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 ?
- (a) The best means of salvation was devotion. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- (c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- (d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Why the answer is (a)
• Ramanuja (11th–12th century), the philosopher of Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), taught that the soul is distinct from but dependent on God, and that bhakti — loving devotion to Vishnu and surrender (prapatti) — is the best means to salvation — option (a).
• The 216-foot 'Statue of Equality' at Hyderabad (2022) commemorates his message of devotion open to all castes.
• Option (b) is the Mimamsa view of the Vedas; option (c) reflects Nyaya, which prized logic; option (d), salvation through meditation, is closer to Yoga or Shankara's path of knowledge.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- The eternal authority of the Vedas is the Mimamsa doctrine.
- (c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- Reliance on logic is the hallmark of Nyaya, not Ramanuja.
- (d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
- Meditation as the path is Yoga or Advaita, not Ramanuja's bhakti.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.