Sri Vaishnavism is a major devotional and philosophical tradition within Hinduism that centers on Vishnu, often in the form of Narayana, as the supreme Brahman and ultimate reality, together with his eternal consort Lakshmi (Sri). It understands all other deities as subordinate to, or aspects of, this supreme Lord. The tradition took its classical form through the work of the philosopher-saint Ramanuja, who systematized earlier Vaishnava currents into a coherent school. Within this vision, Lakshmi is not merely an accompanying figure but is integral to the bestowal of divine grace and to the devotee’s approach to Vishnu. Sri Vaishnavism thus orients the entire spiritual life around a personal, gracious God who is both transcendent and immanent.

Philosophically, Sri Vaishnavism is grounded in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, “qualified non-dualism.” This teaching affirms that Brahman is one without a second, yet this unity is “qualified” by the real and eternal existence of individual souls (jivas) and the material universe. Souls and matter are inseparable from Brahman and wholly dependent on him, yet they are not simply illusions or identical in every respect to him. The relationship is often described in terms of parts or attributes that belong to the one supreme reality, preserving both unity and real distinction. In this way, the tradition rejects an absolute monism that would erase individuality, while also refusing a radical dualism that would sever the soul from God.

In the spiritual path envisioned by Sri Vaishnavism, liberation (moksha) is attained through loving devotion (bhakti) and complete self-surrender (prapatti) to Vishnu, aided by the compassionate mediation of Sri. Divine grace is central, yet human effort in the form of disciplined devotion, ethical conduct, and ritual observance is also given a meaningful place. Liberation is not conceived as the dissolution of individuality into an impersonal absolute, but as eternal, conscious service to Vishnu in Vaikuntha, his divine abode. This service is seen as the fulfillment of the soul’s deepest nature, rather than a loss of identity.

The scriptural and devotional life of Sri Vaishnavism weaves together Sanskrit and Tamil sources into a single sacred tapestry. The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, along with other Vaishnava scriptures, are revered as foundational authorities, while the Tamil hymns of the Alvar poet-saints, especially the Divya Prabandham, are honored with scriptural status in practice. Temple worship of Vishnu and his incarnations, veneration of the Alvars and later acharyas, recitation of mantras and hymns, and adherence to specific ritual and dietary disciplines all shape the daily life of devotees. Through these intertwined strands of philosophy, devotion, and practice, Sri Vaishnavism offers a path in which the soul learns to live in conscious dependence on a personal, all-encompassing divine reality.