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Sri Vaishnavism
How does Sri Vaishnavism view other deities besides Vishnu?
In Sri Vaishnavism, the ultimate goal is to attain moksha or liberation through devotion to Vishnu. However, this does not mean that other deities are considered inferior or irrelevant. In fact, Sri Vaishnavism recognizes and respects all forms of divinity, including other deities besides Vishnu.
According to Sri Vaishnavism, all deities are manifestations of the one supreme being, Vishnu. This belief is rooted in the concept of "Vishishtadvaita," which means qualified non-dualism. It states that while Vishnu is the ultimate reality, other deities are also real and have their own unique qualities and roles to play in the cosmic order.
One of the key teachings of Sri Vaishnavism is the concept of "Paratantrya," which means interdependence. This principle emphasizes that all deities are interdependent and work together to maintain the balance and harmony of the universe. Therefore, Sri Vaishnavism views other deities as equally important and integral to the overall divine plan.
Moreover, Sri Vaishnavism also recognizes the concept of "Sarvam Vishnu Mayam," which means everything is filled with Vishnu. This means that all beings, including other deities, are ultimately part of Vishnu and are to be respected and revered.
In Sri Vaishnavism, other deities are also seen as a means to reach Vishnu. It is believed that by worshipping and offering devotion to other deities, one can gain the grace of Vishnu and ultimately attain moksha. This is evident in the practice of "prapatti," which means surrender to the divine. In this practice, devotees surrender to Vishnu through other deities, seeking their intercession to reach the ultimate goal of moksha.
Furthermore, Sri Vaishnavism also teaches the concept of "Bhagavata Seshatva," which means the servitude of the devotee to the divine. This means that devotees should serve and worship all forms of divinity with equal reverence and devotion, recognizing their role in the cosmic order.
In conclusion, Sri Vaishnavism views other deities besides Vishnu as equally important and integral to the ultimate goal of moksha. They are seen as manifestations of the one supreme being and are to be respected and revered. Other deities are also seen as a means to reach Vishnu, and their worship is considered a form of surrender to the divine. In Sri Vaishnavism, all forms of divinity are interconnected and work together to maintain the harmony of the universe.