Sri Ramanuja Acharya (1017-1137) is one of the most important representative of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition in Hinduism. He became the main proponent of the Vishishta Advaita philosophy and proclaimed the doctrine of devotion and surrender to God. We will be celebrating his birthday and invite you to join us in person or online.
Ramanujacharya made 17 pilgrimages of great distance before his guru deemed him worthy to receive the secret mantra and he agreed to never share it with anyone. However, as soon as Ramanujacharya heard the mantra he realised its power to liberate souls and he immediately started sharing it with everyone. The guru was furious and wanted to curse him. But, when Ramanujacharya said he was happy to go to hell if his actions saved others from the same fate, the guru realised Ramanujacharya’s wisdom and he begged him for forgiveness.
Sri Ramanujacharya is a revered guru in our Bhakti Marga lineage. Deeply moved by the bhakti of the Alvar poet saints, he formalised the devotional philosophy of the Sri Sampradaya. By his grace, he shared twith the world the once-secret mantra, om namo narayanaya, so that everyone could chant it and have the opportunity to reach the Lotus Feet of the Lord.