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.

Sankara Jayanthi

Tamil

शंकर जयंती · શંકર જયંતી

2026

21 April 2026

Tuesday · Shukla Panchami

Tithi begins04:15 AM

Tithi ends01:20 AM · 22 Apr

Full panchang for this day

About

Birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher who consolidated Advaita Vedanta.

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.

Sankara Jayanthi date in 2025 Sankara Jayanthi date in 2027