Conversion to Hinduism

[Guest guest]

Conversion to Srivaishnava tradition is as old as the Azhwars

themselves. The process of Prapatti is open to any living entity

whether man, animal, god or insect. I have been told of at least one

instance where Andavan Swamigal performed Prapatti to a grasshopper.

Temple cows and elephants are routinely given Prapatti.

 

Anyone outside the faith of Hinduism can covert to Srivaishnavism by

getting the same SamAshrayam and Prapatti process in the case of

Vadagalai or SamAshrayam in the case of Tengalais. Upanayanam is not

done in the case of Vadagalais unless one is born in a family that

traditionally has upanayanams. In the case of Tengalais I have known

at least two instances where Upanayanams have been done to people

converted to Srivaishnavism.

 

After Prapatti one can do service to Sriman Narayana as instructed by

one's Acharya. Even though Jnana is not a requirement for Moksha,

the only two things one is allowed to pray for, and is in fact

encouraged to pray for, is Jnana and Bhakti. Moksha is a state where

one renders service to Sriman Narayana at all times, in all places

and under all circumstances. This service begins here and now. But

until the time of Moksha, there could be interruptions in service

because of maturation of past sins.

 

Srimate Srivan Satakopa Sri Vedanta Desika Yateendra Mahadesikaya

Namah:

 

Jaganath.