Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2022 · Medieval History · Question 95

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?

  1. The best means of salvation was devotion.
  2. Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
  3. Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
  4. Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

Answer

The best means of salvation was devotion.

  • (a) The best means of salvation was devotion. Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita emphasized bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) to Vishnu as the path to moksha. Correct.
  • (b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative. Ramanuja did accept the authority of the Vedas, but this statement is a general orthodox Vedantic position, not the distinctive teaching being asked here. Not the best answer.
  • (c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss. This is not Ramanuja’s central teaching; he prioritized devotion and surrender, not logic as the main path to liberation. Incorrect.
  • (d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation. Meditation had a role, but Ramanuja did not present it as the primary means; bhakti/prapatti was central. Incorrect.
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