Essay, Biography or Paragraph on “Ramanujacharya” complete biography for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Ramanujacharya

Ramanuja was born at Sriperumbundur near Kancheepuram in Madras (now Chennai) in 1017 A.D. His father’s name was Asurikesava Somayaji and mother’s name was Kantimati, a grand-daughter of Yamunacharya. Owing to the influences of Buddhism and onslaughts of Muslim invaders, the old vedic religion was decaying. So, Ramanuja rejuvenated the old ancient religion in terms of Vaishnavism.

He had his early education under his father. At the age of fifteen, he was put to a school at Kancheepuram. Later, Sri Yamunacharya, the chief of Sri Ranganatha temple at Sreerangam wanted to install him formally as his successor. But unfortunately, Yamunacharya died before Ramanuja reached Sreerangam. Ramanuja paid his last respects to him and noticed that three of his fingers remained folded. On enquiry whether he had any specific wishes to be fulfilled, he was told that the Achraya had left three commands for him. The first was that he should dedicate himself to the elucidition (explanation) of the Vedantic shastras, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The second was that he should popularise the Divya Prabandhas. The third one was that he should train disciples worthy to carry on, the high traditions of Vaishnavism. When Ramanuja took a vow to fulfil the commands, the closed fingers slowly opened out in a mysterious manner.

At the age of twenty five, he married and led the life of a householder. But his wife was not very helpful to his pursuit of spirituality and service. Later on, he left his wife and set out as a wandering monk and attracted a large number of followers. He was initiated by Gosthi Poorna, another disciple of Yamnunacharya. When he was given the Moha-Mantram, he was filled with ecstasy and such desire for the redemption of all beings that he went up the temple tower and calling together the people, proclaimed the Mantram in a trumpet-voice. The Guru was astounded at this strange behaviour of Ramanuja and scolded him for a breach on instructions. It was sacred secret. Ramanuja asked, “What is the punishment for the transgression?” Hell”, said the Guru. “The reward for chanting the Mantra “,“Heaven”. “As I have helped so many to go to heaven, I do not care if I myself go to hell,” The teacher’s heart was touched and he embraced him saying, “You are not my disciple. You are my Guru”. After this incident his name spread over the length and breadth of the country. His teaching is called the “Ramanuja Darsanam”.

Ramanuja’s fame as a great teacher began to spread. He met and defeated in argument several scholars. Many of them became his disciples. He lived in Srirangam for nearly fifty years. He undertook a pilgrimage from Rameswaram to Badrinath. He had written many valuable books, viz. Sri Bhashyam, and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta Deepa, Vedanta Sara, Vedartha Sangraha and Godya Traya etc.

Having completed his mission, he passed away in 1137 A.D. in his 120th year.