Ramanujacharya, Philosophy, Contributions, Statue of Equality

Ramanujacharya, born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was a great philosopher, theologian, and social reformer who greatly influenced Hindu thought. He is famous for establishing the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy, focusing on devotion to a personal deity, Vishnu, while accepting the existence of the material world.  

For UPSC aspirants, his enduring influence on the Bhakti Movement renders him an important subject for both the Ramanujar Ramanuja UPSC Prelims and Mains sections of the exam. Understanding the Ramanujacharya Statue facilitates answering Ramanuja UPSC questions on religious reformers and helps develop a subtle sense of India's socio-religious landscape.

Ramanujacharya Philosophy UPSC

Ramanujacharya's system, Vishishtadvaita or "qualified non-dualism," offers a reconciling synthesis of unity and diversity in the universe. In contrast to the Advaita school, which considers the individual soul to be illusory, Ramanuja taught that individual souls and the physical world are real and existentially related to a personal God, Vishnu. 

He employed the body and soul analogy to explain this close relationship, with the universe and souls constituting the body of God. Bhakti (devotion) as the means to salvation is at the core of his philosophy, with an emphasis on love and surrender to God. This philosophy enriches Vedanta as well as a devotional path to spirituality and sets the stage for the Bhakti movement throughout India.

Ramanujacharya Literary Works

Ramanujacharya's great literary compositions, referred to as the Navaratnas or Nine Gems, are the foundational works of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy and the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

• Sri Bhashya: Ramanujacharya's magnum opus, a comprehensive commentary on the Vedanta Sutras, which forms the basis of Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
• Vedartha-Sangraha: A work synthesizing the essence of Vishishtadvaita basic principles, reconciling different conflicting views of the scriptures.
• Gita-Bhashya: A comprehensive commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, with a focus on devotion (bhakti) and surrender to God.
• Vedanta-Dipa: A short outline of the Vedanta Sutras for easier comprehension.
• Vedanta-Sara: A short commentary intended for beginners who want an introduction to Vedanta philosophy.
• Saranagati-Gadyam: A prayer that presents the doctrine of total surrender to Lord Vishnu.
• Sriranga-Gadyam: A devotional stotra extolling the qualities of Lord Vishnu.
• Sri Vaikunta-Gadyam: Depicts the resplendent energies of the abode of Vishnu (Sri Vaikuntha) and the happiness of souls liberated. 
• Nitya-Grantha: A worship manual for everyday rituals and spiritual activities for followers.

Ramanujacharya Contributions

Ramanujacharya structured the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) school of philosophy, asserting that a personal God (Vishnu) exists with whom individual souls have an eternal connection.

• He emphasized the reality and uniqueness of the individual soul (jiva) and world but retained their inseparable relationship to Brahman.
• His most important philosophical contribution is the body-soul analogy, in which the universe and individual souls are the "body" of God.
• Ramanuja made bhakti (devotion) the major method for achieving moksha (liberation), combining devotional worship with intellectual rigor.
• He countered the Advaita Vedanta thesis of absolute non-dualism with a qualified monism that reconciled unity and diversity.
• Ramanuja's doctrines formed the basis of the Bhakti movement, encouraging social equality and bringing spiritual discipline within the reach of all castes and communities.
• His theological writings integrated scriptural legitimacy with inclusivity, shaping Hindu religious practice and temple worship patterns.
• Ramanuja explained divine grace, ethical living, and surrender in spiritual advancement.
• His philosophical system integrated ethics, metaphysics, and devotionalism into one coherent system.
• Ramanuja's ideas influenced the Sri Vaishnava tradition, a large Hindu sect, which continues to be influential today.

Ramanujacharya: Statue of Equality

The Statue of Equality was unveiled in February 2022 in Hyderabad as a giant monument to the 11th-century philosopher and social reformer Ramanujacharya.

• Standing 216 feet tall, it is among the world's tallest sitting statues, even taller than the Statue of Liberty.
• The statue represents Ramanuja's teachings of social equality, devotion, and universal inclusion, reinforcing the idea that all human beings are equal, irrespective of caste or creed.
• Composed of an alloy of five metals known as panchaloha, the statue stands on a 54-foot pedestal that accommodates a Vedic library, research institute, and a planetarium with Ramanuja's life and philosophy.
• The monument has been sponsored by donations via the Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Trust and is an architectural wonder designed to preserve and disseminate Ramanuja's message of equality and spiritual wisdom.

Why Is Ramanujacharya Known as the Statue of Equality?

Ramanujacharya is referred to as the "Statue of Equality" metaphorically via the "Statue of Equality" in Hyderabad, signifying his immense contribution toward social equality and justice. This gigantic statue, constructed with panchaloha (five-metal alloy), signifies Ramanuja's universal teachings of inclusiveness, worship, and resistance to discrimination, just as the Statue of Equality signifies freedom and equality. 

It is a reminder of his attempts to transcend societal boundaries and enhance belief and equality among all segments of society, and he is a strong symbol of freedom in the Indian socio-religious scenario.

Ramanujacharya UPSC PYQ

Ramanujacharya Philosophy UPSC questions deal with his philosophy, teachings, and socio-religious reforms, which are important to the UPSC history and ethics syllabus. The Ramanujacharya UPSC in Hindi also derives questions based on his contributions and philosophies.  

UPSC Prelims 2022 PYQ 

The second-tallest statue in the sitting position of Ramanuja in the world was unveiled by the Prime Minister of India recently at Hyderabad. Which of the following statements best states the doctrine of Ramanuja?

 a) The supreme method of salvation was devotion.

 b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent, and entirely authoritative.

 c) Logical argument was a fundamental instrument for supreme bliss.

 d) Salvation had to be achieved through meditation.

 UPSC Mains Practice Question:

 Mention the philosophical ideas put forth by Sri Ramanujacharya rejuvenating the Bhakti movement in India and the impact of his teachings on social equality. Contrast these teachings with those of other significant figures in the Bhakti tradition. (15 M, 250 Words)