Question 36 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Current Affairs

Question

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. The best means of salvation was devotion.

Strategy: Focus on Ramanuja's core teaching: intense devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu as the path to salvation. Filter options by identifying the unique emphasis of his Vishishtadvaita school. Disregard statements primarily related to Mimamsa or Advaita (pure scriptural authority or logic). The correct option directly reflects this central tenet.

Key Info: Sri Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 CE) was a prominent Vedic philosopher and social reformer from Tamil Nadu. He is the chief proponent of the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) school of Vedanta.

Ramanuja emphasized that ultimate salvation (moksha) is attained not merely through ritual, scriptural knowledge, or logic, but primarily through sincere devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu. He taught that while the Vedas are authoritative, their purpose is fulfilled through loving devotion and surrender to God. His philosophy asserted both the reality of the individual soul and its relationship with the Supreme Soul (Vishnu), rather than complete monism.

Ramanuja advocated social equality and inclusiveness, challenging caste restrictions and championing access to temple worship for all. His teachings laid the foundation for the Bhakti movement in southern and later northern India, inspiring major poets and saints. The recent "Statue of Equality" in Hyderabad commemorates his 1000th anniversary and role in upholding the values of devotion, compassion, and equality.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Vedas are eternal, self-existent, and wholly authoritative.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Salvation was to be obtained through mediation.