The influence of orthodox Vaishnavism on Vishishtadvaita Vedanta and Pancaratra

Abstract

The paper deals with the mutual influence and relationship of Vishishta-advaita Vedanta and Pancaratra. The sources of religious and theological aspects of the Vishishta-advata are under the question. These aspects, which as a rule are ignored in the most of the investigations of Vishishta-advaita history, indicate the independent tradition of Pancaratra. Pancaratra was a source of ritual practice of Vishishta-advaita school, but its theological patterns need Vishishta-advaita philosophy. We should suppose, Oberhammer says, that there was Vishnu orthodox tradition, which was in the base of Vishishta-advaita system and which had influenced Pancaratra and its religious spirit (in the South-Indian traditions).