Welcome to Adiyen Sri Ramanuja Dasan !
" Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha !"
The community - Iyengars
Iyengar refers to one who is characterised by five attributes (Aindu angangal - 5 sacraments), and is independent of the person's caste. It refers to the philosophical affiliation of the adherent.
However, in today reference it is taken to indicate brahmin as most of them are from the Brahmin caste.
The 2 Branches (Kalais)
The Sri vaisnava community can be divided into Vadagalai (Kanchipuram based) and Tengalai (Sri Rangam based) sects.
Outwardly, the 2 sects differ only in the application of their sectarain marks.
Vadagalais (Northerners) are distinguished by a while U line with a yellow central line.
Tengalais (Southerners) are distinguished by a white Y with a red central line.
Vadagalais, follow the teachings of the great Vedanta Desika. They place more stress on the Sanskrit tradition and the varnasrama system with the preservation of the caste status quo. They are inclined to believe in justification by work rather than by faith (markata nyaya).
Tengalais influenced by the commentaries of Pillai Lokacarya and Manavalamaha muni lay greater stress on the vernacular Tamil tradition and are less concern with preserving the caste status quo. The emphasis is more on grace than on works (marjara nyaya).
Apart from 18 major points of doctrinal disputes, the 2 branches have other minor differences, an e.g matter pertaining to prostration.
Tengalais prostrate before the Lord once and mutual prostration is allowed irrespective of age, caste or sex including the guru and disciple.
Vadagalais do it 3 times and prostration is allowed only to the guru , elders without mutual prostration.
Jai Srimannaryana !
Thanks for your valuable time. Visit our web site again for more information and latest updates.