Within the Sri Vaishnava understanding shaped by Ramanuja, Vishnu (Narayana) is upheld as the sole Supreme Reality, the independent Parabrahman upon whom all worlds and beings depend. Other deities are not dismissed or denied; rather, they are situated within a clear hierarchy that preserves Vishnu’s absolute sovereignty. Deities such as Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and others are regarded as exalted jīvas—individual souls entrusted with lofty cosmic offices and responsibilities. Their capacities as creator, transformer, or celestial administrator are affirmed, yet these roles are understood to function entirely under Vishnu’s will and sustaining power. Any efficacy in their worship ultimately rests on Vishnu’s underlying support and grace.

Within this framework, Sri (Lakshmi) occupies a unique and inseparable place alongside Vishnu. She is not classed with the other deities as a bound soul but is seen as his eternal consort and divine śakti, co-eternal and never subject to karma. As such, she is revered as a compassionate mediator and intercessor, turning the soul toward Vishnu and softening the path of surrender. Devotion is thus typically oriented to Vishnu together with Sri, recognizing their inseparability in both ontology and worship.

Sri Vaishnavism encourages deep respect for other deities as venerable servants within the divine order, rather than as rivals or false gods. However, it maintains that granting them the status of the Supreme, or approaching them as independent ultimate refuges, is philosophically mistaken and spiritually limiting. Exclusive śaraṇāgati—total self-surrender—and single-minded bhakti are reserved for Vishnu (with Sri), who alone is recognized as the final goal and liberating refuge. Scriptural passages that seem to equate other deities with the Supreme are interpreted as referring, in truth, to Vishnu manifesting through them or acting by means of them. In practice, this yields a posture of qualified acceptance: other deities are honored for their roles, yet the heart’s ultimate allegiance is steadfastly directed to Vishnu as the one, unsurpassed Lord.