Ramanuja, who propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita and who believed that the best means of attaining salvation was through intense devotion to Vishnu, was born in which Indian state in the 11 th Century? 

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• Ramanuja was born in the 11th century in a village called Sriperumbudur, located in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu, India.
• He is known for propounding the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism).
• Ramanuja's teachings emphasized intense devotion to Vishnu as the best means of attaining salvation.
• His philosophy played a crucial role in the Bhakti movement and influenced later Vaishnavism.
• Ramanuja's works include influential texts like the Sri Bhashya, a commentary on the Brahma Sutras.

Additional Information

• Vishishtadvaita:
  • Vishishtadvaita, meaning "qualified non-dualism," is a philosophical system that believes in the unity of the soul with Brahman, but with distinctions.
  • It acknowledges the reality of individual souls and the material world as distinct yet inseparable parts of Brahman.
• Bhakti Movement:
  • A significant religious movement in medieval India that emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a personal god as a means to attain salvation.
  • Ramanuja's teachings greatly influenced this movement, particularly in South India.
• Sri Bhashya:
  • One of Ramanuja's major works, a detailed commentary on the Brahma Sutras, which are foundational texts in Vedanta philosophy.
  • It outlines the principles of Vishishtadvaita and critiques rival schools of thought.
• Vaishnavism:
  • A major tradition within Hinduism that worships Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna, as the supreme god.
  • Ramanuja's teachings were instrumental in shaping the practices and beliefs of Vaishnavism.