Parasara Bhattar: The Devoted Servant of Ranganatha
Early Life and Spiritual Heritage
Parasara Bhattar was born into a devout family of Visishtadvaita followers in Srirangam, one of the most sacred centers for Sri Vaishnavism. From his earliest days, Bhattar’s life was intertwined with the worship of Lord Ranganatha, the reclining form of Vishnu, and His Consort Ranganayaki. It is said that as an infant, he was cradled within the temple precincts under the watchful gaze of the divine couple. This early blessing set the foundation for his lifelong devotion and service to the deity.
Name and Divine Blessing
Originally born under a different name, Bhattar was renamed “Parasara” by the great acharya Ramanujacharya. One of Ramanuja’s cherished disciples, known as Alavandar, had expressed a desire that a devotee’s son be named in honor of sage Parasara, the revered author of the Vishnu Purana. To fulfill this wish and emphasize the continuity of sacred learning, Ramanuja bestowed the name Parasara upon the young Bhattar. Thus began his identification with the ancient lineage of Vedic scholarship and devotion.
Apprenticeship under Embar
As a youth, Parasara Bhattar was sent to study under Embar, himself a direct disciple of Ramanujacharya. Under Embar’s tutelage, Bhattar mastered the tenets of Visishtadvaita philosophy, Sanskrit grammar, and the intricate commentaries on the Vedas and Upanishads. His keen intellect and heartfelt devotion earned him great respect among the teachers and scholars of Srirangam. Through hours of study and discussion, Bhattar internalized the principles of devotion (bhakti) combined with qualified nondualism, which Ramanuja had made the hallmark of Sri Vaishnava thought.
Divine Upbringing at Srirangam
Bhattar’s close connection with Lord Ranganatha and Ranganayaki was not merely symbolic. Devotees recount how, even as a child, he experienced visions of the divine couple guiding his steps. The temple authorities recognized his special status and ensured that the child received both formal education and spiritual instruction within the sacred milieu of the shrine. Stories from temple tradition hold that Bhattar spent hours in silent reflection before the utsava murti (processional deity), absorbing both the atmosphere of devotion and the elaborate rituals that animated daily life in Srirangam.
The Conversion of Madhavachar: Nanjeeyar’s Embrace of Visishtadvaita
Acting upon the strategic directives of the revered philosopher and theologian Ramanujacharya, his brilliant disciple Parasara Bhattar embarked on a significant mission to Melkote. The purpose of this journey was to engage with a prominent Vedantin of the time, Madhavachar, and to bring him into the fold of Visishtadvaita, Ramanujacharya’s distinctive non-dualistic philosophy.
Upon his arrival in Melkote, Parasara Bhattar wasted no time in initiating a profound intellectual debate with Madhavachar. The exchange of ideas was rigorous, a testament to the depth of understanding each scholar possessed in Vedic philosophy. However, through his unparalleled eloquence, logical prowess, and profound insights into the tenets of Visishtadvaita, Bhattar systematically addressed Madhavachar’s arguments and presented a compelling case for his master’s philosophy.
The intellectual encounter culminated in a resounding victory for Parasara Bhattar. Madhavachar, deeply impressed and intellectually convinced by Bhattar’s arguments, wholeheartedly embraced Visishtadvaita. From that pivotal moment forward, Madhavachar was affectionately and respectfully known as Nanjeeyar. His conversion was a significant triumph for the Visishtadvaita tradition, marking the addition of another formidable scholar to its ranks.
Nanjeeyar’s devotion and respect for his guru, Parasara Bhattar, were profound. As a testament to this reverence, he composed a special thaniyan (a dedicatory verse or śloka) in praise of Bhattar, immortalizing the guru-disciple relationship and Bhattar’s pivotal role in his philosophical transformation. This incident underscores the intellectual dynamism and the strategic efforts undertaken by Ramanujacharya and his disciples to propagate Visishtadvaita throughout India.
Literary Contributions
As he matured, Parasara Bhattar composed several works in praise of Lord Ranganatha and His Consort. Two of his most celebrated compositions are:
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Sri Rangaraja Stava: A poetic hymn glorifying the attributes and deeds of Lord Ranganatha. In vivid verse, Bhattar describes the lord’s divine qualities—His eternal repose upon the serpent Adisesha, His compassion for devotees, and His role as the protector of the universe. The Stava became a staple recitation in temple gatherings and continues to be chanted by devotees seeking divine grace.
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Sri Guna Ratna Kosa: A lyrical work dedicated to Ranganayaki Thayar, the consort of Lord Ranganatha. In these verses, Bhattar extols the virtues of the Mother—Her loving kindness, pure compassion, and the power to intercede on behalf of devotees. By highlighting Ranganayaki’s role alongside Lord Ranganatha, Bhattar underscored the inseparable nature of divine couple worship in Sri Vaishnava tradition.
Apart from hymns, Bhattar is also credited with various commentaries on Ramanuja’s treatises and the Vishnu Purana, though some of these have been lost over time. His writing style combined scholarly rigor with heartfelt devotion; each verse brims with philosophical insight and devotional fervor.
Legacy and Influence
Parasara Bhattar’s life exemplifies the seamless integration of rigorous scholarship with unwavering bhakti. As a leading priest (purohita) of Srirangam’s Ranganatha shrine, he upheld the ritualistic and doctrinal traditions that Ramanujacharya had established. His disciples went on to serve in various temples across South India, carrying forward his teachings and works.
Today, scholars and practitioners of Sri Vaishnavism regard Parasara Bhattar as a pivotal figure who preserved and enriched the devotional literature surrounding Lord Ranganatha and Ranganayaki. His hymns remain part of daily worship in many Vaishnava households, reminding devotees of the profound bond between the divine couple and their devotees. Through his life and writings, Bhattar continues to inspire successive generations to engage both heart and mind in true surrender and service to the Lord.