Kanchi and Srirangam

[Guest guest]

Mr. Gansten writes:

 

I have previously encountered the terms Vadakalai and Thenkalai. Are

these

synonymous with the Kanchi and Srirangam schools alluded to by Mr.

Sagar,

and if so, which is which? What are the main differences between the

two

schools -- or, if that is too far-reaching a question, where can I

learn

more about them?

 

----------------------------

 

Yes, the terms are synonymous. During the formative years of the

tradition after Sri Ramanuja, two great cities, Kanchipuram and

Srirangam, became the main centers for SriVaishava learning. The

distinct cultures of these two cities became the impetus for the

formation of the two schools of thought.

 

Kanchipuram was (and continues to be) a cosmopolitan center for a

variety of Eastern philosophies. During the twelfth and thirteenth

centuries, Kanchi was not only the home of the various Brahminical

schools, but also included Jains and Buddhists in its diverse

population. Debate and polemics were common in the town,

consequently, the Kanchi Acharyas stressed an approach that would

validate SriVaishnava philosophy within the context of what most

rival schools would accept, Sastra and Vedanta.

 

Contrary to this, the focal point for Srirangam's society was (anc

continues to be) the famous temple to Lord Ranganatha. As much of

the community of this town already aligned itself with this temple,

the Srirangam Acharyas did not feel as strong a need to validate the

philosophy in the eyes of rival schools of thought. Consequently,

they felt free to turn their congregation's attention towards

SriVaishnavism's temple based devotional side, and primarily utilized

the Puranas and the Azhwars' works to validate this.

 

At first, the two cities complimented each other. However, over time,

the widening discrepancy between the cultural climates, combined

with a number of geographic factors and historical incidents, brought

about a schism that resulted in the formation of Kanchipuram's

Vadagalai (Northern) School, and Srirangam's Thengalai (Southern)

School.

 

There are, I believe, 18 official philosophical differences between

the two schools of SriVaishnavism, the most dramatic of which lies in

the interpretation of Prapatti. An excellent book that examines the

two schools, their formation, and their views on Prapatti is Patricia

Mumme's SriVaishnava Theological Dispute, which is published by New

Era Books.

 

Daasanu Daasan,

 

Mohan