Q95 · UPSC Prelims 2022 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

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The World's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently.Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?

A The best means of salvation was devotion.
B Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
C Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
D Salvation was to be obtained through mediation.

Correct answer: (a) The best means of salvation was devotion.

Explanation

  1. A

    The best means of salvation was devotion.

    The best means of salvation was devotion. Ramanuja’s visishtadvaita: prapatti / bhakti.

  2. B

    Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.

    Vedas eternal and wholly authoritative. A Mimamsa/Vedanta neighbour, not the distinctive Ramanuja teaching keyed here.

  3. C

    Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.

    Logical arguments as the highest means. More Nyaya than Sri Vaishnava.

  4. D

    Salvation was to be obtained through mediation.

    Salvation through mediation. Vague; not the Statue of Equality tag.

Summary. Official key is (a). Ramanuja taught qualified non-dualism in which devotion (bhakti / surrender) is the way to salvation. That is the teaching tied to the Hyderabad Ramanuja statue in the news.

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  1. 2022 · Q96 · General Studies · 2 marks

    The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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