Imbuing bhakthi in Vedanta knowledge Sri Ramanujar propagated the concepts as the “people's religion” and transcended times to encompass all sections of the society. Therein lay his greatness, observed Sri Ranga Narayana Jeer Swamigal of Srirangam here on Wednesday.
Delivering the key note address at the valedictory of a seminar organised by the Tamil University and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, the Jeer Swamigal noted that Sri Ramanujar gave a new meaning to bhakti cult even as he redefined the concept of Visishtadvaita and made that easy to be understood by even the laity.
Sri Ramanujar was a true teacher in that he propounded the concept of saranagadhi at a sublime level while enshrining that social stratifications meant nothing to the good and his devotee. Universal salvation was his goal and that spoke volumes of his universal appeal, the seer pointed out.
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Understanding the problems of society, Sri Ramanujar focussed on equanimity and social outlook even in his philosophical treatises. His endeavour to codify and administer temples in a proper manner remained a seminal contribution to humanity. For Sri Ramanujar, societal service was akin to service to the Lord and he always relished performing that, the Jeer said and lauded the Tamil University for celebrating the contribution of Sri Ramanujar to the community at large.
Recalling his celebration of classical Tamil language, Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil University K. Bhaskaran said that Sri Ramanujar was a multi faceted personality and could be easily termed a revolutionary ascetic. His contribution to spiritual, religious, social and philosophical spheres were immense. That he was being remembered and celebrated even after 1,000 years was a pointer to his eminence.
Noting that Sri Ramanujar’s socio religious views transcended his times, he said his greatness stemmed from his desire for universal salvation cutting across class and creed. It was in the fitness of things that the Tamil University and the HR & CE Department joined hands to celebrate the millennium of his birth as Sri Ramanuja had contributed to Tami Pasurams being sung in all Vishnu temples even as he streamlined temple affairs.
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HR & CE Joint Commissioners P. Jayaraman and C. Kumaradurai offered felicitations. More than 20 Vaishnavism scholars presented papers on various aspects of Ramanuja Darsanam during the three days of the seminar. Director of Distance Education, Tamil University, N. Bhaskaran proposed a vote of thanks.
Jayalakshmi Venugopal's Paavai Kuzhu presented an attractive Pinnal Kolattam for Naalayira Divya Prabhandam pasurams while Sheel Unnikrishnan's Sri Devi Nrthyalaya students played a dance drama on Sri Ramanujar's life history.