The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
This questions was previously asked in
UPSC CSP Previous Year Paper (2022)
The best means of salvation was devotion.
Correct AnswerVedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
Incorrect AnswerLogical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
Incorrect AnswerSalvation was to be obtained through mediation.
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
Recent context: 216-feet tall ‘Statue of Equality commemorating Sri Ramanujacharya was recently dedicated to the nation. The statue has been inaugurated at Hyderabad in the backdrop of celebrations of the ‘Festival of equality’, marking the 1000th birth anniversary of the Saint. The statue has been conceptualized by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram. It is made of ‘panchaloha’, a combination of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc and is among one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position, in the world. About Sri Ramanujacharya Born in Tamil Nadu in the 11th century, Ramanujacharya is revered as a Vedic philosopher and social reformer. He was deeply influenced by the Alvars (Vishnu worshippers) and according to him the best means of attaining salvation was through intense devotion to Vishnu. He propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness. He spoke of universal salvation through devotion to God, compassion, humility, equality, and mutual respect, which is known as Sri Vaishnavam Sampradaya. .He is considered to be the inspiration for Bhakti poets like Annamacharya, Ramdas, Thyagaraja, Kabir, and Meerabai.
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By: Parvesh Mehta