What is the difference between Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya?

Both are major southern philosophers with their own Jayantis. Shankara, in the eighth century, taught Advaita, that the self and the absolute are ultimately one. Ramanuja, in the eleventh, taught Vishishtadvaita, which keeps a real distinction between them, and he's also remembered for opening temple worship beyond caste restrictions.

Ramanuja Jayanthi

Tamil

रामानुज जयंती · રામાનુજ જયંતી

2026

22 April 2026

Wednesday · Shukla Shashthi

Tithi begins01:20 AM

Tithi ends10:50 PM

Full panchang for this day

About

Birth anniversary of Sri Ramanujacharya, the great Vaishnava philosopher. Very important for Tamil Vaishnavas.

Falls on: Adi Shankara, Vaishakha Shukla Panchami. Ramanuja, Chithirai month, Thiruvadhirai (Ardra) nakshatra

What it is

The birth anniversaries of the two great southern acharyas. Shankara (8th c.) established Advaita Vedanta and the four mathas. Ramanuja (11th c.) established Vishishtadvaita and is remembered for opening temple worship and the Ashtakshara mantra beyond caste restriction. Sringeri, Kanchi and Kaladi mark Shankara; Srirangam and Sriperumbudur mark Ramanuja.

Food

Community feeding; sattvik.

Common questions

What is the difference between Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya?: Both are major southern philosophers with their own Jayantis. Shankara, in the eighth century, taught Advaita, that the self and the absolute are ultimately one. Ramanuja, in the eleventh, taught Vishishtadvaita, which keeps a real distinction between them, and he's also remembered for opening temple worship beyond caste restrictions.

Ramanuja Jayanthi date in 2025 Ramanuja Jayanthi date in 2027