Brahmins to those considered “untouchable” at the time—despite facing resistance.
He accepted disciples from marginalized communities and rejected social hierarchies. He famously upheld that virtue, not caste, determines human worth. His actions—such as accepting food across caste lines and symbolically rejecting purity taboos—challenged rigid social norms.
At Melukote, he opened temple doors to socially excluded communities. He promoted the idea that devotion, knowledge, and surrender alone lead to divine realization, not birth or caste.
Social Reform and Legacy
He traveled across India—from Rameswaram to Badrinath—spreading his teachings. He emphasized education, equality, and spiritual access for all. His efforts helped reduce caste barriers and promoted social unity.
Swami Vivekananda later acknowledged his role in fostering equality between social groups.
Statue of Equality
In 2022, Narendra Modi dedicated the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad—a 216-foot monument honoring Ramanujacharya’s message of equality and social justice.
