Ramanuja Jayanti is a day to celebrate Ramanuja, an intelligent and knowledgeable philosopher.
Who exactly is Ramanuja?
Sri Ramanuja Archarya (1017-1137 C.E.) was a great Hindu philosopher and thinker, who is the most revered Acharya in the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism. He was born in the 11th century in the village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, on April 5th, 1017 CE. His birth name was Lakshmana and he is also known as Ilaya Perumal which means “the radiant one”. He disappeared at the age of 120 on October 15th, 1137 CE at Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, is celebrated every year and the date it is celebrated changes each year. The day can be picked based on a Tamil Solar Calendar.
When is Sri Ramanujacharya Jayanti celebrated?
The Tamil Solar calendar celebrates Ramanuja Jayanti on the day Thiruvathira Nakshatra appears. The Gregorian calendar has this day in April or May.
The Birth Story of Ramanuja
Once there was a couple, Kesava Samayaji and Kantimathi as they were both leading lives that were right and good unfortunately they didn’t have any children.
Once a great sage, Thirukatchi Nambi visited the couple’s house and asked them to do a Yagna (a ritual) to Lord Parthasarathy at Thiruvallikeni (a temple) which would make their wish come true–to have a son.
As instructed, they did the yagna and then worshiped the deity. The deity was happy with them and gave them a son. The child had marks that showed he is the incarnation of Lord Lakshman, younger brother of Lord Rama.
What is the importance of Ramanujacharya Jayanti?
The festival of Ramanujacharya Jayanti is significant to Vaishnavites. Ramanuja preached and supported Vaishnavism and travelled to other places so that people could understand the principles of Vaishnavism. The nine most popular works by Ramanuja Acharya are called Navaratnas,
He also played a major role in encouraging the practice of Bhakti Yoga.
Ramanuja Acharya taught people about the intellectual form of Bhakti. He guided his followers away from Advaita principles.
Ramanuja was a great thinker and philosopher, as is evident from his philosophical works like Vedanta Samgraha, Shri Bhasya, and Bhagavad Gita Bhasya.
Ramanuja Acharya gave ways for people to worship and reach the highest level of devotion through Bhakti.
As he was devoted to Bharamin (Brahman), he suggested methods that are usually accepted as a way of attaining Moksha (liberation).
The man was a preacher who guided people on the path to Nirvana. He helped devotees reach Nirvana. This is why he is remembered by his followers and also by thinkers and philosophers who know about Hindu culture. His works are still relevant today, so scholars study them when they need to.
How do we Celebrate Ramanuja Jayanti?
As Ramanuja’s teachings and principles are still relevant today, we celebrate his birth anniversary. We do this with a lot of enthusiasm and respect for him. In the South and North of India, people celebrate by arranging events where his teachings are discussed.
Devotees offer a special bath to the statue or idol of Utsava Murthy (Ramanuja Acharya). In many temples, different Upanishads are recited with great devotion. In several Vaishnava Maths, celebrations of Ramanuja Jayanti happen with a lot of enthusiasm. Devotees also observe a fast for Ramanuja Jayanti. They make offerings to the Brahmins.
