Sri Ramanuja Acharya Jayanti

Sri Ramanuja Acharya Jayanti or Ramanuja Jayanti as it is commonly known is celebrated as a mark of respect to the Great Indian philosopher Ramanuja Acharya. It was Ramanuja who advocated that worship of Lord Vishnu is the best and the viable method of attaining Moksha or salvation. Tamil calender is consulted every year to decide on the exact date as to when the celebrations are to be initiated. Usually Ramanuja Acharya Jayanti falls in month of Chaitra and it usually falls on Thiruvathirai Nakshatra.

Ramanuja Acharya was revered as most knowledgeable Acharya who advocated the philosophy and ethics of Vaishnavism. The Acharya was born in 1017 CE at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. His birth name was Ilaya Perumal and the revered Acharya continued to spread the light of vision throughout his life.

Shri Ramanuja Acharya promoted the intellectual form of Bhakti by guiding his followers on a distinct path away from the Advita principals. Shri Ramanuja was a great philosopher and thinker, as is evident from his philosophical works namely Vedartha Samgraha, Shri Bhasya and Bhagavad Gita Bhasya.

It was Ramanuja Acharya who propagated the thought that devotees can choose their own method of worship and reach the highest level of devotion through Bhakti. As Shri Ramanuja Acharya was a devoted Bharamin his suggested means are usually accepted as a way of attaining Moksha. He was better known as a preacher who guided the devotees on the path of Nirvana and helped his devotees attain Nirvana.

Due to the unique nature of his work he is not only remembered by his followers but also by thinkers and philosophers who have deep understanding of the Hindu culture and its traditions. His works hold much relevance today and are consulted by the scholars, whenever the need arises.

The greatness of Sri Ramanuja Acharya can be understood from the fact that he is worshiped throughout the country. Devotees throughout Southern and Northern parts of India make special celebrations for the day. On this auspicious occasion a traditional holy bath is given to the 'Uthsava Murti' or statue of Sri Ramanuja Acharya. Special prayers and recital sessions on teachings of Sri Ramanuja Acharya are held on this day. Cultural celebrations too are held in temples across the country on Shri Ramanuja Acharya Jayanti. Recital of Upanishads is also considered auspicious on this day as Shri Ramanuja Acharya was deeply involved in creation of these Upanishads.

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मुक्तसंग्ङोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वित:।
सिद्ध‌‌यसिद्धयोर्निर्विकार: कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते ॥१८.२६॥

Freed from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with courage and enthusiasm and unperturbed by success or failure, the worker is known as a pure (Sattvika) one. Four outstanding and essential qualities of a worker. - Bhagwad Gita : XVIII-26