Within the framework of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, Ramanuja offers a distinctive interpretation of maya that diverges sharply from the Advaita tradition. Rather than portraying maya as an illusory force that deceives or obscures reality, Ramanuja conceives it as the genuine creative power (shakti) of Brahman. Maya, in this context, is the means by which Brahman, or Vishnu, manifests the universe and all its diversity. The world, therefore, is not a mere appearance or illusion, but a true and essential aspect of Brahman’s expression.

This perspective affirms the reality of both the material world and individual souls, viewing them as integral to the very being of Brahman. The universe, including all living beings and matter, is considered to be the body of Brahman, inseparable from the divine source. Maya is not an independent or autonomous principle; it operates entirely under the will and control of Brahman, serving as the instrument through which the divine manifests multiplicity without compromising underlying unity.

Importantly, Ramanuja’s interpretation of maya does not posit it as a veil that conceals Brahman’s true nature. Instead, maya is seen as the dynamic force enabling Brahman to express itself in countless forms, while the essential non-duality of existence is maintained in a qualified sense. This qualified non-dualism ensures that the world is a real, meaningful manifestation of the divine, and not a deceptive appearance.

By establishing maya as real and divinely governed, Ramanuja upholds the significance of devotional practices and the path of bhakti. The world’s reality and its relationship to Brahman render acts of worship, devotion, and spiritual striving deeply meaningful, as they are directed toward a truly existent and accessible divine presence. This vision, grounded in scriptural sources, transforms maya from a principle of illusion into a profound expression of divine creativity and relationship.