Sri Ramanujacharya Statue of Peace in Srinagar, J & K

The statue of peace in the memory of Shri Ramanujacharya, a Hindu philosopher, social reformer and most important exponent of Vaishnavism is set to be unveiled in Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir state on Thursday 07 July.

A dream comes true: Thanks to the relentless efforts of Sri Yadhugiri Yathiraja Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami also known as Sri Tiru Swami of the Sri Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt Moolasthanam, Thirunarayanapuram Melkote, Mandya district in Karnataka, the dream of a statue of Acharya Ramanuja in Kashmir is, at last, becoming a reality.

Home Minister to unveil the statue of peace: The statue of Sri Ramanujacharya at Sonwar in Srinagar, J & K with the support of Shuryar Shiv Mandir Samiti of the J & K summer capital is being unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Manoj Sinha, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka will be the chief guests of the event. The function is scheduled for 10.30 AM.

A free medical check camp: Prior to the unveiling of the statue of peace, a free health camp is being organized on Wednesday, 06 July at the KN Das Park, Batwara, BB Cantonment location in Srinagar. The medical check-up camp is being held in association with Ujala Cygnus Kashmir Super Speciality Hospital Nowgam Byepass. Free tests including doctor consultations and medicines are being provided while physicians of internal medicine, orthopaedic, critical care and gastro specializations will be available.

Ramanujacharya, a great reformer: There are paradoxical opinions on his birth and life span. It is agreed upon that he was born to Tamil Brahmin parents, mother Kanthimathi and father Asuri Keshav Somayaji in the present-day Sripermbudur near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. However, there is no consensus on his birth and life span. The traditionalists claim his life cycle was from 1017-1137 which literally means he lived for 120 years. On the other hand, modern research based on temple records and regional literature of the 11th and 12th centuries suggests his life span from 1077-1157.

Untouchables allowed entry into Hindu Temples: Sri Ramanujacharya is hailed not for his religious accomplishments alone. His contribution to a caste and classless society way back in the 11th century is unimaginable. Interestingly, the Vaishnavite order before the Ramanujacharya era was not devoid of free and fair representation of others as both, Kanchipurna and Mahapurna, towering personalities of the sect were non-Brahmins. However, Ramanujacharya took a giant leap when he became instrumental in allowing the downtrodden untouchables into the temple in Melukote. He not just revolted against the discrimination leading to a caste system, thanks to his liberal approach led to the reorganization of rituals in Srirangam temple and the involvement of non-Brahmin people in the Vaishnav form of worship.

Community splits over the issue: Post Ramanuja period, there was a split over the issue paving the way for the formation of the Vadakalai(Northern and Sanskritic) and the Thenkalai (Southern and Tamil) sects. Both these sects believe in initiation into Sri Vaishnavism through Pancha Samskara and it is mandatory for both, Brahmins and non-Brahmins in order to become Vaishnavas.

-Manohar Yadavatti

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