New Book: Aspects of Vaishnavism

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Aspects of Vaishnavism

 

K. A. MANAVALAN

 

SRI VAISHNAVISM — An Insight: K.K.A. Venkatachari; pub. by

Ananthacharya Indological Research Institute, G.D. Somani School

Building, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai-400005. Rs. 140.

 

The first part presents, among others, Ramanuja's exposition of the

Sri Vaishnava philosophy through his works — Sri Bhashya,

Gitabhashya and Vedartasangraha — the distinctiveness of the

individual souls and the Supreme as evidenced by the Upanishads, and

the origin of the Ubhaya-Vedanta tradition equating Tiruvoimozhi

with the Vedas. The emergence of Rahasyagranthas as a phenomenon of

the post-Ramanuja period from its germination in Astasloki to full

growth into a mighty tree represented by the works of

Periyavachanpillai, Pillailokacharya and Vedanta Desika is vividly

portrayed.

 

Among the three well-researched pieces is the one that relates to

Desika invoking Vedic authority for prapati in his Nikseparaksha.

The nine prima facie objections and the answers to them are

critically examined.

 

The importance of Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra agamas in temple

worship and associated rituals is extensively dealt with.

 

In the second part, Manipravala tradition is treated elaborately

under two major heads — commentaries and rahasyagranthas.

 

The book, by a traditionally trained scholar with research

background, will be invaluable for traditional scholars, research

students and discerning readers.

http://www.hindu.com/br/2006/07/18/stories/2006071800061500.htm