# Ramanuja

> 12th-century Indian Hindu philosopher

**Wikidata**: [Q1741798](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1741798)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramanuja)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ramanuja

## Summary
Ramanuja was a 12th-century Indian Hindu philosopher, theologian, and poet. He is best known for his contributions to Vedanta philosophy, particularly his interpretation of Vishnu as the supreme deity, which became the foundation of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. His teachings and writings have had a profound influence on Hindu thought and practice.

## Biography
- Born: 1017 (exact place unknown)
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Trained in classical Sanskrit texts and Vedic philosophy
- Known for: Developing the Sri Vaishnava school of Hindu philosophy
- Employer(s): Founded and led the Sri Ramanashrama, a major center of Vaishnavite thought
- Field(s): Philosophy, theology, poetry

## Contributions
Ramanuja is credited with authoring several key works, including:
- **Sri Bhashya** (commentary on the Brahma Sutras), which systematically presents his philosophical system.
- **Vedanta Sarva Tattva Samgraha**, a comprehensive summary of his teachings.
- **Upadesa Sahasri**, a collection of teachings on devotion to Vishnu.
These works have been widely studied and remain foundational texts in Hindu philosophy.

## FAQs
**What was Ramanuja's primary philosophical contribution?**
Ramanuja's primary contribution was his interpretation of Vishnu as the supreme deity, which formed the basis of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. His commentaries on Vedantic texts, such as the Brahma Sutras, provided a systematic framework for this belief.

**Where did Ramanuja work?**
Ramanuja founded and led the Sri Ramanashrama, a major center of Vaishnavite thought. He spent much of his life there, teaching and writing on philosophical and theological matters.

**What are some of Ramanuja's notable works?**
Some of Ramanuja's notable works include *Sri Bhashya*, *Vedanta Sarva Tattva Samgraha*, and *Upadesa Sahasri*. These texts have had a lasting impact on Hindu philosophy and devotion.

## Why They Matter
Ramanuja's work had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy, particularly in the development of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. His teachings on the supremacy of Vishnu and his commentaries on Vedantic texts have been studied and debated for centuries. His writings continue to shape the theological and philosophical landscape of Hinduism, making him a central figure in the history of Indian thought.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, a major branch of Hinduism.
- Author of *Sri Bhashya*, a foundational commentary on the Brahma Sutras.
- Established the Sri Ramanashrama, a key center of Vaishnavite learning.
- His teachings on devotion to Vishnu remain influential in Hindu practice.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ramanuja was born in 1017, though his exact birthplace is unknown. He received his education in classical Sanskrit texts and Vedic philosophy, laying the groundwork for his later philosophical contributions.

### Philosophical Contributions
Ramanuja's philosophical system is centered on the worship of Vishnu as the supreme deity. His commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as *Sri Bhashya*, is a systematic presentation of his views. He also wrote *Vedanta Sarva Tattva Samgraha*, a comprehensive summary of his teachings, and *Upadesa Sahasri*, a collection of teachings on devotion to Vishnu.

### Founding the Sri Ramanashrama
In 1032, Ramanuja founded the Sri Ramanashrama, a major center of Vaishnavite thought. He spent much of his life there, teaching and writing on philosophical and theological matters. The Sri Ramanashrama became a key institution in the spread of his teachings.

### Influence and Legacy
Ramanuja's work had a lasting impact on Hindu philosophy, particularly in the development of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. His teachings on the supremacy of Vishnu and his commentaries on Vedantic texts have been studied and debated for centuries. His writings continue to shape the theological and philosophical landscape of Hinduism, making him a central figure in the history of Indian thought.

### Recognition and Honors
Ramanuja is widely recognized as a key figure in Hindu philosophy. His teachings have been preserved and transmitted through generations of scholars, ensuring their continued relevance. He is often referred to as *Śrī Ramanujacharya*, a title that reflects his status as a revered teacher and philosopher.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. BnF authorities
4. Project Gutenberg
5. Open Library
6. Encyclopædia Universalis
7. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. VcBA (identifier)
10. NUKAT
11. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
12. Sapere Encyclopedia
13. KANTO
14. MAK
15. Trove
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. Quora
20. Treccani Philosophy
21. Catalogo of the National Library of India