Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister has paid tributes to Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Ramanujacharya on his birth anniversary and on his Jayanti.
Comparison of Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Ramanujacharya:
| Adi Shankaracharya | Sri Ramanujacharya | |
| Birth and Lifetime | Born in 788 CE in Kaladi, Kerala, and passed away in 820 CE
|
Born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, and passed away in 1137 CE
|
| Philosophy | Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism) | Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Qualified Non-Dualism) |
| Interpretation of Vedas | Argued that the ultimate reality is Brahman and that the universe is an illusion (Maya) | Argued that Brahman is the ultimate reality, but also that the universe is real and a manifestation of Brahman |
| Approach to God | Emphasized the importance of renunciation and meditation to realize the ultimate reality | Emphasized devotion (bhakti) to achieve union with the divine |
| Scriptures | Emphasized the importance of the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras | Emphasized the importance of the Bhagavad Gita and the Divya Prabandham |
| Influence | Revived Hinduism and helped unify various philosophical schools of thought. Founded four mathas (monasteries) in India. | Popularized devotion to Vishnu and helped revive the Bhakti movement in India. |
| Key Works | Vivekachudamani, Upadesa Sahasri, and commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras | Sri Bhashya, Vedanta Sara, and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita |
| Legacy | Considered one of the most influential thinkers in Indian philosophy. His teachings have had a profound impact on Indian intellectual and spiritual life. | His teachings have had a significant impact on the development of the Bhakti movement and South Indian culture. He is widely regarded as a saint and his legacy continues to inspire devotion to Vishnu. |
| Statue | A 12-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) | Statue of Equality on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana |
Prelims Links:
- Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
Answer: C
