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📘 Divine Knowledge – Sri Vaishnava Q&A

📖 What is Sri Vaishnavism?

Sri Vaishnavism is a spiritual tradition that accepts Sriman Narayana as the supreme deity along with Sri Mahalakshmi Devi as His consort who bestows divine grace. It follows the path of devotion, surrender (prapatti), and the teachings found in the sacred 4000 Divya Prabandham hymns composed by the Alwars.

🌸 What is Prapatti?

Prapatti means total surrender to the Supreme Lord. It is a spiritual process where a devotee offers himself completely to God, relying solely on His grace. It is a simple yet profound path that requires faith and humility.

🧘 Who founded Sri Vaishnavism?

Sri Vaishnavism originated with the 12 Alwars, whose devotional hymns form the Divya Prabandham. The philosophical foundation was later established by Sri Ramanuja, who propagated the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy and organized the tradition into a formal system.

🪔 What was the Alwars' contribution?

The Alwars composed hymns expressing deep love, surrender, and experience of the Lord’s divine qualities. Their works, collectively called the Divya Prabandham, are central to Sri Vaishnava worship and temple rituals even today.

👣 What is Sri Ramanuja’s key contribution?

Sri Ramanuja established the Vishishtadvaita philosophy and promoted equality among devotees regardless of caste. He opened temples to all and emphasized devotion, surrender, and service to God. He also preserved the Guru Parampara and structured the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya.

🪷 What is Pancha Samskara and why is it essential?

Pancha Samskara refers to five sacred rites that mark the initiation into Sri Vaishnavism:
① Tapam – branding with the Lord’s symbols
② Pundram – applying sacred marks (Tilak)
③ Namam – receiving a spiritual name
④ Mantram – learning holy mantras
⑤ Yagam – offering sacrifices to the Lord
These rituals prepare a devotee for a dedicated spiritual life.

👨‍🏫 Who is an Acharya and why is he important?

An Acharya is a spiritual teacher who guides the devotee in knowledge, surrender, and the right path. In Sri Vaishnavism, reaching the Lord is considered impossible without the blessings and guidance of a qualified Acharya. He acts as the bridge between the devotee and the Divine.

📜 What is the Divya Prabandham?

The Divya Prabandham is a compilation of 4000 Tamil devotional hymns composed by the Alwars. It is often referred to as the "Tamil Veda" and is recited in Sri Vaishnava temples as part of daily rituals. The Tiruvaymoli of Nammalwar is especially revered.

🌼 What are the key practices in Sri Vaishnava life?

Regular worship, recitation of holy texts, surrender to God through Acharya, pure vegetarian food, compassion, cleanliness, and adherence to scriptural principles define a Sri Vaishnava's daily life. Simplicity, humility, and devotion are the cornerstones.

📅 What days are most important for Sri Vaishnavas?

Ekadashi is considered especially sacred. On this day, devotees observe fasting, chant the Lord’s names, visit temples, and engage in spiritual reflection. Observing Ekadashi is believed to purify sins and aid in spiritual progress.

🌿 Spiritual Glory of the Tulasi Garland

🕉️ Wearing a Tulasi garland and chanting the holy name purifies the soul and completes one’s devotion.

🌱 Devotees who wear the Tulasi garland and repeat Lord’s name are believed to attain spiritual liberation (Moksha).

💠 Saints like Andal and Nammalwar highly praised the sacredness of the Tulasi garland and the power of divine name chanting.

🌼 Offering even a single Tulasi leaf to the Lord is considered equal to performing millions of worship rituals.

🔱 Divine Name Chanting + Tulasi Garland = Perfect Devotional Service