Vaishnava Calendar – Ekadasi, Alwar Thirunakshatram & Utsav Dates

📅 Vaishnava Calendar – Festival Dates & Events

This calendar highlights sacred Vaishnava dates including Ekadasi, Alwar Thirunakshatram, Perumal Utsavam, Krishna Jayanthi and other divine events celebrated by Sri Vaishnavites.

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🕉️ Sri Bhashyakarar – Life of Sri Ramanuja

📍 Birthplace: Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
🎉 Birth Day: Chithirai month, Thiruvathirai Star
👨‍🏫 Gurus: Periya Nambi, Thirukottiyur Nambi, Thirumalai Nambi, Aalavandhaar
📚 Important Works: Sri Bhashyam, Vedartha Sangraham, Gita Bhashyam
🧠 Philosophy: Vishishtadvaita – One Supreme God (Paramatma), with souls and universe as His attributes
🕉️ Achievements: Worshipped at all 108 Divya Desams, preached equality across castes
🕯️ Attained Moksha: Srirangam – after living 120 glorious years

🪔 Immortal Quote:
“Let me go to hell if needed, but let everyone else attain liberation” – the supreme compassion of Sri Ramanuja.

📘 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.