Sri Ramanujacharya was a philosopher, theologian in India. He was born in Sriperumbudur in Southern India in the year 1017. His parents were Keshava Somaji (father) and Kantimathi (mother). Yamunacharya, his Guru played a strong influential role in Sri Ramanujacharya’s life.
Within Hinduism he was one of the most significant and foremost exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, the Vishishtadwaita (qualified dualism) philosophy which emphasized that the soul and God are separate identities as against the Non duality (Advaita) philosophy of Shankara. He influenced the Bhakti Movement with his strong philosophical foundations for devotionalism.
Some of his important literary works include the nine traditional Sanskrit texts Vedanta Sutras including, Sri Bhashyam, Vedartha Sangraham and Gita Bhashyam. The commentary on the Brahma Sutras called Sri Bhashyam was written by him.
His parents gave him the name Ilaya Perumal. When he was young, his father died after which he and his mother shifted to Kanchipuram. By 16 years of age, he mastered all the Vedas and got married a year later but it was not a successful marriage. His Vaishnavism ideals didn’t impress his wife and by the age of 30, he took to Sanayas and got the title name Ramanuju Muni.
Sri Ramanujacharya helped people with the secrets of Vaishnaism, got many followers and gained fame. He spread the message of Vishishtadvaita to people across India. He continued with his intense activities and thus ensured that his movement attained success. Sri Ramanujacharya died in Srirangam in the year 1137. It is said that his body has been preserved within the confines of Sri Rangam temple.
