Ramanuja

Ramanuja (c. 1077–1157), also known as Ramanujacharya, was a pivotal Indian Hindu philosopher, guru, and social reformer. He is a prominent figure in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition and a chief proponent of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta philosophy. His teachings, which provided a philosophical basis for devotional practices, significantly impacted the Bhakti movement. Ramanuja's philosophy, Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), presented a theistic perspective that competed with the non-dualism of Adi Shankara and the dualism of Madhvacharya. He emphasized the importance of bhakti (devotion) to a personal God (Vishnu) as the means to spiritual liberation (moksha). Ramanuja asserted that while individual souls and the material world are distinct from Brahman, they are intrinsically connected to and form the 'body' of Brahman. He challenged the concept of maya (illusion) prevalent in Advaita Vedanta and advocated for a realistic view of the universe. His work provided an intellectual foundation for devotional Hinduism, and he is credited with reforming temple practices and expanding the reach of his tradition through organized networks and teachings.