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Sri Pancharatra
The Pancharatra Agamas are key Vaishnavism
scriptures focused on the worship of
Emperuman, outlining theological concepts,
rituals, and temple practices.
They provide detailed instructions for
moolavar consecration, temple construction,
and devotional practices, and establish a
spiritual hierarchy. These texts have
significantly influenced the Sri Vaishnava
tradition, particularly under the
systematization of Ramanujar.
The Pancharatra, also known as the Bhagavat Sastram, is so named because it was imparted by Emperuman himself.
He taught the Pancharatra to Brahman (Naanmugan) over the course of five nights, giving it its name Pancha (Five) ratras (Nights).
Emperuman shared one and a half crore granthas with Brahma and later passed on this knowledge to five sages, each in different sacred locations. These sages, who were aspects (amsas) of the Emperuman’s weapons (Āyudha), received their teachings as follows:
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Sage Shandilyar, an amsa of His Chakra, was taught in Melkote.
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Aupakayanar, an amsa of His Conch, in Vanamamalai.
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Maunjyayanar, an amsa of the Lord’s bow, in Thiruvanantapuram.
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Kausika, an amsa of His Mace, in Srimushnam.
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Bharadwaja, an amsa of His Sword, in Salagrama.
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