Introduction to Ramanuja Parampara

Sampradaya means a group/community or bestower. The name of this Sampradaya is Ramanuj “Shri Ramanuj Sampradaya (Community/Tradition)” “Set up by Lord Ram and divulged by Laxman – this path is combined with six vardaans (benefactions).”

Sampradaya is the principal among the Vaishnavs. It is the principal Sampradaya – preceptor to the Vaishnavs. The meaning of Ramanuj is – Ram’s younger brother Laxman.

Suddenly, Laxman had a thought that whenever Ram feels, he scolds me. If I was his elder brother, I could do the same to him. Hence, in the next birth, Lord Narayan became Krishna and let Shesh Serpent become his elder brother Balram so that Balram could scold Krishna. When Lord Ram left this earth, he was worried, as he did not set up the religion. His incarnation as a human being was wasted. Then he sent Shesh Serpent to set up the religion, as his time for the next incarnation was not right.

Shesh (Laxman) said, “Oh Lord! Neither is it my duty nor will I be able to divulge the religion.” The Lord said, “No one other than you will be able to understand my feelings and aim.” Shesh said, “I don’t care. I am not going.” After a long discussion, Shesh agreed to go but put one condition. Upon asking about the condition, he said, “First of all, tell me what will be the name of the Sampradaya, as the name is a must.”

The Lord said, “You can call it Ramanuj Sampradaya. Ramanuj means Ram’s younger brother Laxman. Since I could not set up the religion, you go and set it up.” Laxman said, “Oh Lord! I am not going. Is Ramanuj any Sampradaya? You always set up religion and Sampradaya. What is mine?” The Lord said, “You put my symbol.” Laxman said, “I worship Mata (Sita) more.”

The Lord said, “You can put one symbol each of Laxmi and myself.” Laxman agreed. The Lord said, “You are going to divulge, so add your symbol also.” Laxman refused. Upon this, the Lord asked him, “Didn’t you accompany me? Maya (Illusion), Brahma (God), and Jeev (Individual Soul). This appears in Ramayan as proof ‘Ram Lakhan Siya Sohe Kaise, Jeev Brahma Vich Maya Jaise.'”

The Lord asked him whether Jeev does not accompany Maya and Brahma. Laxman agreed. The Lord said, “Then go and set up Ramanuj Sampradaya and make my symbol.”

Shesh refused to go again. He said, “Iron Age (Kalyug) is coming. I won’t be able to set up religion. I can go only if Mata Laxmi is coming.” The Lord asked, “Should I give money to everyone? Are they going to eat money?”

Laxman said, “There should be no shortage of Annapurna for the followers of this Sampradaya.” The Lord accepted his condition. The Lord asked him to leave then. Laxman said, “I cannot go just like that as we have just spoken about Mata Laxmi. You are sending me, and we have not discussed yet.” The Lord asked, “What do you want from me?”

Laxman said, “I am going to set up Ramanuj Sampradaya upon your order/advice. If any of the followers are sent to hell or even see the Hell’s door, I will destroy this religion/Sampradaya and come back. Anyone who will follow this Sampradaya and possess your Mantra will not see the door of Yamraj (God of death), no matter how wicked or sinful he may be. If your name cannot purify the sinner, then what is the power of your name?

Hence, tell me about the name to be given. But listen to one condition – If any follower sees the door of hell, I am not going.” The Lord agreed and asked whether he needed something else again. Laxman said, “Yes, I want more. Followers should not see hell but should come to your Vaikunth Dham (Paradise). They should not go to Heaven either, as I consider Heaven a dirty place. A person has to come back to earth from heaven after a certain period. I want them to come to your place for Salvation (No coming back to earth).”

The Lord agreed to this condition also. He asked him to go and put the impressions of Shankh (Conch Shell) and Chakra (Wheel) so that the followers will get four arms (like Lord Narayan) and then only will be able to reach him.

My beloved ones, the name of this Sampradaya is Ramanuj Sampradaya. It is combined with six benefactions (vardaans):

1. Followers of this Sampradaya are accomplished with self-knowledge automatically.
2. Followers of this Sampradaya are never poor.
3. Followers of this Sampradaya never beg. If someone has seen any follower of this Sampradaya or anyone with this Tilak (a mark made on the forehead) begging, please tell me about it, as to date I have not seen one.
4. Lord Ram – Venkatesh used to put this Tilak, which means this Sampradaya has been in existence since the beginning.
5. Any number of sins of the past or present life are terminated the moment you follow this Sampradaya / Take Naam Daan. (This condition of Laxman was also accepted by the Lord as Laxman refused to go).
6. The day you start following this Sampradaya / Take Naam Daan, your new life begins.

Dear ones, this is the meaning of our Sampradaya. If someone asks you, “Where are you going?” You can tell them that Swami Sudarshan Acharya is the Jagadguru of Ramanuj Sampradaya. We are going to him. If someone asks you, “Who is he?” Tell them that he is the head of a monastery in Vrindavan. His Guru Parampara (lineage) is Meeting with Lord Narayan.

Summary

The Ramanuj Sampradaya, a principal Vaishnav tradition, was established by Lord Ram and revealed by his younger brother, Laxman (Shesh). The Sampradaya, which is synonymous with the name Ramanuj, reflects Laxman’s dedication to setting up a religious path after Lord Ram’s concern that he had not done so during his earthly incarnation. Despite initial reluctance, Laxman agreed to establish the Ramanuj Sampradaya on the condition that its followers would be blessed with six benefactions, including self-knowledge, freedom from poverty, and direct access to Vaikunth Dham (Paradise) without facing the doors of hell or returning to earth. This tradition has since been upheld by spiritual leaders, including Jagadguru Swami Sudarshan Acharya, who continue to guide followers in this sacred path.

The Sampradaya, marked by the symbolic Tilak of the Shankh (Conch Shell) and Chakra (Wheel), guarantees that followers are never beggars and are spiritually protected from sins. By adhering to this tradition and taking Naam Daan (initiation), devotees are assured a new life free from the karmic burdens of past and present sins. The Ramanuj Sampradaya is thus portrayed as a divine path with deep spiritual significance, providing salvation and eternal protection under the blessings of Lord Narayan and Mata Laxmi.

Important Points

1. Ramanuj Sampradaya was revealed by Laxman, Ram’s younger brother, at Lord Ram’s behest.
2. The tradition is a principal Vaishnav Sampradaya and preceptor to the Vaishnavs.
3. Laxman initially resisted setting up the Sampradaya but agreed on the condition that followers would receive six benefactions.
4. The Sampradaya guarantees that followers will attain self-knowledge, never face poverty, and be protected from hell.
5. Laxman’s conditions included that followers who take Naam Daan will not return to earth and will reach Vaikunth Dham.
6. The Sampradaya is marked by the Tilak of Shankh and Chakra, symbolizing spiritual protection and divine connection.
7. The tradition has been in existence since the time of Lord Ram and continues under leaders like Jagadguru Swami Sudarshan Acharya.
8. Following this Sampradaya purifies all past and present sins, starting a new spiritual life for the devotee