Within Sri Vaishnavism, acharyas stand as indispensable spiritual mediators, linking the individual soul to Vishnu through a living stream of tradition. They are regarded as representatives of God, embodying divine knowledge and compassion, and are entrusted with preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, the Alvars’ hymns, and the theological vision of Ramanuja. Through the unbroken guru-paramparā, they safeguard the authenticity of doctrine and practice, ensuring that devotion to Vishnu is grounded in sound understanding rather than personal whim or misinterpretation. In this way, the acharya is not merely a learned scholar, but the living conduit through which the sampradaya itself is made present and effective for the disciple.

A central aspect of the acharya’s role lies in initiation and guidance. By performing samāśrayaṇa (samasrayana) and related rites, the acharya formally admits the devotee into the Sri Vaishnava fold and imparts the essential mantras, such as the sacred eight-syllable mantra and the dvaya. This ritual and doctrinal initiation is closely tied to prapatti, the act of total surrender, which is ordinarily undertaken under the acharya’s direction. In this perspective, taking refuge in a qualified acharya is viewed as a necessary step on the path to moksha, since the teacher not only conveys sacred formulas but also mediates divine grace and shows how surrender is to be lived in practice.

Equally significant is the acharya’s function as interpreter and exemplar. By offering authoritative commentary on scripture and the works of the Alvars, the acharya clarifies the nature of the soul, God, and liberation, and helps the disciple integrate philosophical insight with daily devotion. As spiritual mentor, the acharya assesses the devotee’s progress, prescribes suitable practices, and provides ongoing counsel, thus shaping a life oriented toward service of Vishnu. Because of this, acharyas are revered and even venerated as manifestations of divine grace, while always directing the devotee’s ultimate worship to Vishnu with Lakshmi. Their own lives of humility, devotion, and disciplined observance serve as concrete models of what it means to walk Ramanuja’s path of loving surrender.