Sri Ramanuja Acharya (1017-1137 C.E.) was a great Hindu philosopher and thinker. He is the most venerated Acharya in the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism. He was born in 11th century in the village of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu in 1017 CE. Sri Ramanuja birth name was Lakshmana and also referred as Ilaya Perumal which means the radiant one. He disappeared at the age of 120 in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu in 1137 CE.Ramanuja is also known as Ramanujacharya.

Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi is celebrated each year and Jayanthi day is decided based on Tamil Solar Calendar. Ramanuja Jayanthi is celebrated during Chithirai month on Thiruvathirai Nakshatra day.

Promoter of Intellectual Form of Bhakti

Shri Ramanuja Acharya promoted the intellectual form of Bhakti by guiding his followers on a distinct path away from the Advaita principals. Shri Ramanuja was a great philosopher and thinker, as is evident from his philosophical works namely Vedanta 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, he suggested means that 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.

Celebrations

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.

In Sothern part of India special arrangements are made by devotees in Tamil Nadu to celebrate the day in a big way. The houses are specially decorated for the day and devotees ensure that they make a round of the temple to seek blessings from Shri Ramanuja Acharya on his jayanti.

Sri Ramanujacharya Jayanthi Timings

21st April 2018 (Saturday)

Thiruvathirai Nakshathram Begins = 21:15 on 20/Apr/2018

Thiruvathirai Nakshathram Ends = 19:43 on 21/Apr/2018