Contribution’s Of Vishishtadvaita In Sanskrit Literature

Dr. Pami Sardar
Ph.D Research Scholar
National Sanskrit University
Email – sardarpami1993@gmail.com
Contact Number – 9441657951

Abstract –

He was the first Indian philosopher to provide a systematic theistic interpretation of the philosophy of the Vedas, and is famous for arguing for the epistemic and soteriological significance of bhakti, or devotion to a personal God. Ramanuja is famous as the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita school of Vedānta, and his disciples were likely authors of texts such as the Shatyayaniya Upanishad.

Ramanuja himself wrote influential texts, such as Sanskrit bhāsyas on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. For Ramanuja Moksha or liberation is a state when the individual is freed from avidya and has the intuition of the Supreme. The state of kaivalya or realisation of one’s own self as the Highest is a lower from emancipation. Ramanuja does not accept Jivanmukti. The Visishtadvaita system is an ancient one. Ramanujacharya is considered the founder of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy.

Key Words –

Vishishtadvaita
Ramanuja
Vedanta
Sri Bhashya
Vedartha Sangraha
Gita Bhashya
Brahma Sutra
Bhagavad Gita
Upanishads
Bhakti (Devotion)
Prapatti (Self-surrender)
Sanskrit commentaries (Bhashya)
Philosophical treatises
Devotional hymns (Stotra)
Logical arguments
Vedanta Desika
Vishnu worship
Sanskrit prose and poetry
Sri Vaishnava tradition

Summary –

According to Shankara, the individual self, also known as the Atman, is ultimately the same as Brahman, and the understanding of this identity is the path that leads to moksha (liberation). Ramanuja, on the other hand, places a lot of emphasis on the difference between the individual self and Brahman.

He spoke of universal salvation through devotion to God, compassion, humility, equality, and mutual respect, which is known as Sri Vaishnavam Sampradaya.

Salokya Mukti. Salokya means being in the same world or realm as the deity (Ishta Devata) one worships. … Samipya Mukti. Samipya means being in close proximity to the deity. … Sarupya Mukti. … Sayujya Mukti. Vedartha-Sangraha – A treatise presenting the tenets of Visishtadvaita, a reconciliation of different conflicting srutis. Sri Bhashya – A detailed commentary on the Vedanta Sutras. … 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. Sri Vaikuntha-Gadya – Describes Sri Vaikuntha-loka and the position of the liberated souls. Nit y a – G r a n t h a – A s h o r t m a n u al in t e n d e d t o g uid e t h e d e v o t e e s a b o u t d a y t o d a y w o r s hip a n d a c tivitie s.

popular verse associated with Ramanujacharya is from the Bhagavad Gita, specifically Chapter 2, Verse 47:

“Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana”.

This translates to, “You have the right to work only, but never to its fruits”.

Ramanuja also famously shared the “Om Namo Narayanaya” mantra with the public, defying his guru’s instructions, as an act of compassion.

Explanation of the Shloka: –

The verse emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty without being attached to the results. It highlights the concept of selfless action, a key principle in Bhagavad Gita and Ramanuja’s philosophy. Ramanujacharya, while a proponent of Bhakti (devotion), also emphasized the importance of performing one’s prescribed duties (Karma Yoga).

Here are brief explanations of each keyword : –

Vishishtadvaita – A school of Vedanta that teaches that the individual soul and the universe are distinct yet inseparably related to the Supreme Being.
Ramanuja – The principal philosopher who systematized and popularized Vishishtadvaita.
Vedanta – A major school of Hindu philosophy based on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutra, and Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Bhashya – Ramanuja’s famous Sanskrit commentary explaining Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
Vedartha Sangraha – A work that summarizes the teachings of the Upanishads according to Vishishtadvaita.
Gita Bhashya – Ramanuja’s commentary emphasizing devotion and surrender.
Brahma Sutra – One of the foundational texts of Vedanta, interpreted by Ramanuja through Vishishtadvaita.
Bhagavad Gita – A sacred text that teaches duty, devotion, and spiritual knowledge.
Upanishads – Philosophical scriptures that form the basis of Vedanta.
Bhakti (Devotion) – Loving and dedicated worship of God, regarded as the main path to liberation.
Prapatti (Self-surrender) – Complete surrender to God’s grace as the means of attaining salvation.
Sanskrit commentaries (Bhashya) – Scholarly explanations of sacred texts that preserve and interpret philosophical teachings.
Philosophical treatises – Systematic works discussing metaphysics, theology, and ethics.
Devotional hymns (Stotra) – Sanskrit verses praising God and expressing deep devotion.
Logical arguments – Rational methods used to defend Vishishtadvaita against rival philosophical schools.
Vedanta Desika – A great scholar who expanded and defended Vishishtadvaita through numerous Sanskrit works.
Vishnu worship – The tradition emphasizes devotion to Vishnu as the Supreme Reality.
Sanskrit prose and poetry – Vishishtadvaita scholars composed elegant prose and poetic works on philosophy and devotion.
Sri Vaishnava tradition – The religious tradition founded on Ramanuja’s teachings, combining Sanskrit scholarship with devotional practice.

Social Relevance of Vishishtadvaita –

Promotes Equality – Ramanuja emphasized that all human beings are equal before God, regardless of caste or social status.
Encourages Devotion (Bhakti) – It teaches that sincere devotion to Vishnu is open to everyone, fostering spiritual unity.
Emphasizes Self-Surrender (Prapatti) – The doctrine of prapatti encourages humility, faith, and moral living.
Strengthens Ethical Values – It promotes compassion, truthfulness, service, and respect for others.
Social Harmony – By stressing the unity of all souls under one Supreme Being, it encourages peace and cooperation in society.
Preservation of Culture – The tradition has preserved Sanskrit literature, temple traditions, and devotional practices for centuries.
Religious Tolerance – It encourages respect for different spiritual paths while maintaining devotion to God.

Conclusion –:

The Vishishtadvaita tradition made a lasting contribution to Sanskrit literature by enriching it with philosophical commentaries, devotional works, and systematic treatises. Led by Ramanuja and later scholars, it successfully combined profound Vedantic thought with the ideals of bhakti and prapatti, making Sanskrit literature both intellectually rigorous and spiritually inspiring.

Refferal Books –

Sri Bhashya – Ramanuja, 12th century CE (c. 1119–1137 CE)
Vedartha Sangraha – Ramanuja, 12th century CE
Gita Bhashya – Ramanuja, 12th century CE
A History of Indian Philosophy – Surendranath Dasgupta, 1922 (Vol. I)
Indian Philosophy – Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ,1923 (Vol. I)
The Philosophy of Ramanuja – S. M. Srinivasa Chari ,1958
The Vedanta of Ramanuja – M. Rangacharya & M. B. Varadaraja Aiyangar ,1908
A History of Sanskrit Literature – Arthur Berriedale Keith, 1920