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रामानुजाचार्य
1017–1137 CE · Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
Tradition: Vishishtadvaita Vedanta; Sri Vaishnavism
Brahman (Vishnu/Narayana) is one but qualified by jiva (chit) and matter (achit) as inseparable attributes; sharanagati (surrender) is the supreme means.
Studied under Yadava Prakasha (Advaitin) but disagreed with him; succeeded Yamunacharya at Srirangam; lived 120 years; left disciples who continued the lineage as Sri Vaishnavas (Vadakalai/Tenkalai).
Codified Sri Vaishnava theology; reformed temple worship at Srirangam, Tirupati; reached out to lower castes; established 74 Acharya-purushas to spread the philosophy.
Ramanujacharya stands within the lineage of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta; Sri Vaishnavism. Understanding a saint requires understanding the school of thought, the lineage of teachers, and the historical context that shaped them. The Vishishtadvaita Vedanta; Sri Vaishnavism tradition has shaped Hindu spiritual life through its philosophical foundations, its liturgy, its scriptures, and the institutions its founding ācāryas built and sustained across generations.
Saints in this tradition are not abstract figures from history — they are the living chain through which the tradition transmits itself. To read Ramanujacharya correctly is to read both the writings (where they survive) and the institutions they founded, the disciples they taught, and the practices they reinterpreted. Where written works are listed above, they remain the primary source for studying their thought; for the practical transmission, one studies under a teacher of the same lineage.
The dates and biographical details preserved in tradition often differ from those accepted by modern academic historians. Where the difference matters for interpretation, both views are noted; otherwise the traditional account is given with sources cited.
Awaiting scholar verification. If you spot a factual error in dates, lineage, or teaching, please write to us.