In the June 3rd issue of Bahishkrit Bharat, a magazine founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1927, he shared a powerful story about Sri Ramanujacharya and how it deeply inspired him to serve society for the greater good.
The story goes that Ramanujacharya once invited his guru, Thirukkacchi Nambi, to his home. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Ramanujacharya could not make it on time to receive him. His wife, out of compulsion, welcomed him and offered him food. After Nambi left, the wife, ‘knowing’ that the guru belonged to a lower caste, felt compelled to cleanse the house, thinking it was tainted by his presence.
Upon learning of this, Ramanujacharya was deeply disturbed. He confronted his wife, explaining that such thoughts and actions were wrong. He urged her to rid her mind of such prejudices, teaching her that all beings are equal in the eyes of God. Ramanujacharya then took vows of sannyasa, dedicating his life entirely to God and to serving all beings, viewing each act of service as an offering to the Divine.
This profound incident from Ramanujacharya’s life served as a guiding light for Dr. Ambedkar, inspiring him in his own mission to uplift and serve society, rising above the barriers of caste and inequality.
Even within our own bodies, differences exist. Teeth are hard, yet they aren’t meant to hurt the soft tongue that resides nearby. A thorn may prick your foot, but the eyes respond with tears. When pain strikes, the hand moves to offer aid. The teeth remain hard, the tongue soft, and the eyes shed tears in response to harm. It is this collective, collaborative nature that protects the body. Likewise, as a society, it is our shared unity that ensures our well-being.
Differences in color, caste, gender, and more exist to protect our individual traditions within the walls of our homes, but as a society, our common goal is the well-being of everyone.
It is indeed inspiring to reflect on how Sri Ramanujacharya’s wisdom has had such a profound and enduring impact on society. His teachings on equality, compassion, and devotion continue to resonate, and his message of unity and inclusivity stands as a beacon for today’s world.
As we remember and honor both his contributions and Dr. Ambedkar’s embrace of his teachings, it’s a powerful reminder of how these principles transcend time and offer much-needed guidance for creating a more just and harmonious society. The celebration of Samatha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a powerful moment for reaffirming these values.
-From the address of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
-Dr. Ambedkar’s Statue, Hyderabad
-Samatha Yatra, Samatha Kumbh 2025
-, 9sup>th Feb 2025
We welcome everyone to attend Samatha Kumbh 2025 and celebrate with us…
జై శ్రీమన్నారాయణ
Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama