"Eternal Lineage : Sri Sampradaya"

    

Eternal Lineage : Sri Sampradaya

सीतानाथ समारम्भां रामानन्दार्य मध्यमाम् ।
अस्मदाचार्य पर्यन्तां वन्दे श्रीगुरू परम्पराम् ॥

Bharat Bhumi has always been a land of knowledge, devotion, and renunciation! It is a land where the culture has discussed the well-being of all human society. 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' — may everyone attain happiness — is the expression of this noble aspiration for the welfare of all beings. For the welfare of life, many paths have been shown here.

Especially in India, the traditions that have been passed down since ancient times are the means to attain knowledge. In the land of India, various religious philosophies are discussed. Among all these religious philosophies, the most prevalent and accessible path is Vedānta.

Vedānta philosophy begins with the inquiry into the nature of the Supreme. It discusses the proper means of attaining the Supreme Goal. It delves into the discussion of becoming liberated in life. The Śrī Sampradāya, in particular, is an excellent path among these, capable of leading a soul to the attainment of the Supreme Lord's ultimate abode.

In the worship of the five deities as prescribed in the Vedas, one of them is the worship of the supreme essence, Lord Vishnu (Rama/Krishna), which is referred to as Vaishnava worship. This Vaishnava worship is divided among four sampradayas based on differences in preferred deities and mantras:

1. Śrī Sampradāya ( initiated by Śrī Jānaki [Sītā] )

2. Brahma Sampradāya ( initiated by Lord Brahmā )

3. Rudra Sampradāya ( initiated by Lord Ṣiva )

4. Sanaka Sampradāya ( initiated by the Four Kumārās )

These Sampradāyās represent distinct traditions within the broader Vaiṣnava tradition, each with its unique approach and emphasis.

The founder of the Śrī Sampradāya is Śrī Jānakī . The primary deity revered in this sampradaya is Lord Śrī Sītārāma . The principal acharya of this sampradaya is Jagadguru Śrī Svāmī Rāmānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja . Predictions regarding Jagadguru Śrī Svāmī Rāmānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja are documented in numerous scriptures, with one of the most prominent being the widely known verse from the Vaiṣvanara Saṃhitā given as follows - 

māghe kṛṣṇe ca saptamyāṁ citrānakṣatrasaṁyute

kumbhalagne siddhiyoge susapta daṁḍage ravau.

evaṁ sarvaguṇopete deśe kāle ca rāghavaḥ

rāmānandaḥ svayaṁ rāmaḥ prādurbhūto mahītale

On the seventh day of the waning moon in the month of Māgha, under the Citrā Nakṣatra, in the Kumbha Lagna, and during the Siddhi Yoga, Bhagvāna Śrī Rāghava, who is adorned with all divine qualities, manifested Himself on Earth as Śrī Svāmī Rāmaṇandācārya .

Additionally, in the Agastya Saṃhitā,  chapters 131-135 contain discussions about his incarnations and divine deeds. Moreover, the Valmīki Saṃhitā also references Śrī Svāmī Rāmaṇandācārya's incarnation. 

The name 'Śrī Sampradāya' primarily signifies the presence of Goddess Śrī Jānakī . Supporting evidence for this assertion can be found in the following context:

1.  In the Vedas, both 'Śrī' and 'Lakṣmī' are distinctly mentioned as separate entities. While in Puranic and Smriti literature, the term 'Sri' is commonly associated with Goddess Lakṣmī, in Vedic scriptures, the concept of 'Śrī' is distinct from Goddess Lakṣmī. In the Puruṣa Sūkta, 'Śrī' and 'Lakṣmī' are portrayed as the two consorts of the Viraṭa Puruṣa.

"śrīśca te lakṣmīśca patnyāvahorātre ( śukla yajurveda, 31.22)"

O Supreme and Supreme-most Viraṭa Puruṣa (Śrī Rāma)! You have two consorts.

1. Śrī (Goddess Śrī Jānakī)

2. Lakṣmī

Here, Śrī Devi or Śrī Jānakī is Śrī Rāma's eternal divine consort (Parā āhlādinī Śakti), while Lakṣmī is His(Śrī Rāma's) wife in His four-armed Nārāyaṇa form.

Note - Śrī Rāma in his original Para-Svarūpa is always devoted to a single wife, which exemplifies the uniqueness of His supreme nature.

2. In Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Śrī Sītā is referred to with the term 'Śrī' of Śrī , signifying her auspicious and divine nature as follows - 

vasudhāyā hi vasudhāṁ śriyaḥ śrīṁ bhṛtṛvatsalām।

sītāṁ sarvānavadyāṅgīmaraṇye vijane śubhām॥ (śrī vālmīki rāmāyaṇa 6.111.24)

Devi Sītā(Śrī Sītā), in her essence, embodies both the goddess Earth (Vasudha) and the primary goddess of auspiciousness (Śrī). She is the quintessential form of all the Śrī-potencies. 

In the Sītā Upaniṣhad, a specific form of Goddess Sītā (Śrī Sītā) is addressed as (Śrī) 

śrīdevī trividhaṁ rūpaṁ kṛtvā bhagavatsaṅkalpānugunyena lokarakṣaṇārtham rūpaṁ dhārayati। (sītā-upaniṣad)

Goddess Śrī Devi assumes three forms for the protection of the world, according to the divine resolve of Bhagvāna Śrī Rāma. 

The tradition of the Śrī Sampradāya begins with Bhagvāna Śrī Rāma. In this tradition, every Āchārya imparts the 'Ṣaḍakṣara Rāmatāraka Mantrarāja' to their disciples. Initially, Bhagvāna Śrī Rāma bestowed this mantra upon Goddess Śrī Jānaki.

According to Vālmīki Saṁhitā 2.20 ('Rāmo hi devatā cāsya Jānakī ca ṛṣirmatā'), Goddess Jānakī is identified as the sage of the Rāma mantra.

In the same Vālmīki Saṁhitā, in verses 2.33 to 2.36, the lineage of the Śrī Sampradāya's spiritual masters is traced as follows - 

Imāṁ sṛṣṭiṁ samutpādya jīvānāṁ hitakāmyayā।

Ādyāṁ śaktiṁ mahādevī śrīsītāṁ janakātmajām॥

Tārakaṁ mantrarājaṁ tu śrāvayāmāsa īśvaraḥ।

Jānakī tu jagannātā hanūmantaṁ guṇākaram॥

Śrāvayāmāsa nūnaṁ sa brahmāṇaṁ sudhiyāṁ varam।

Tasmāl-lebhe vasiṣṭharṣiḥ kramādasmādavātarat॥

Bhūmau hi rāmamantroyaṁ yogināṁ sukhadaḥ śivaḥ।

Evam kramaṁ samādāya mantrarājaparamparā॥

Following the divine act of cosmic creation, orchestrated by the compassionate Lord Śrī Rāmachandra for the ultimate welfare of all sentient beings, He lovingly imparted the sacred Tāraka Mantrarāja to His cherished Divine Consort, the exalted Supreme Goddess, Mahādevī Śrī Sītā. The illustrious Mother Jānakī , revered as the Universal Mother, graciously conferred this transcendental mantra unto the virtuous  Śrī Hanumāna, the embodiment of divine virtues.

Upon receiving this celestial wisdom, Śrī Hanumāna, the embodiment of boundless devotion, carried forth the luminous mantra to the Supreme Creator, Lord Brahmā, who presides over the creation of the universe. This profound Rāma Mantra, upon its divine manifestation on Earth, ushered forth boundless spiritual felicity to the devoted souls walking the path of unwavering devotion. It showered them with the quintessential nectar of divine bliss, serving as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment.

Thus, in this divine succession, the lineage of the Rāma Tāraka Mantrarāja, the sovereign mantra of Lord Śrī Rāmachandra, was established, bestowing spiritual illumination and profound blessings upon the earnest seekers of truth and ultimate liberation.

This mantra was received by Śrī Parāśara Muni from Śrī Vasiṣṭha. There is evidence of this in the Agastya Saṁhitā as follows - 

Vasiṣṭho'pi svapautrāya dattavān mantramuttamam ।

Parāśarāya rāmasya mantram muktipradāyakam ॥

(Agastya Saṁhitā, Adhyāya 8, Śloka 2-3)

Sage Vaśiṣṭha bestowed upon his grandson, Paraśara, the sublime and liberation-bestowing Śrī Rāma Mantra.

Sage Paraśara imparted this mantra to Sage Vyāsa. The evidence for this is also found in the Agastya Saṁhitā as follows - 

Paraśarāya rāmasya mantraṁ muktipradāyakam।

sa vedavyāsamunaye dadāvitthaṁ gurukramaḥ॥ 

(Agastya Saṁhitā Adhyāya 8 Śloka 3-4)

Sage Paraśara bestowed the liberating Śrī Rāma Mantra upon Sage Vyāsa, following the sacred lineage of the guru's transmission. 

Sage Vyāsa transmitted this Rāma Mantra to his supreme disciple, Sage Śukadeva.

Imameva manuṁ pūrvaṁ sāketapatirmāmavocat......... Ahaṁ hanumate mama priyāya priyatarāya......... Sa veda vedine brahmaṇe......... Sa vaśiṣṭhāya.......... Sa parāśarāya........ Sa vyāsāya........ Sa śukāya...... Ityeṣopaniṣat........ ityeṣā brahmavidyā.

Goddess Māithilī narrates, O great sages! The Lord of  Sāketa, Śrī Rāma, imparted this Śrī Rāma Shadakṣara Mantra to me during the primordial era of creation. I, in turn, entrusted it to my beloved servant Hanumāna . He, in his wisdom, passed it on to the knower of the Vedas, Lord Brahmā. Brahmā Jī, in his divine knowledge, bestowed it upon his mind-born son and Vedic sage, Śrī  Vasiṣṭha. Vasiṣṭha Jī passed it on to Parāśara, who then passed it to the divine incarnation Śrī Vyāsa. Vyāsa Jī, in his infinite wisdom, transmitted it to the great sage Śrī Śuka . This Upaniṣada is a profound mystery, the essence of Brahma Vidyā.

Maharṣi Bodhāyana was indeed a disciple of Śukadeva Ji. This lineage is confirmed in the tradition spoken by Śrī Anantānanda Svāmi as follows 

śukadeva kṛpāpātro brahmacaryavrate sthitaḥ

narottamastu tacchishyo nirvāṇapadavīṁ gataḥ

 

Disciple of Śukadeva Ji, who was devoted to a life of celibacy (brahmacharya), is referred to as "Narottama," which is synonymous with "Puruṣottama" and in the tradition, this Bodhāyana sage is renowned as "Puruṣottamācārya" .

Sage Bodhāyana acknowledged his spiritual teacher, Śrī Śukadeva , in his Rāmāyaṇa Rahasya as follows - 

śukadevaṁ guruṁ natvā śrīmadvyāsaṁ ca rāghavam

rāmāyaṇarahasyaṁ hi sadbodhāya bravīmyaham

The disciple of Maharṣi Bodhāyana, Śrī Gaṅgādharācārya, acknowledges him as his guru in the Maṅgalacaraṇa (auspicious invocation) of the Sādhanā Dīpikā.

sītānātha samāraṁbhām bādarāyaṇa madhyamām

bodhāyanākhya gurvantāṁ vande guru paramparām

Śrī Sadānandācārya Ji, the disciple of Śrī Gaṅgādharācārya, acknowledged him as his guru in his composition "Vedānta Sāra Stava"

gaṅgādharaṁ guruṁ natvā bodhāyanaṁ ca rāghavam

ahaṁ karomi vedānta sārastavaṁ sukhāvaham 

Śrī Rāmeśvarānandācārya Ji, a disciple of Śrī Sadānandācārya Ji, acknowledged him as his guru in his work "Satprabodhāmṛta." 

sītānāthaṁ namaskṛtya sadānandaṁ guruṁ tathā

satprabodhāmṛtaṁ kurve prāṇimṛtyorvināśakam

Śrī Dvārānandācārya Ji, a disciple of Śrī Rameśvarānandācārya Ji, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work Prashnottara Ratnāvalī. 

Vyāsaṁ Bodhāyanaṁ Rāmaṁ natvā Rāmeśvaraṁ gurum

Tattvāvabuddhaye kurve prashnottarāvalīṁ śubhām

Śrī Devānandāchārya Ji, a disciple of Śrī Dvārānandācārya Ji, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work "Sadāchāra Pradīpikā."

Kurve Bodhāyanaṁ natvā Dvārānandaṁ guruṁ tathā

Sadācāraprabodhāya sadācārapradīpikām.

Śrī Śyāmānandācārya Ji, a disciple of  Śrī Devānandācārya Ji, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work "Navaratnī." 

Sītānāthaṁ namaskṛtya devānandaṁ guruṁ tathā

prapannānāṁ hitāye yaṁ navaratnī vidhīyate

Śrī Śrutānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Śyāmanandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work 'Śrutivedyastava'.

rāmaṁ bodhāyanaṁ vyāsaṁ gurudevaṁ praṇamya ca

śrutivedyastavaṁ kurve śrautarāmasya tṛptaye

Śrī Chidānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Śrutānandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work 'Prameyoddēśa Bhāskara.

dharmakīttaryādayo bauddhā yena vāde nirākr̥tāḥ

taṁ guruṁ śrīśrutānandaṁ vande bodhamahodadhim

natvā bodhāyanaṁ vyāsaṁ tathā rāmaṁ parameśvaram

kurve pramayebodhāya prameyoddēśa-bhāskaram

Śrī Pūrṇānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Chidānandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work 'Bodhanakṣatramālā.

śrīmadrāma samārabhāṁ śrī bodhāyana madhyamām

asmadācārya paryantāṁ vande gurū paramparām

cidānandanāmānaṁ gurudevaṁ praṇamya ca

Śrī Śrīyānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Pūrṇānandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in the "Brahma Pariccheda" section of his work "Śrautaprameya Chandrikā."

Śrī Pūrṇānanda śiṣyeṇa śrīyānandena nirmātā 

Bhūyācchrautārthabodhāya śrautaprameyacandrikā 

Śrī Haryānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Śrīyānandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work Charam Mantra Rāmāyaṇa.

Śrī Śrīyānandācārya gurum natvā Rāmaṁ Bodhāyanaṁ tathā

Kurve Śrī Caramamantrarāmāyaṇaṁ hi muktidaṁ

Śrī Haryānandācārya, a disciple of Śrī Rāghavānandācārya, acknowledged him as his spiritual guru in his work Rāghavendra Maṅgala Mālā.

Rāghavendraṁ namaskṛtya Haryānandaṁ guruṁ tathā

Kurve Maṅgalamālāṁ Śrīrāghavendrasya tuṣṭaye

Ānandabhāṣyakāra Śrī Swāmī Rāmānandācārya Jī , a disciple of  Śrī Rāghavānandācārya acknowledged his as his spiritual guru in his own commpentary upon Gītā i.e 'Gītā Ānanda Bhāṣya'

Śrīrāmaṁ janakātmajāmanilajaṁ vedho vaśiṣṭhāvṛṣī

Yogīśaṁ ca parāśaraṁ śrutividam vyāsaṁ jitākṣaṁ śukam।

Śrīmantaṁ puruṣottamaṁ guṇanidhiṁ gaṅgādharādyānyatīn

Śrīmadrāghavadeśikaṁ ca varadaṁ svācāryavaryaṁ śraye

Based on the provided evidence, the guru-paramparā (spiritual lineage) of the Śrī  Sampradāya , which is renowned worldwide, is as follows:  

1. Pūrṇatama Parātpara Parabrahma Śrī Sāketa Patī Rāmacaṃdra Jī

2. Ādiśakti Śrī Mithileśa Naṃdinī Śrī Jānakī Jī (Mūla Śrī Devī)

3. Anaṃta Balavaṃta Śrī Hanumaṃta lāla jī Mahārāja

4. Śrī Brahmā jī Mahārāja

5. Śrī Vaśiṣṭha jī Mahārāja

6. Śrī Pārāśara jī Mahārāja

7. Śrī Vedavyāsa Jī Mahārāja

8. Śrī Śukācārya Jī Mahārāja

9. Śrī Puruṣottamācārya Jī Mahārāja (Bodhāyana Maharṣi)

10. Śrī Gaṃgādharācārya Jī Mahārāja

11. Śrī Sadānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

12. Śrī Rāmeśvarānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

13. Śrī Dvārānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

14. Śrī Devānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

15. Śrī Śyāmānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

16. Śrī Śrutānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

17. Śrī Cidānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

18. Śrī Pūrṇānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

19. Śrī Śriyānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

20. Śrī Haryānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

21. Śrī Rāghavānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

22. Śrī Rāmāvatāra Jagadguru Śrī Svāmī Rāmānaṃdācārya Jī Mahārāja

In the Śrī Sampradāya, the name "Śrī Sītārāma" is the main sustenance. The tradition of this Sampradāya is primarily centered around the worship and devotion to Śrī Sītārāma. Most of the revered sadhus and paramahansas within this tradition are renunciates. About the principal ācārya of this Sampradāya, Jagadguru Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya Jī Mahārāja, a contemporary Muslim sage, Rasaduddīn, mentions in his book "Tajkīrat-ul-Fuqarā" as follows - 

"In the sacred city of Kāśī, on the hallowed banks of the Pancha Gaṅgā Ghāṭ, resides a venerable sage, a radiant embodiment of spiritual brilliance, and the foremost among yogis. He is adored as the Supreme Ācārya by devoted Vaiṣṇavas, an exemplar of unwavering virtue, and a living testament to steadfast devotion to the Divine Absolute Truth.

He is the profound knower of the Supreme Truth, wielding profound influence among true devotees of the Supreme Absolute Truth and those illumined in the knowledge of the Absolute. In the realm of religious duty, he reigns supreme as the sovereign of Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Emerging from his sanctified hermitage in Kashi solely for a sacred dip in the Ganges during the auspicious Brahma-Muhūrta , he is known as 'Rāmānanda,' a soul wholly immersed in the worship of the Supreme Personality.

The number of his disciples, under the guidance of  Śrī  Rāmānanda, surpasses five hundred. Among these disciples, twelve are especially blessed by the guru, including illustrious souls such as Kabīra, Pīpā, Ravidās, and others. The community of devotees is known as "Virāgī," signifying those who renounce desires, both worldly and spiritual, in the language of the Brahmins.

Śrī Rāmānanda imparts to his disciples that the progenitor (Ṛṣi) of this tradition is none other than Śrī Sītā Ji, the Divine Mother of all universes. She initially revealed this sacred mantra to her devoted servant and associate, Śrī Hanumān Ji. Through this revered sage (Ācārya), the revelation of this sacred mantra illuminated the world. Hence, the tradition is named 'Śrī Sampradāya,' with their principal mantra known as 'Rāmatāraka.' Śrī Rāmānanda initiates this sacred mantra in the disciple's ear and marks their forehead with an upward tilak, symbolizing the Divine. This U-shaped tilak graces the upper third of the nose. Additionally, he adorns the disciple's neck with a sacred Tualsī bead.

His tongue is ceaselessly engaged in chanting the divine names of Śrī Rāma, while his mind is unwaveringly fixed on seeking the true beloved, Śrī Rāma. He is wholly immersed in devotion to the Divine Absolute Truth, Śrī Rāma. The majority of saints within the Śrī Sampradāya lead lives of profound self-realization and asceticism, devoted entirely to the pursuit of spiritual truth."

Hearing such a beautiful description, one can truly comprehend the essence of the illustrious Ānandabhāṣyakāra Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya Jī Mahārāja. During those times, in the entire northern region of India, the sole protector and savior of Hindus was none other than Ānandabhāṣyakāra Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya Jī Mahārāja. Based on the foundation of Vaiṣṇavism, he gifted the entire Hindu society with the precious gem of the name of Śrī Rāma. The extent of his greatness in safeguarding Hindus from cruel Muslim rulers cannot be sufficiently praised. Such a task could only have been accomplished by someone like Śrī Rāma Himself.

Ānandabhāṣyakāra Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya is also known as the "Reviver of Hindu Dharma." What set him apart from other Ācāryās was his boundless generosity. During his time, mantra initiation was primarily reserved for the Brahmins in Vaiṣṇava traditions. However, he broke down all barriers and imparted the liberating Rāma mantra to individuals of all varnas (castes). His exceptional quality was his limitless compassion.

During those days, in Vaiṣṇava sampradāyās, mantra initiation was generally restricted to Brahmins. Yet, he displayed the utmost generosity by widely disseminating the liberating Rāma mantra among people from all societal strata. He is also known for re-establishing many Rajput rulers (who had converted to Islam) back into Hinduism and transforming them into devoted Vaiṣṇava Rāma bhaktās. The impact of his actions on Hinduism during that era is clearly described in the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa as follows - 

Rāmānandasya śiṣyo vai cāyodhyāyām upāgataḥ

Kṛtvā vilomaṁ taṁ vaiṣṇavān tānakārayat

Bhāle triśūla cihnaṁ ca śvetaraktaṁ tadābhavat

Kaṇṭhe ca tulasīmālā jihvā rāmamayī kṛtā

Mlechhāste vaiṣṇavāś cāsan rāmānanda prabhāvataḥ

Sanyoginaś ca te jñeyā rāmānandamate sthitāḥ

Āryāś ca vaiṣṇavā mukhyā ayodhyāyāṁ babhūvire

(Bhaviṣya Purāṇa 3/21/52-55) 

In a magnificent testament to the divine influence of Śrī Rāmānanda, his devoted disciples embarked on a sacred mission to Ayodhyā. There, they performed a remarkable feat – the reversal of Mlecchās' mantra influence and the rekindling of the dormant Vaiṣṇavism in the hearts of those Hindus who had, regrettably, embraced Islām.

With unwavering dedication, they transformed these souls into resplendent Vaiṣṇavas. Adorning their foreheads with the sacred Urdhvapundra, which bore the mark of the divine in red tilak, they encircled their necks with the sacred Tulasī garland. The transformative touch of the divine 'Rāma Nāma,' resonated on their tongues.

This celestial alchemy elevated these erstwhile Muslims into a higher realm, transforming them into superior Aryans under the benevolent sway of Śrī Rāmānanda's spiritual radiance. Ayodhyā, once again, embraced its true essence as a sanctuary of dharma, thanks to the incomparable devotion and divine guidance of Śrī Rāmānanda. He stands, unrivaled, as the singular reviver of Hindu dharma, illuminating the path of righteousness for all.

Such a remarkable soul, who selflessly contributed to the resurgence of Hindu Dharma and spread the divine name of Śrī Rāma far and wide, deserves our highest praise and devotion. Ānandabhāṣyakāra Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya's noble deeds will forever shine as a beacon of light in the history of spirituality and religion.

It is due to His boundless magnanimity that Śrī Nābhā Dāsa Gosvāmi revered Him as the "Ocean of Magnanimity" and offered heartfelt salutations. He regarded Śrī Rāmānanda as the very foundation of auspiciousness for the entire world. 

Jagamaṅgala ādhāra bhakti daśadhā ke āgara"

(Śrībhaktamāla pada - 36)

Śrī Sampradāya stands as the paramount path of devotion, an exquisite journey that enables the soul to immerse itself in the divine radiance of Śrī Rāma. This path has been illuminated by the luminous souls who have graced the tradition, and they, like shining stars, manifest the very essence of Śrī Kiśori Ji, the divine energy, and devotion personified.

In the realm of devotion, Śrī Sampradāya is akin to a profound river that flows tirelessly, nurturing the hearts and minds of countless seekers. It is a tradition steeped in the worship of Śrī Rāma, where each practitioner strives to establish an unbreakable connection with the Supreme. This connection, known as 'Bhakti,' is the sacred thread that binds the soul to the lotus feet of the Lord.

The great Ācāryās, the spiritual torchbearers of this tradition, are like fragrant blossoms in the garden of devotion. Their teachings and exemplary lives serve as beacons of light, guiding aspirants on their spiritual voyage. Through their unwavering commitment and profound wisdom, they illuminate the path for others to follow.

It is our sincere aspiration that, through the modest words of this humble article, readers may have caught a glimpse of the profound beauty and spiritual depth that Śrī Sampradāya embodies. May this understanding kindle a spark in their hearts, leading them closer to the divine, and may they walk this path with reverence and devotion, guided by the luminous legacy of the great ,The Ānandabhāṣyakāra,  Śrī Svāmī Rāmānandācārya.