Ramanuja Jayanti – Celebrating the Life and Teachings of a Great Saint

Ramanuja Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Sri Ramanujacharya, a highly respected saint and philosopher in Indian spiritual tradition. He is well known for spreading the values of devotion, compassion, and equality. In 2025, Ramanuja Jayanti will be observed on Friday, May 2nd. The occasion is celebrated on the Thiruvathira Nakshatra during the Tamil month of Chithirai, which usually falls in April or May.

Let us learn about who Sri Ramanujacharya was, why his teachings are significant, and how we can commemorate this special day with puja products from giri.in.

Who Was Sri Ramanujacharya?

Sri Ramanujacharya, born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was not only a deified philosopher but also spiritual leader in the Vaishnavite tradition. Originally named Lakshmana and also known as Ilaya Perumal, he later came to be called Ramanuja, meaning “younger brother of Rama.” A devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, he is best known for his profound contributions to Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, a school of thought that emphasizes qualified non-dualism.

Ramanuja was convinced that God is not only supreme but also loving. He said that individuals can attain God not only through knowledge but also through love, devotion, and self-surrender. Ramanuja's teachings brought hope & spiritual support to millions of individuals, irrespective of their caste or origin.

Inspirational Stories from His Life

1. The Sacred Mantra for All

The most well-known of Ramanuja's stories is the story about the mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya." He was informed by his guru that mantra was largely potent & only needed to be shared with those who were ready as well as worthy. However, Ramanuja was convinced that the name of the divine must be made accessible to all.

He went up a temple tower and cried the mantra aloud so that everyone could hear. When questioned why he disobeyed his guru, he said, "If this act of sharing the mantra will send me to hell but will save others, I welcome it gladly." This action depicted his great compassion and humility.

2. Equality in Worship

In Ramanuja's day, lower castes were usually forbidden from going into the temples. But he thought that a person's faith is stronger than his birth. He struggled for all the mortal beings to pray to God. He even taught disciples belonging to various communities, showing that real religious wisdom is meant for everybody.

His Contributions to Hindu Philosophy

Ramanuja composed numerous spiritual works, the most popular of which is Sri Bhashya, a commentary on Brahma Sutras.He also wrote commentaries on Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. His nine chief works are known as the Navaratnas (Nine Gems).

His philosophy of Vishishtadvaita still inspires spiritual seekers all over the world. In his view, the soul (jivatma) and God (paramatma) are connected but different, and liberation is possible by submission to God with love.

How Is Ramanuja Jayanti Celebrated?

Temples of Lord Vishnu and Sri Ramanuja are decorated nicely on Ramanuja Jayanti. Special pujas and rituals are performed by devotees to celebrate the Acharya. Following are some usual celebrations:

• Abhishekam (holy bath) to Sri Ramanuja's idol using not only ghee, honey, milk, curd but also sandalwood water

• Alankaram (decoration) with flowers, clothes, and ornaments

• Naivedyam (food offerings) such as pongal, fruits, sweets, and butter

• Recitation of Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Ramanuja Stotras, and other scriptures

• Spiritual discourses and bhajans based on his teachings

These rituals enable devotees to feel connected to Sri Ramanuja and adopt his path of bhakti (devotion).

Celebrate Ramanuja Jayanti at Home with Giri Products

To make your festivity unique and traditional, giri.in also provides a multitude of spiritual and puja stuff. Here are some items you can use to prepare for this holy day:

1. Ramanuja Idol or Photo Frame

Set on your puja altar a brass idol or an image framed on Sri Ramanujacharya. Giri provides nicely molded idols and picture frames ideal for worship.

2. Puja Samagri Kit

Giri's pre-packaged Puja Samagri Kits contain all that you require – turmeric, kumkum, camphor, incense sticks, oil, ghee lamps & so much more. This makes it convenient for you to conduct a complete puja without leaving anything behind.

3. Abhishekam Essentials

For abhishekam, utilize:

• Panchamritam (a combination of milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sugar)

• Gangajal, rose water, and sandalwood paste

• Gopi Chandanam and other herbal powders

All of these products can be found in Giri in different sizes.

4. Alankaram Items

Decorate the idol or image with:

• Fresh flower garlands

• Tiruvadi Box & Brass Namam

• Puja thali sets with bells, deepam, and kalasham

Giri also has festive decorations and decorative deepams that can add beauty and tradition to your home altar.

5. Books and Bhakti Literature

You can read or give away Nalayira Divya Prabandham, life histories of Ramanuja, or Tamil devotional literature which is available at Giri. They are useful to know his teachings and provide for a useful read on Jayanti day.

Conclusion

Sri Ramanuja Jayanti is not a festival—it's a reminder of equality, kindness, love, and the power of love for God. Sri Ramanuja's life reminds us to serve others without selfish motives and walk the path of dharma with an open heart.

Make this Ramanuja Jayanti a day of introspection, prayer, and spiritual enlightenment. Make use of the time to bring the family together for prayer, read out his teachings and make it special by doing traditional rituals.

Celebrate with respect and have Giri's spiritual products help you turn your home into a heavenly abode.