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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Ramanuja, a great social genius

 

CHENNAI, MAY 8. Apart from questioning whether God exists at all,

some go to the extent of even seeking evidence for certain

outstanding and marvellous events which had happened in the lives

of God's messengers when they were engaged in their Divine

mission. The scriptural texts as well as the chronicles left by

scholars should be taken as authentic. Besides such testimony

there were incorporeal voices through which such luminaries were

asked to carry out certain tasks. Sometimes, God, in the form of

sanctified idols in temples, used to convey, directly or through

the priests, His approval of the proposals of these guides. On

some occasions God's accord was sanctioned through dreams.

 

Ramanuja, besides establishing an alternative system of

philosophy (than Adwaita), revealed himself as a great social

reformer. In his supreme sympathy for people who desired to reach

the goal of salvation, he showed the path of surrender. He has

thus been acclaimed as a great religious social genius. Many are

the sacrifices he had made to promote devotion.

 

One of the extraordinary noble deeds that Ramanuja performed was

to lead the so-called low caste men into the temples. In the

stupendous work, he was involved in spreading the gospel of God,

which included hard journeys to distant places, he obtained

assistance from these men of ordinary level. During his tour in

Mysore, Ramanuja, in appreciation of these lay-men's service,

gave them the title of ``Thirukkulattar'' (or blessed

descendants) and allowed them the privilege of entering the holy

temples.

 

In a lecture, Sri R. Kannan Swamigal said on completion of his

stay in Melkote, Ramanuja sought the permission of the Lord to

return to Srirangam. There was no answer for a long time. When

the saint repeated his request: ``Lord Ranganatha's command was

that I should stay in Srirangam forever. But owing to unexpected

calamities, I was forced to leave. Now should I not go back?''

The Lord's voice came ``Be it so, then''.

 

Another breath-taking incident was when he paid a visit to the

house of a devotee whose wife, finding that there were no food

articles in the house (her husband had gone seeking alms) was

even prepared to ``accommodate'' a merchant who was making

overtures to her, and obtained abundance of commodities. After

food Ramanuja rested there.The couple adored the saint for his

compassion. They later called on the merchant with the holy water

and ``Prasada'' given to them by Ramanuja. Partaking it he felt a

revolution within him. His attitude changed and he prostrated

before her. He was later led to Ramanuja, who took him as a

disciple.

 

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