Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Ramanujacharya:

1. He was deeply influenced by Nayanar saints.
2. He propounded the doctrine of Advaita.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: Ramanuja, born in Tamil Nadu in the eleventh century, was deeply influenced by the Alvars. According to him the best means of attaining salvation was through intense devotion to Vishnu. Vishnu in his grace helps the devotee to attain the bliss of union with Him. He propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness in that the soul even when united with the Supreme God remained distinct. Ramanuja's doctrine greatly inspired the new strand of Bhakti which developed in north India subsequently.