The Hindu- Book Review- SRI VAISHNAVISM — An Insight: K.K.A. Venkatachari

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Aspects of Vaishnavism

 

K. A. MANAVALAN

 

http://www.hindu.com/br/2006/07/18/stories/2006071800061500.htm

 

 

SRI VAISHNAVISM — An Insight: K.K.A. Venkatachari;

pub. by Ananthacharya Indological Research Institute,

G.D. Somani School Building, Cuffe Parade,

Mumbai-400005. Rs. 140.

 

The first part presents, among others, Ramanuja's

exposition of the Sri Vaishnava philosophy through his

works — Sri Bhashya, Gitabhashya and Vedartasangraha —

the distinctiveness of the individual souls and the

Supreme as evidenced by the Upanishads, and the origin

of the Ubhaya-Vedanta tradition equating Tiruvoimozhi

with the Vedas. The emergence of Rahasyagranthas as a

phenomenon of the post-Ramanuja period from its

germination in Astasloki to full growth into a mighty

tree represented by the works of Periyavachanpillai,

Pillailokacharya and Vedanta Desika is vividly

portrayed.

 

Among the three well-researched pieces is the one that

relates to Desika invoking Vedic authority for prapati

in his Nikseparaksha. The nine prima facie objections

and the answers to them are critically examined.

 

The importance of Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra agamas in

temple worship and associated rituals is extensively

dealt with.

 

In the second part, Manipravala tradition is treated

elaborately under two major heads — commentaries and

rahasyagranthas.

 

The book, by a traditionally trained scholar with

research background, will be invaluable for

traditional scholars, research students and discerning

readers