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

Next date

10 May 2027

Monday · Shukla Chaturthi

Tithi begins09:03 AM · 9 May

Tithi ends06:23 AM

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.

2026

Apr21TueTuesdayShukla PanchamiTithi begins04:15 AMTithi ends01:20 AM · 22 Apr

2027

May10MonMondayNextShukla ChaturthiTithi begins09:03 AM · 9 MayTithi ends06:23 AM