Hinduism Today JulyAugustSeptember, 2015 by Himalayan Academy

Author:Himalayan Academy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Himalayan Academy
Published: 2014-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

LAKSHMI SRIDHARAN

The Thirunarayanapuram Temple in Melkote, a sacred kshetra in Karnataka where Ramanuja resided for twelve years.

Meanwhile, Rakshambal was understandably disturbed by her husband’s indifference to their life together since his return from Srirangam. Unwavering in her brahmin orthodoxy, she was also irreconcilably opposed to his mingling with Kanchipurna and other non-brahmins. There were several incidents in which she insulted non-brahmins, including Kanchipurna, his wife and Mahapurna. Unable to endure this, Ramanuja, still somber over his guru’s death, separated from her, sending her home to her parents.

Resolving that he had had enough of worldly life, Ramanuja undertook the rites for entering into the holy order of sannyasins at the Varadaraja Temple in the company of Kanchipurna, with the Deity, Lord Varadaraja, as his guru. Thereafter, staying for some time as head of the monastery in Kanchi, he began giving discourses on Vedanta and Vaishnavism to the many disciples who were drawn to his presence.

To complete his conversion to Vaishnavism, Ramanuja was encouraged by Mahapurna to seek initiation from Thirukottiyur Nambigal (a.k.a. Gostipurna) into formal recital of the sacred eight-syllable mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya. Nambigal taught Ramanuja the meaning of Charama shloka, the noblest of all passages in the Bhagavad Gita. However, he hesitated to give him mantra initiation. Ramanuja had to make eighteen trips seeking this initiation before gaining the confidence of the guru, who swore him to secrecy before imparting the mantra. “Ramanuja! Keep this mantra a secret. It is powerful. Share it only with disciples who have proven themselves worthy.” Ramanuja promised his guru that he would not share it—but it was a promise he could not keep.

Desiring that all souls might enjoy the eternal bliss of Lord Narayana, Ramanuja immediately called all the village together, irrespective of caste and creed, to assemble in front of a temple. Standing atop the entrance gate with the gopuram towering behind him, he shouted out the mantra at the top of his voice. This blatant disobedience to his guru was an unforgivable sin, one for which he could be condemned, but Ramanuja was willing to suffer personal torment if his transgression meant that millions of people could attain salvation by hearing the sacred mantra. When Nambigal learned of this, he became angry; but when Ramanuja stood before him and clasped the guru’s feet in humility, he realized the extent of his devotee’s selfless compassion, then embraced Rama­nuja and blessed him.

At Home in Srirangam

Ramanuja settled in Srirangam. After further training from Yamuna’s disciples, he succeeded the great Yamunacharya as administrator of Srirangam Math and Temple. He conversed with the temple Deity, Lord Sriranganathan, more than once. During one conversation the Lord granted him the title Udaiyavar, owner—possessor of mukti (salvation) and Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode). In gracious response, Ramanuja requested the Lord to grant these blessings to all His devotees. While at Srirangam Yatiraja (as Ramanuja was known in later years) gave discourses on the hymns of the Alvar saints, preached his Vishishtadvaita philosophy and composed important philosophical works in Sanskrit.

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